Mole Creek Karst National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Tasmania

Mole Creek Karst National Park

Mole Creek Karst National Park is a protected area in Tasmania noted for its extensive limestone cave systems, offering remarkable spelunking, wildlife encounters, and unique karst landscape exploration.

National Park2,4004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,400

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Mole Creek Karst National Park

Mole Creek Karst National Park is a protected area in Tasmania noted for its extensive limestone cave systems, offering remarkable spelunking, wildlife encounters, and unique karst landscape exploration.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in the central northern region of Tasmania, Mole Creek Karst National Park conserves one of Australia's most significant karst landscapes, featuring a complex network of limestone caves formed over millions of years. The park protects an intricate system of dolines, sinkholes, underground streams, and caves, among which Marakoopa and King Solomon's caves are the most famous and accessible to visitors. These caves are renowned for their stunning formations, glowworm displays, and underground rivers. The ecological environment surrounding the caves consists of native eucalypt forests and wet sclerophyll ecosystems that support diverse wildlife including echidnas, platypus, and several bat species. Historically, the area gained conservation status to protect its fragile cave ecosystems and unique biodiversity. Recreational opportunities in the park center on guided cave tours, walking trails above ground, and wildlife viewing. The park’s karst features provide significant educational and scientific value in addition to their scenic appeal. Visitors enjoy exploring the cool, damp cave interiors contrasting with the lush forested landscapes on the surface. Mole Creek town serves as the gateway for tourism to the park, providing visitor information, accommodation, and access to nearby attractions. The park is a popular destination for families, caving enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking insight into Tasmania’s geological heritage and subterranean wonders.

Field Guide · National Park

Notable Landscape Features

Iconic geological landmarks, alpine vantage points, and distinctive ecosystems in Mole Creek Karst National Park.

Feature 1

Marakoopa Cave

A show cave featuring large chambers, impressive formations, glowworms, and an underground river accessible via guided tours.

Feature 2

King Solomon's Cave

A crystal-laden cave open for tours that displays some of Tasmania’s most spectacular stalactites and fossilized remains.

Feature 3

Karst Landforms

Extensive limestone karst features including dolines, sinkholes, and caves that epitomize underground water erosion processes.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Marakoopa Cave with spectacular glowworm displays and crystal-clear underground streamsKing Solomon's Cave known for its extensive stalactites and fossil evidenceDiverse karst landscape featuring sinkholes, dolines, and cave entrancesWalking trails through native eucalypt forests offering opportunities to spot platypus and other wildlife
Iconic Trails & Natural Landmarks

Top Trails & Sights in Mole Creek Karst National Park

Discover summit paths, alpine loops, and natural wonders within this protected wilderness.

Moderate4 miles

Cave Hill Walking Track

Offers views over the karst landscape with interpretive signs about cave formation and local ecology.

Easy3 miles

Westmorland Falls Track

Leads through eucalypt forest to a scenic waterfall near karst outcrops.

Moderate5 miles

Dunorlan Forest Walk

A circuit trail that passes through diverse forest types and open country, ideal for bird watching.

Easy0.5 miles (inside cave)

Marakoopa Cave Guided Tour

An educational and awe-inspiring underground walk highlighting impressive speleothems and glowworm habitats.

Captivating Cascades at Step Falls7.2
Waterfall

Captivating Cascades at Step Falls

Explore Step Falls near Nietta, Tasmania, a stunning site with cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations. Ideal for hiking and photography. Best visited in spring and fall when the lush surroundings enhance the tranquility.

Nietta, TasmaniaExplore Sight
Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania's Wilderness9.2
Trailhead

Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania's Wilderness

Explore the 65 km Overland Track in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. A challenging multi-day hike through alpine peaks, rainforests, and moorlands. Encounter unique wildlife, stunning glacial lakes, and rugged landscapes for a rewarding wilderness adventure.

Launceston, TasmaniaExplore Sight
Cradle Mountain: Tasmania's Rugged Masterpiece9.2
Mountain Peak

Cradle Mountain: Tasmania's Rugged Masterpiece

Explore the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Known for its jagged peaks and reflective lakes, this area offers hiking trails ranging from easy lake loops to challenging summit ascents. A must-visit for adventure seekers, it's accessible year-round but weather can be unpredictable.

Launceston, TasmaniaExplore Sight
Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek9.3
Trailhead

Overland Track: Tasmania's Premier Wilderness Trek

The Overland Track in Tasmania is a 65 km multi-day hike through diverse terrain, including alpine meadows and temperate rainforests. Moderate difficulty with well-marked trails, huts, and stunning wildlife sightings. Best hiked spring to fall with necessary permits and preparations.

Launceston, TasmaniaExplore Sight
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mole Creek Karst National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee for the park; fees apply for guided cave tours

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Mole Creek Karst National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Mole Creek Caravan Park

Located near town with powered sites and amenities, serving as a convenient base for park visitors.

Chapman Campground

A more rustic camping option within the broader Mole Creek area for visitors seeking a back-to-nature experience.