Once a year, Queensland’s oldest tourist attractions are transformed by a well-positioned beam of sunlight. Here’s how to see it.
At any time of year, Queensland’s Capricorn Caves are a wonder. Sitting 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton (and just off the Pacific Coast Way), the limestone forming this cave system dates back approximately 400 million years. The caves themselves were carved by underground water and acidic rain. The result is some pretty spectacular formations.
But, every year around the Summer Solstice (which always happens during December and January), there’s one more magical reason to descend into the depths. The alignment of the sun over the Tropic of Capricorn is such that a bright beam shines right into the darkness of a 14-metre deep shaft leading into Belfry Cave.
Head into Belfry Cave to see the light show. (Image: TEQ)
This unbroken beam of light, pretty impressive in its own right, can then be refracted by items in the cave. Say like, a disco ball. The result? Something of an underground cave rave, made from the sun but lighting up the depths of the earth. Add a little colour to that refraction, like the colour of your clothes, and the result could put your favourite disco to shame.
Capricorn Caves make the most of this natural phenomenon with its yearly Echoes of Sunlight tour, running every year in December and into January. Led by experienced local guides, the tour showcases the largest and most spectacular caves, sharing history along the way, from ancient geological formations to early explorers, local wildlife, and even special cave acoustics.
What else to see at Capricorn Caves
Join a tour to explore the caves and the surrounding areas. (Image: TEQ)
Besides this light show, Capricorn Caves boast some other spectacular sights: an abundance of native wildlife and endangered species that call the caves and surrounding area home, fossils from ancient marine life and other creatures that once inhabited the area in The Colosseum cave, the breathtaking natural acoustics (you can even hear a tiny whisper from one side to the other) and striking formations found in Cathedral Cave. In fact, the latter is so spectacular it’s known as the crown jewel of Capricorn Caves and is a popular venue for weddings and concerts.
Extend your stay in one of the fully self-contained cabins or caravan sites, and enjoy coffee and classic cafe meals at the on-site, licensed cafe.
The details
Explore the rest of the Capricorn Caves on your tour. (Image: Appleton Studios)
Tours start on December 13, 2026, so keep an eye on the website for bookings to open . The Summer Solstice is a natural phenomenon; if the weather is rainy or overcast, there’s no guarantee of viewing the lightshow. Regardless, you’ll be able to enjoy a very informative tour and explore the other wonders of this incredible cave system.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.
White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.
Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.
Laid-back luxury
The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.
This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.
Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.
Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.
Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)
Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views
Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.
Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.
Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.
Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.
Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.
Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.
Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.
Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Delectable dining
What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .
Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.
“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.
Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.
A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.
Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Exploring the island
While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.
Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .
