The Caves, a rural town in the Livingstone Shire of Queensland, Australia, has a population of 718 people as per the 2016 census and is situated 25 minutes north of Rockhampton. The town is known for its remarkable above-ground limestone cave system, which originates from an ancient coral reef.
The Caves features two main cave-based tourist attractions: Capricorn Caves, a privately-owned limestone cave system, and Mount Etna Caves National Park. Established in 1994, the national park spans an area of 4.78 km² (1.8 sq mi) and is under the management of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The caves within the park serve as the roosting site for over 80% of Australia's breeding population of bats, including the endangered Ghost Bat. Initially called Fitzroy Caves National Park in 1973 to focus on bat conservation, it was later renamed Mount Etna Caves National Park in 1990.
These natural wonders make The Caves an alluring destination for travelers seeking to explore the distinctive geological formations and ecosystems of Queensland.