The Crystal Caves Self-Guided Tour
Description
Journey through Rene’s man-made tunnels and grottos as you share his passion of natural crystals and prehistoric fossils on a self-guided tour of the Crystal Caves. Covering an area of 300 sq meters, the interactive displays allow you to touch and photograph over 600 specimens.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Situated in the Main street of Atherton, The Crystal Caves follows one man's passion for crystals and fossils from around the world. Equipt with a guide book and a headlamp, you will embark on this self guided tour into the cave. When you enter The Crystal Caves, you enter another world. The lighting is soft and focussed only on shiny sparkly crystals in every nook and cranny of the man-made cave. Your sense of direction becomes disoriented as you wind downwards into the cave. There are crawlspaces and challenges which you can accept or avoid depending on your agility and mindset. You can easily find a quiet corner to sit and contemplate what nature has created millions of years ago. You emerge approximately an hour later with a new appreciation for a science that you barely knew existed and a gratitude for one rockhound who was crazy enough to dedicate his life to show you this unknown world
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(53)
It was a good experience for the family.
Absolutely magical place. Such a whimsical and fun creation, with all sorts of twists and turns with fun surprises around each corner. And fabulous shopping at the end!
Was a good little way to spend a day especially when it's raining. The young lady working in the store was very friendly and asked if we were interested in looking through the exhibit we said yes and she gave us a guide book and head lamps and explained to look around, take our time and to watch our heads in some parts as my other half is tall. Great for all ages!
Thank you for your lovely review! It really is a great activity when the weather isn’t ideal, and we’re so glad you found it a pretty and enjoyable way to spend some time. It’s wonderful to hear that our team member made you feel welcome and took the time to explain how everything works, including the headlamps, guidebook, and a friendly heads-up for taller visitors! We love that you found it suitable for all ages, that’s exactly what we aim for. Thanks for visiting, and we hope to see you again next time you’re in the area 💎
Fantastic experience all round, we arrived shortly before closing, were welcomed with open arms and fab service. Had to rush the experience due to closing time but it was still brilliant. A must do. 😊
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you had a great experience. It’s awesome to hear that you felt welcomed and had such a positive visit, even with the time crunch. We really appreciate you making the time to stop by, and we hope you’ll come back for a more relaxed visit next time – there’s always more to explore! Thanks again for your kind words
This experience was so magical. I loved it so much it was easy to follow and blew my mind. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. They are so enthusiastic it makes you so excited to start the tour. I am definitely coming back.
Thank you so much for your fabulous review! We appreciate you sharing your enthusiasm :)
Our visits to the Crystal Caves have been numerous, yet this particular excursion held a touch of magic as we saw it anew through the eyes of my grandson. The sheer delight in his eyes as we ventured deeper into the man-made cavern, discovering hidden gems and wondrous formations, was a testament to the timeless allure of this place. His enthusiasm was contagious, especially when he eagerly took on the challenge of geode breaking. It not only thrilled him but also provided an educational experience that sparked his curiosity about gemstones. He later spent the whole afternoon cataloguing a bucket of gems he purchased. The Crystal Caves never cease to captivate, and I wholeheartedly extend my recommendation to anyone, whether you're visiting with children or simply nurturing the childlike wonder within your own heart.
Wow! What a beautifully written review. Thank you so much. Celebrating our 40th year this year, its always special when we see the next generation.
Great activity on a windy rainy day in Atherton. The store is overflowing with all varieties of crystals and agate. The simulated cave itself is very well done.
Hmm, I quite like the use of the word simulated... Glad you enjoyed your rainy day. We operate in the wet tropics, so we have a few of those
A fun indoor activity for a rainy day. The man-made caves were set out beautifully showcasing the many crystals and artefacts. The geode cracking was also fun. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. The sandpit area is great for kids to dig for their own stones too. The well-stocked shop is also great to look through and purchase from. Worth a visit!
Thank you for your lovely and detailed review. Did you know that René, our eccentric owner wanted to originally make the sandpit under water. And each child would get a snorkel to hunt for crystals.
An awesome experience! Have been to many real caves and was expecting this not to rank in comparison but it was AMAZING! So much work was/is put into this place and it is truly something unlike any other in Australia. A good price for what you see and even cracking the geode is worth it (even if you have been to places like Mount Hay or Mount Tamborine and done thunder eggs before). This is a great hands on display that all ages can enjoy - even hubby really enjoyed it and I thought I would be dragging him through. 10 out of 10 and a big shout out to all the friendly staff, particularly Audrey who was very knowledgeable and welcoming. Would highly recommend a visit
Awe thank you. Audrey is a wonderfully bubbly young lady and we are lucky to have her! So glad to hear that we converted reluctant hubby
A drive from Cairns, was lovely, didn't take long, around one and a half hours. A wander along the main street and then to The Crystal Caves. I greeted with a friendly smile and chat. Given a headlamp and guide and away I went. I have never seen so many different crystals in such great settings. The Empress is stunning (it's such a pity people believe they can take whatever they like) and so the owner had to put The Empress away from the touch of the public. But, I was able to touch other crystals that just beckoned you to them. Lastly when I came out from the caves I broke open a lovely little geode.
Sounds like you had the whole experience. We did make the massive Amethyst just so that you could touch the edge of it. Thank you for your kind words to our staff. I will pass the message on
