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About Marakoopa Cave
Tasmania's largest cave open to the public, Marakoopa Cave features two underground streams, large impressive chambers, mirror-still pools, and a spectacular glow-worm display that illuminates the cave ceiling with thousands of tiny blue-green lights. The cave contains an extraordinary variety of speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, straws, and shawls, along with a double glow-worm cave experience that is among the best in Australia. Tours run several times daily from the Parks Tasmania building.
About
Tasmania's largest cave open to the public, Marakoopa Cave features two underground streams, large impressive chambers, mirror-still pools, and a spectacular glow-worm display that illuminates the cave ceiling with thousands of tiny blue-green lights. The cave contains an extraordinary variety of speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, straws, and shawls, along with a double glow-worm cave experience that is among the best in Australia. Tours run several times daily from the Parks Tasmania building.
History & Significance
Marakoopa Cave is Tasmania's largest publicly accessible cave system, developed through limestone dissolution over millions of years. The cave was formally opened to tourists in the 1930s and remains one of Australia's premier glow-worm viewing destinations. The cave's two underground streams and elaborate speleothem formations make it geologically significant, and it is protected as part of the Mole Creek Karst National Park.
Video
Getting There
Located near Mole Creek in Northern Tasmania, approximately 50 km south of Launceston. Access via the Midland Highway heading south, then follow signs to Mole Creek. The cave is well signposted from the town. No public transport available — a car is essential.
Parking
Free on-site parking available at the Parks Tasmania visitor building. Capacity is moderate; parking can be tight during peak tourist season (school holidays and weekends). Accessible parking spaces provided near the entrance. Overflow parking may be available in nearby Mole Creek township if the main car park is full.
Nearest airport
Visitor Tips
- •Book tours in advance during peak season (December–February) as they fill quickly
- •Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip — cave floors can be slippery
- •Bring a jumper; cave temperature stays around 9°C year-round
- •Arrive early to secure parking and allow time before your booked tour slot
- •Take your time in the glow-worm chamber — let your eyes adjust to see the full display
- •Photography is permitted but avoid using flash near glow-worms as it disturbs them
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- National
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Adult $26 · Child $13 · Family $65
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Best Time
- Visit outside school holidays and weekends to avoid peak crowds. Glow-worm display is best viewed in darkness, so tours run year-round; however, summer (December–February) and autumn (March–May) have the most reliable scheduling. Tours typically run mid-morning through late afternoon — check the Parks Tasmania schedule for specific times.
- Hours
- Tours run multiple times daily; check Parks Tasmania for schedule
Location
- Area
- Mole Creek
- Region
- West Coast
- State
- Tasmania
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages, though young children (under 4) may find the 1–2 hour tour tiring. The cave has some uneven surfaces and steps, so families with very young children should consider pram accessibility limitations.
- Shade/Cover
- Indoor
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
Picnic facilities available on-site. No café or restaurant at the cave; bring your own food and drinks or pack a picnic to enjoy before or after your tour.
Features
Facilities
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