Halloween across the Capricorn Coast region: Where legends, lanterns and laughter come alive

From the shadowed depths of Capricorn Caves to the haunted paths of Rockhampton and the laughter of families beneath carnival lights, Halloween on the Capricorn Coast is more than just a night — it’s a season.

It’s the month where history, folklore, and fun collide; where the brave venture underground, storytellers awaken the past, and communities come together to celebrate the curious and the uncanny.

So, gather your courage, grab your costume, and get ready to explore the Capricorn Coast after dark. This Halloween, adventure waits around every corner — and maybe, just maybe, something else does too.

Beneath the Earth – Capricorn Caves’ Spooktober & “Whispers of the Caves”

Every October, the ancient limestone passages of Capricorn Caves take on a whole new life — and a few restless spirits — for Spooktober, a month-long celebration of all things eerie and enchanting.

By day, the caves invite families to explore their natural beauty and history, but as the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts. Flickering lanterns cast dancing shadows, costumed guides share ghostly tales, and the echo of laughter (and the occasional shriek) fills the caverns. Throughout October, Spooktober brings themed activities, scavenger hunts, spooky storytelling, and Halloween-inspired treats for the young — and the young at heart.

The highlight for thrill-seekers this year is the launch of “Whispers of the Caves”, a brand-new ghost tour that takes visitors deeper into the limestone labyrinth. It’s an immersive experience where local legend, history, and imagination intertwine — where the cave’s natural echoes blur the line between what’s real and what’s simply whispered by the stone.

Whether you come for family fun or after-dark chills, Spooktober at Capricorn Caves promises a hauntingly unforgettable experience that celebrates the magic — and mystery — of the season.

Haunted Footsteps – Time Safaris’ Halloween Cemetery Walk (30 & 31 Oct)

If underground adventures aren’t enough to stir your imagination, Time Safaris’ Halloween Cemetery Walk offers a spine-tingling journey through Rockhampton’s Southside Cemetery.

As twilight fades, local historian and storyteller Phil Hore leads guests through rows of weathered headstones, sharing tales of pioneers, soldiers, and souls whose stories were almost lost to time. Each stop uncovers another thread of Rockhampton’s fascinating and sometimes tragic past — a blend of folklore, history, and the uncanny that makes you glance twice at every shadow.

For those who crave an extra shiver, Time Safaris also run their acclaimed Ghost, Murder and Jack the Ripper Walk, exploring the city’s historic laneways and darker tales. Both walks promise a Halloween experience steeped in atmosphere, perfect for those who love their chills with a side of storytelling.

Spirits on the Tracks – Archer Park Rail Museum’s Spooky Sunday (26 Oct )

Every heritage building has its secrets, and Archer Park Rail Museum is no exception. This October, the iconic Rockhampton museum transforms for Spooky Sunday, blending history with a dash of haunting fun.

Families can wander through decorated platforms, peek inside ghostly carriages, and enjoy themed activities surrounded by the charm of the region’s railway past. Beneath the gentle clatter of the old Purrey Steam Tram, laughter and ghost stories mingle in the air — proof that even the oldest tracks still have a few tales left to tell.

It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and Halloween cheer, giving little ones their first taste of spooky fun while parents revel in the warm, welcoming community spirit that defines Archer Park.

Frights, Fun and Festivities – Halloween Night of Fright by AMP Events (31 Oct & 1 Nov)

When Halloween night finally arrives, AMP Events’ Halloween Night of Fright takes centre stage at the Walter Pierce Pavilion in Wandal. Over two thrilling nights — October 31 and November 1 — the grounds will come alive with carnival rides, live entertainment, trick-or-treat stations, and plenty of spooky surprises.

There’ll be market stalls, food vans, face painting, an animal farm, and inflatable mazes that promise squeals of delight from kids and parents alike. Costumes are encouraged (the more creative, the better!), and the atmosphere is pure Halloween joy — a blend of laughter, light, and just enough fright to make memories that linger long after the jack-o’-lanterns fade.