Mole Creek Karst National Park
National Park · National Park in Tasmania
Written by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Mole Creek Karst National Park
A national park protecting the extensive karst limestone cave systems beneath the gentle farmland of northern Tasmania, with over 300 mapped caves including Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave which are open for guided tours. The park is one of Australia's most significant karst regions, with sinkholes, disappearing streams, and cave entrances dotting paddocks that look deceptively ordinary from the surface. Glow-worms illuminate the cave interiors after dark, creating a magical underground spectacle.
About
A national park protecting the extensive karst limestone cave systems beneath the gentle farmland of northern Tasmania, with over 300 mapped caves including Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave which are open for guided tours. The park is one of Australia's most significant karst regions, with sinkholes, disappearing streams, and cave entrances dotting paddocks that look deceptively ordinary from the surface. Glow-worms illuminate the cave interiors after dark, creating a magical underground spectacle.
History & Significance
Mole Creek Karst was formally gazetted as a national park in 2012, protecting one of Australia's most extensive and scientifically significant karst limestone systems. The caves were formed over millions of years by acidic water dissolving limestone, creating the intricate network visible today. Marakoopa and King Solomons caves have been tourist attractions since the late 1800s, with glow-worms becoming famous in Victorian and Edwardian times.
Sources & References
Getting There
Near Lilydale in northern Tasmania, approximately 25 km south of Deloraine. Accessible via the Bass Highway (A5) and Mole Creek Road. No public transport; private vehicle essential.
Parking
Free parking available at Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave visitor areas. Capacity varies by site; expect overflow parking along Mole Creek Road during peak season. No specific accessibility parking mentioned; check ahead with Parks Tasmania.
Visitor Tips
- •Book cave tours in advance during school holidays and weekends — spaces fill quickly
- •Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip; caves are cool (9–10°C) and damp year-round
- •Visit Marakoopa Cave for glow-worms (best viewed in complete darkness after your eyes adjust)
- •Bring a torch/headlamp for walking between cave entrances
- •Allow 1–1.5 hours per cave tour; plan multiple caves if doing a full day
- •Arrive early to secure parking and first tour slots in peak season
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- National
Plan Your Visit
- Duration
- Half day to full day
- Best Time
- September to April (spring/summer/early autumn) for comfortable walking conditions. December–January school holidays and weekends are busiest. Winter (June–August) is wetter and colder but quieter. Cave temperature is constant year-round.
- Hours
- Cave tours run daily; check Parks Tasmania for times
Location
- Region
- Northern Tasmania
- State
- Tasmania
Good to Know
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages; cave tours accessible to most but involve uneven ground and confined spaces. Young children may find darkness and enclosed passages challenging.
- Shade/Cover
- Indoor
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
Picnic areas available; no on-site food outlets. Bring water and snacks or lunch.
Features
Facilities
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