Mole Creek Karst National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Tasmania
Cave Tours Guide

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.

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mole Creek Karst National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Spotlight

Cave Tours in Mole Creek Karst National Park

View Full Park Guide

Mole Creek Karst National Park offers exceptional terrain and routes for cave tours, featuring established access paths, scenic vistas, and protected wilderness territory.

Other Activities in Mole Creek Karst National Park:HikingWildlife ViewingPhotographyEducational VisitsBird WatchingPicnicking
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.

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mole Creek Karst National Park

Explore with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and wilderness outfitters.

Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie — Tailored Stops in Devonport and Nearby Towns
Certified Outfitter

Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie — Tailored Stops in Devonport and Nearby Towns

A 4–5 hour shore excursion designed for cruise passengers to choose between Devonport, Sheffield, Latrobe or Penguin, with optional winery or small‑town stops timed to your ship’s schedule.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
A Four‑Hour Sensory Loop: Wine, Chocolate and Tasmania’s Quiet Countryside Around Devonport
Certified Outfitter

A Four‑Hour Sensory Loop: Wine, Chocolate and Tasmania’s Quiet Countryside Around Devonport

A concise field guide to Discover my Devonport’s Wine and Chocolate Tour — what it covers, how long it runs and the practical details you’ll need to plan.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
A Day to the Pinnacle: Climb Kunanyi/Mt. Wellington from Base to Summit
Certified Outfitter

A Day to the Pinnacle: Climb Kunanyi/Mt. Wellington from Base to Summit

A guided, full‑day walk that takes you from the mountain’s base through forests and waterfalls to summit panoramas—this guide covers the route, logistics and what to bring.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Devil Tug‑of‑War: A Close‑Quarters Showdown with a Tasmanian Predator
Certified Outfitter

Devil Tug‑of‑War: A Close‑Quarters Showdown with a Tasmanian Predator

An off‑season, adults‑only encounter at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary where guests hand‑feed a Tasmanian devil then test their grip in a supervised tug‑of‑war—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Hand‑feed a Tawny Frogmouth in Mole Creek’s winter hush
Certified Outfitter

Hand‑feed a Tawny Frogmouth in Mole Creek’s winter hush

A short, intimate 30‑minute hands‑on encounter at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary running during the 2026 off‑season, with bookings by phone or email.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
After Dark in Launceston: Walking the City’s Gaols, Gallows and Colonial Shadows
Certified Outfitter

After Dark in Launceston: Walking the City’s Gaols, Gallows and Colonial Shadows

An immersive evening walking tour led by local guides that uncovers Launceston’s colonial crimes, public executions, and the legacy of the Black War.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
End of Truffle Season Feast: A Long‑Table Dinner Beneath the Oaks in Lower Barrington
Certified Outfitter

End of Truffle Season Feast: A Long‑Table Dinner Beneath the Oaks in Lower Barrington

A 3–4 hour long‑table degustation on a truffle farm in Lower Barrington showcasing the last of the black winter truffles with guest chefs and matched wines.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Two Nights at Truffledore: Train a truffle dog, hunt the harvest and cook the feast in Lower Barrington
Certified Outfitter

Two Nights at Truffledore: Train a truffle dog, hunt the harvest and cook the feast in Lower Barrington

A fully inclusive, two‑night immersive farm stay with owners Timo and Ina that teaches dog training, real truffle hunting, harvesting and a hands‑on truffle dinner — useful as a practical, on‑farm field guide to the entire truffle process.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
One Day at Cradle Mountain: Dove Lake Reflections and Ancient Rainforest
Certified Outfitter

One Day at Cradle Mountain: Dove Lake Reflections and Ancient Rainforest

A full‑day (11‑hour) guided circuit from Launceston visiting Sheffield, Cradle Mountain National Park, Dove Lake and Waldheim Chalet with flexible hiking options for different fitness levels.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Hands-On Bushcraft in Kings Meadows: An Eight-Hour Workshop to Build Real Survival Craft
Certified Outfitter

Hands-On Bushcraft in Kings Meadows: An Eight-Hour Workshop to Build Real Survival Craft

A focused, practical course in Kings Meadows teaching natural navigation, fire lighting, toolmaking, fishing and shelter construction—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
When Spring Unfurls: Walking Hectares of Tulips on Table Cape
Certified Outfitter

When Spring Unfurls: Walking Hectares of Tulips on Table Cape

During spring open days the farm opens hectares of tulips for visitors to stroll through and pairs the outdoor spectacle with indoor floral displays, Devonshire teas, an art gallery and bulb‑growing information — this guide helps you plan a relaxed visit.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Twilight at the Sanctuary: An intimate sunset rendezvous with Tasmanian devils at Cradle Mountain
Certified Outfitter

Twilight at the Sanctuary: An intimate sunset rendezvous with Tasmanian devils at Cradle Mountain

An exclusive, small-group evening at Devils@Cradle where guests feed devils, visit the nursery and finish beside a campfire as the sun slips behind Cradle Mountain.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Christmas High Tea at The Truffledore — Two Hours of Sweet, Savoury and Seasonal Warmth in Lower Barrington
Certified Outfitter

Christmas High Tea at The Truffledore — Two Hours of Sweet, Savoury and Seasonal Warmth in Lower Barrington

A two-hour, festive afternoon featuring a generous selection of Christmas-inspired sweet and savoury treats, with tea and coffee provided — this guide orients you to what to expect and any important restrictions.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Launceston Unlocked: A Private Walking Tour Through History, Grit and Galleries
Certified Outfitter

Launceston Unlocked: A Private Walking Tour Through History, Grit and Galleries

A local guide tailors a 1.5–3 hour walking experience around Launceston’s history, darker tales or hidden art scene—this guide explains what to expect and how to shape the route.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience
Face-to-Face with Cradle Mountain’s Young Ambassadors
Certified Outfitter

Face-to-Face with Cradle Mountain’s Young Ambassadors

A 45-minute, small-group behind-the-scenes nursery tour at Devils @ Cradle that lets visitors pat and photograph hand-reared young animals while directly supporting species conservation.

Local Outfitter
Book Experience