Mole Creek Karst National ParkAbout Mole Creek Karst National Park
A protected karst area in north-central Tasmania that conserves limestone cave systems, surface karst landforms and associated native forest near the village of Mole Creek.
The park contains several showcaves that are open to the public on guided tours, including a cave with an active glow-worm population and a cave with extensive stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground there are karst features such as dolines and sinkholes, plus walking tracks through native forest and limestone country.
The area has long been recognised for its cave systems and speleological importance; protection measures were introduced to conserve caves, their formations and resident species and to manage visitor access. Caves in the park have been used as showcaves for many decades.
Located in north-central Tasmania at the eastern edge of the Great Western Tiers, the park lies adjacent to the settlement of Mole Creek and is accessible from regional centres in northern Tasmania.
- Cave access: Guided tours are required for the main showcaves; check seasonal opening times before visiting.
- Conservation: The park protects an extensive karst landscape of sinkholes, dolines and limestone caves that support specialised flora and subterranean fauna.
What to See#
- Marakoopa Cave: A show cave famous for its glow-worm displays and guided tours that interpret cave formations and the subterranean environment.
- King Solomon’s Cave: A publicly accessible cave noted for extensive calcite formations and interpretive displays; runs guided visits and has formed part of local cave conservation programmes.
Best Time to Visit Mole Creek Karst National Park
Caves are visitable year-round, but above-ground walking is best in the milder months. Tour times depend on local operators and seasonal demand.
Weather & Climate near Mole Creek Karst National Park
Mole Creek Karst National Park's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1370 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 76 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 65 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 5° - 14° | 7° | 79 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 11° | 3° | 112 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 132 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 6° | -2° | 132 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 0° - 5° | -3° | 155 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 5° | -4° | 147 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 7° | -2° | 133 mm | - | - | 7.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 1° - 9° | 1° | 127 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 12° | 4° | 111 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 4° - 14° | 6° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Mole Creek Karst National Park
Mole Creek sits about an hour’s drive west of Launceston on the Tasman Highway/A1 and then the B12. The park is best reached by car; a limited number of local operators run guided tours and shuttles from Launceston. There is basic parking at the visitor access points; check tour operator pick-up locations when booking.
Tips for Visiting Mole Creek Karst National Park
- Book cave tours (Marakoopa and King Solomon) in advance during peak season - tours sell out on summer weekends.
- Wear a light jacket inside the caves; temperatures are cool and damp year-round.
- Combine a visit with nearby bushwalking trails (e.g., Marakoopa Falls) and a stop at the small township of Mole Creek for supplies.
- Respect cave rules: no flash photography in some sections, stay on boardwalks to protect formations.