Marakoopa Cave
Mole Creek Karst National Park
The most popular cave in Mole Creek Karst National Park, with underground streams, reflection pools and a ceiling full of glowworms that leaves a lasting impression.
Marakoopa Cave is one of the two guided show caves open to the public in Mole Creek Karst National Park. It is larger and more popular than the other, and its name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning 'beautiful'. Inside are two underground streams, clear reflection pools, stalactites and stalagmites, and the largest colony of glowworms visible to the public in Tasmania (the larvae of the fungus gnat Arachnocampa). When the lights are switched off at the end of the tour, the ceiling glows blue like a starry sky, which is why it's known as the 'glowworm cave'. You can only enter with a park ranger guide. A standard tour lasts about 45–60 minutes and runs several times a day, so in peak season book ahead on the official website. The cave stays at about 9°C all year, and the paths are slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a jacket, and do not use flash photography on the glowworms. Getting there: it's about a 1-hour drive from Cradle Mountain, and you can combine it with Mole Creek village and Sheffield.
Opening hours
Guided sessions, approx. 09:00–16:00 (check official site)
Nearby sights
- King Solomons Cave
- Mount Roland
- Sheffield, Tasmania
- Leven Canyon
- Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake
- Ronny Creek (Wombat Viewing)
- Marions Lookout
- Overland Track