Visiting Mount Etna Caves safely
Getting there and getting around
Mount Etna Caves National Park is 25km north of Rockhampton and about three hours south of Mackay. Turn off the Bruce Highway 24km north of Rockhampton, or 11km south of Yaamba, to The Caves township. Mount Etna Caves National Park has two sections. Both sections are accessible with conventional vehicles.
The national park has two sections - Cammoo and Mount Etna. Both sections are accessible by conventional vehicle.
To access the Cammoo section: at the Caves township turn right onto Barmoya Road, then travel 1.3km, turn left onto Cammoo Caves Road and travel 1.1km to the Cammoo car park.
To access the Mount Etna section: travel 2.2km along Rossmoya Road from The Caves township and turn left onto the gravel road and travel 200m to Mount Etna car park. Please note: The Mount Etna car park is suitable for vehicle parking only. There is insufficient space and turning area for vehicles towing trailers or a caravan.
Cave access
Mount Etna Caves National Park protects important roosting caves for some of our significant bats which are easily disturbed by humans. To protect these special bats, particularly during their breeding season, access to some caves is prohibited.
Ranger led guided evening tours of Mount Etna's Bat Cleft operate every summer, from December to late January, when you can see the spectacular night-time emergence of thousands of little bent-wing bats in their search for food. See guided tours for more information.
Wheelchair accessibility
The Cammoo picnic area has toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and an information shelter which are all suitable for wheelchair access (assistance may be required).
Staying safe
- Never go caving alone. Always go in groups of three or more, with at least one experienced caver, and ensure each member of your group has a reliable torch.
- Take care on the Mount Etna trail. The walk up to Mount Etna and Bat Cleft is very steep with many steps and can be slippery when wet. It is a sheer drop at Bat Cleft, please remain behind the safety chain. There is no access into the cave.
- Avoid exploring old mine workings. These sites can have many hidden dangers.
- Stay on the track, you may get lost otherwise. Follow the trail markers and signs carefully. Let someone responsible know your plans and when you expect to return.
- Be sun-smart. Wear a hat, shirt and sunscreen, even on overcast days, to avoid sunburn. Drink water frequently to avoid dehydration.
- Know the weather. Severe weather and cyclones are common along Queensland’s tropical coastline. Check weather forecasts before you visit. Never go walking if severe weather or a cyclone is imminent.
For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
We recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency + app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
Enjoy your visit to Mount Etna by remembering to bring:
- a first-aid kit and communication equipment
- insect repellent and sun protection
- binoculars for wildlife watching
- drinking water, enough for your visit
- sealable rubbish containers, as bins are not provided.
If you are participating in the ranger-led Bat Cleft guided tour, remember to bring the right equipment.
Opening hours
Mount Etna Caves National Park is open year-round. The park may be closed at times due to severe weather or management operations, sections of the park are seasonally closed for species protection. Check park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.
Permits and fees
Fees are charged for the ranger-guided Bat Cleft tour.
Various activities in Mount Etna National Park require a permit. This includes commercial tours, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and the sale of photographs or vision of the national park. View permits and fees for further information.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Mount Etna Caves National Park.
Climate and weather
Rockhampton lies on the Tropic of Capricorn and can be hot and humid, particularly during the summer months. Summer daytime temperatures are generally around 32°C but can exceed 35°C.
Winter daytime temperatures are significantly cooler and drier, with temperatures averaging 23°C.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Rockhampton and The Caves township. For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.