Updated in October 2026, this Mystery Craters guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
Mystery Craters is a geological curiosity at South Kolan, north of Bundaberg in Queensland. A self-guided walk leads past 35 craters of uncertain origin, with an Earth Room and an augmented reality trail on site. You can book through Viator. As of October 2026, it opens daily from 9:00 to 14:30, not 8:00 to 16:00 at weekends as older sources show. Adult entry costs $21.62, not the $8.50 quoted by older guides.
Quick facts for Mystery Craters
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 Lines Road, South Kolan, Queensland 4670 |
| Opening hours | Daily 9:00 to 14:30. Walk-ins welcome |
| Adult admission | $21.62 |
| Pensioner or student concession | $16.87 |
| Child or teenager (5 to 17) | $11.60 |
| Child (0 to 4) | Free |
| Family pass | $54.84 for 2 adults and 2 children |
| Distance | About 35 to 40 minutes’ drive north of Bundaberg |
| Typical visit | About one hour |
| Phone | (07) 4157 7291 |
Why book Mystery Craters tickets?
- 🌙 The Moonlit Craters night tour: A guided one-hour visit explores the lunar-like landscape after dark.
- 🔮 The Earth Room: A multi-sensory space with crystals, fossils, natural textures and sound.
- 📱 An augmented reality trail: Scan QR codes to see UFOs, meteorites and spirals appear in 3D.
- 🚜 Jim’s Trail: Rust and Roots: An open-air display of vintage machinery and rural relics.
- 🐕 Dogs welcome on a lead: The self-guided walk suits the whole family, and children under 5 are free.
Ticket prices for Mystery Craters – and how to book
All prices are in Australian dollars. Valid concession ID is required for discounted tickets, or standard prices apply.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $21.62 |
| Senior concession (valid Australian Senior Card) | $16.87 |
| Child or teenager (5 to 17) | $11.60 |
| Child (0 to 4) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | $54.84 for 2 adults and 2 children |
Admission covers the self-guided walk, the viewing platform, the Earth Room and the augmented reality trail. You can pay on arrival, because walk-ins are welcome. Guided tours, wellness experiences and private dining are booked in advance. The easiest way to secure entry at your preferred time is to book through Viator.
Opening hours for Mystery Craters
Mystery Craters opens every day from 9:00 to 14:30, so allow time to finish before closing. Weekday and weekend hours are the same. Tuesday and Wednesday are generally quieter, except in school holidays. The Moonlit Craters tour runs after dark and needs advance booking.
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 9:00 to 14:30 |
How to get to Mystery Craters
Mystery Craters is at 15 Lines Road in South Kolan, in the Wide Bay region north of Bundaberg. The drive from Bundaberg takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Most visitors arrive by car. Drop-off is available close to the entrance for visitors who need easier access.
Parking at Mystery Craters
Parking is on the property. A drop-off point close to the entrance suits visitors with mobility needs. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and you should clean up after your pet.
How long to spend at Mystery Craters
Allow about one hour for the craters, Earth Room, viewing platform and augmented reality trail. Add time for the café and boutique. Wellness sessions and guided tours take longer.
Accessibility at Mystery Craters
Many areas suit visitors with mobility needs, including the café, boutique, Earth Room and viewing areas. The site is a natural outdoor attraction, so some areas have uneven ground and original rock formations. Seating is available for rests.
Visitors who are blind or have low vision can use audio storytelling and sensory displays of rocks and crystals. Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can use written information, visual displays and QR code guides. Contact the team on (07) 4157 7291 before you visit if you need help planning.
What to see at Mystery Craters
The craters and viewing platform. The site has 35 unusually shaped craters, found in 1971 when a landowner ploughed a field. A viewing platform looks down on the formations, and their origin is still debated.
The augmented reality trail. Scan QR codes along the walk to watch UFOs, meteorites and spirals appear in 3D on your phone. The trail adds another layer to the crater stories.
Jim’s Trail: Rust and Roots. This open-air display shows vintage machinery and rural relics. It is a quirky tribute to a local legend and to Australian ingenuity.
The Earth Room. This multi-sensory space shows crystals, fossils, gemstones and natural textures with calming aromas and sound. It is a place to pause and reflect.
The Murrin Space. Historical interviews and early investigations explain the theories about how the craters formed. You can decide what you believe.
The café and boutique. The café serves barista coffee, Devonshire tea, gourmet pizzas, milkshakes and ice cream. The boutique sells crystals, fossils, jewellery, books and local products.
The Moonlit Craters tour. A guide leads a one-hour evening visit through the geological formations, theories and stories. It adds the night sky to the experience.
Practical visitor tips for Mystery Craters
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book the night tour ahead | The Moonlit Craters tour needs a booking, and places can sell out. Book tickets in advance to secure your time. |
| Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday | These days are generally quieter, except in school holidays. |
| Wear enclosed shoes | Stay on the paths, as snakes, insects and ticks may be present. |
| Bring concession ID | Concession prices need a valid card or student ID. |
| Charge your phone | The augmented reality trail and QR codes need a phone. |
Frequently asked questions about Mystery Craters
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What time is Mystery Craters open? | Daily from 9:00 to 14:30. Walk-ins are welcome. |
| Can I bring my dog? | Yes. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and you should clean up after your pet. |
| Is Mystery Craters wheelchair accessible? | The café, boutique, Earth Room and viewing areas are accessible, but some ground is uneven. Contact the team to plan your visit. |
| Do I need to book in advance? | Walk-ins are welcome for the self-guided visit. Advance booking is recommended for the Moonlit Craters tour. |
Things to do near Mystery Craters
Bundaberg Rum Distillery: A distillery with a museum and behind-the-scenes tours in Bundaberg.
Bundaberg Barrel: A brewed drinks tasting experience at the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks site in Bundaberg.
Mon Repos Turtle Centre: A turtle rookery and visitor centre on the coast near Bundaberg.
Hinkler Hall of Aviation: A museum about the aviator Bert Hinkler in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens.
Bargara: A beachside town on the coast east of Bundaberg.
Alternatives to Mystery Craters
Mystery Craters is a one-off geological curiosity, so the options below are other natural attractions within about two hours’ travel.
K’gari (Fraser Island): The world’s largest sand island, reached by ferry from the Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach area.
Lady Musgrave Island: A coral cay on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, reached by boat from the Town of 1770.
Town of 1770: A coastal village near Agnes Water, north of Bundaberg.
Hervey Bay: A coastal city south of Bundaberg known for whale watching.
Childers: A historic rural town south of Bundaberg on the Bruce Highway.
More Queensland travel
- A guide to walking in Bunya Mountains National Park.
- Six reasons to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).
- How did Rainbow Beach get its name?
- What to expect at the Fairymead House Sugar History Museum in Bundaberg.
- Visiting Agnes Water Main Beach – the northernmost surf beach in Queensland.
