Queensland · Attraction
Mystery Craters
Puzzling ancient craters
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Located in South Kolan, roughly 25 minutes from Bundaberg, Mystery Craters is home to 35 ancient crater formations estimated to be over 25 million years old. Discovered in 1971 and featured on programs such as Ripley's Believe It or Not, the site continues to puzzle geologists and visitors alike, with no fully accepted scientific explanation for the craters' distinctive shapes.
A self-guided walking trail winds through the crater field, where each formation varies in size, depth, and form, some resembling shallow bowls, others deep cylindrical shafts sunk into the sandstone. Interpretive signs outline the competing theories for their origin, from ancient meteorite impacts to karst dissolution processes, giving visitors plenty to ponder as they move between formations.
The attraction has expanded to include an Earth Room sensory space featuring crystals, fossils, and immersive sound, as well as a cafe, gift shop, and family activity trails. Wellness sessions such as sound massage and mindfulness programs can be booked separately.
The site is open Tuesday to Sunday and is a compact, unhurried outing suited to families, curious travellers, and anyone who enjoys a genuine natural oddity.
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Scenic views
