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
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mole Creek Karst National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Marakoopa Cave with spectacular glowworm displays and crystal-clear underground streams✦ King Solomon's Cave known for its extensive stalactites and fossil evidence✦ Diverse karst landscape featuring sinkholes, dolines, and cave entrances✦ Walking trails through native eucalypt forests offering opportunities to spot platypus and other wildlife
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mole Creek Karst National Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Cave Tours

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Educational Visits

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Mole Creek Karst National Park
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.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mole Creek Karst National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Sheffield, Tasmania
⌖ 7.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sheffield, Tasmania

Sheffield, Tasmania, is a peaceful gateway to North West adventure with famous murals, scenic hiking on Mount Roland, and paddling on Lake Barrington. Ideal for travelers seeking nature, culture, and outdoor fun.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Mole Creek, Tasmania
⌖ 9.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mole Creek, Tasmania

Mole Creek in Tasmania is a small town famed for its incredible limestone caves, scenic hikes, and rich wildlife. It offers adventure travelers dramatic underground scenery and peaceful wilderness trails for hiking, biking, and camping.

Spring to early Autumn
Explore Town
Deloraine, Tasmania
⌖ 12.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Deloraine, Tasmania

Deloraine, Tasmania is a welcoming outdoor hub at the foothills of the Great Western Tiers. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing, it offers trail networks, pristine rivers, and lively local events.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Lower Barrington, Tasmania
⌖ 12.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lower Barrington, Tasmania

Lower Barrington, Tasmania, offers peaceful country adventures from hiking along the Forth River to kayaking calm waters. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking quiet trails, fishing spots, and birdwatching in Tasmania’s serene northwest.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Meander, Tasmania
⌖ 17.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Meander, Tasmania

Meander, Tasmania is a quiet rural town offering great hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling opportunities in the shadow of the Great Western Tiers. Its peaceful natural surroundings make it a perfect basecamp for outdoor adventurers.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Devonport, Tasmania
⌖ 17.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Devonport, Tasmania

Devonport sits on Tasmania’s northwest coast, offering easy access to coastal paddling, forest hikes, and mountain biking. It’s an ideal base to explore nearby national parks, fish the Mersey River, and enjoy quiet camping spots.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mole Creek Karst National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.