🔍

The Caves

QLD 4702 • Queensland

680
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
45.12 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteQuiet
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About The Caves

The Caves is a rural locality in the Livingstone Shire, situated in Central Queensland approximately 26 kilometres north of Rockhampton along the Bruce Highway. With a population of 680, the locality spans around 45 square kilometres of pastoral and limestone country, with Alligator Creek forming its western boundary. The area takes its name from the remarkable limestone cave systems that define the landscape, including the protected caves within the adjacent Mount Etna Caves National Park.

The locality is perhaps best known for Mount Etna Caves National Park, which shelters several significant cave systems — including Cammoo Caves and Mount Etna Caves — and is home to colonies of ghost bats, one of Australia's largest bat species. The Bruce Highway and the North Coast railway line pass through the town, which retains a quiet rural character with low population density. It appeals to those seeking a peaceful lifestyle close to nature, with Rockhampton's services and amenities a short drive to the south.

The Caves falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by the Livingstone Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Flynn, while state elections fall under the Rockhampton electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Livingstone
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Rockhampton
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
45.12 km²
Population Density
15 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4702

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4702, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,286
Median 2023–24
$61,737
▲ 25.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,932

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4702; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Rockhampton ~30 min

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
26 km
By Train
No regular passenger rail service
By Car (Peak)
25-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Access via Bruce Highway; a car is essential for daily life

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural locality with no walkable retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
680
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Livingstone Local Government Area, which contains The Caves. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
479.3 / 100k
2yr Down 48.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
152.9 / 100k
2yr Down 53.2% 10yr Up 20.2%
Non-FV assault
942.5 / 100k
2yr Up 23.4% 10yr Up 197.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
13.7 / 100k
2yr Up 91.2% 10yr Up 406.0%
Steal from vehicle
241.9 / 100k
2yr Down 20.2% 10yr Down 32.8%
View all offence categories for Livingstone →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Caves known for? +

The Caves is best known for its limestone cave systems, particularly those protected within Mount Etna Caves National Park. The park is home to Cammoo Caves, Mount Etna Caves, and significant colonies of ghost bats, making it a notable natural attraction in Central Queensland.

How far is The Caves from Rockhampton? +

The Caves is approximately 26 kilometres north of Rockhampton, a drive of around 25–35 minutes along the Bruce Highway.

Does The Caves have public transport? +

Public transport in The Caves is very limited. While the North Coast railway line passes through, it does not carry regular passenger services. A car is essential for getting around and accessing services in Rockhampton.

What is the population of The Caves? +

According to the 2021 Census, The Caves has a population of 680 residents across its 45 square kilometre locality, giving it a low population density typical of rural Central Queensland.

Is The Caves a good place to live? +

The Caves suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle surrounded by natural limestone landscapes, with easy access to Rockhampton's services. It is best suited to those comfortable with car dependency and a small, close-knit community.

What is the postcode for The Caves? +

The postcode for The Caves, Queensland is 4702, which it shares with several other localities in the Rockhampton region.

Is The Caves a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. The Caves is part of the Livingstone LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.