YOU DON'T need to look far below the surface to find out why a nature reserve nestled against limestone hills has become a multi-award-winning ­attraction and a “must see” destination for visitors to Rockhampton.

Situated north of the city and just 3km off the Bruce Highway at The Caves, Capricorn Caves offer a fascinating look at the natural beauty of caverns that are quite different to the deep underground caves.

The popular Cathedral Cave Tour departs every hour from 9.00am to 4.00pm. It’s an easy walking tour and specialised lighting reveals everything from stalactites to rare ferns. You even hear a rendition of “Amazing Grace”, made ethereal by the most amazing natural acoustics. An optional fun way to end the tour is to negotiate the Zig Zag Passage pioneer style with only the light of a candle and emerge into daylight on to a swinging bridge constructed over a collapsed cave site.

On the longest day of the year in December, the caves put on an amazing light display, unique in the Southern Hemisphere.

But Capricorn Caves isn’t just about the ability of nature to amaze. As winner of Queensland Tourism Awards for Adventure, the Capricorn Caves provide a range of exciting experiences. Take a trip on the wild side and explore the underground world of darkness with only the light of your helmet. Squeeze through holes such as the 30cm Fat Man’s Misery and climb up to the surface for 360-degree views from the jagged karst.

Maybe you prefer to abseil down a 30m natural cliff face or through a vertical shaft into a cave below? Or how about trying out one of 15 different climbs on the 8m climbing wall? Family adventure tours are available – book by phoning ahead.

The Caves Kiosk is the place to relax with a cappuccino or Devonshire tea, or order a cold drink from the Bat Bar. A gift shop and visitor centre are part of the complex.

Capricorn Caves offer a range of four-star accommodation options including two-bedroom cabins.

For campers and caravanners, the natural bushland is a great attraction. There’s nothing quite like sitting around the campfire under a tropical sky at night.