About Marakoopa Cave
Marakoopa Cave is a limestone show cave in Mole Creek Karst National Park near Mayberry in northern Tasmania, within the Meander Valley local government area. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it is renowned for its extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground streams and large glow-worm display. Accessed only by guided tour, it is one of Tasmania's most visited cave systems and is managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Visitors guide
Visitors access Marakoopa Cave only on a guided tour led by Parks and Wildlife Service guides. Inside, expect a cool, damp underground environment with limestone chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, underground streams and pools, and a notable glow-worm display in the darkened sections. The tour follows formed paths with stairs and handrails through illuminated chambers. Above ground, the site has a ticket office, car park and forest surroundings within Mole Creek Karst National Park.
Key highlights
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Large glow-worm display in dark cave chambers
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Extensive stalactite, stalagmite and flowstone formations
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Underground streams and reflective pools
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Guided tours through two main chambers of the cave system
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Located within Mole Creek Karst National Park and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
History of Marakoopa Cave
Marakoopa Cave was discovered in 1906 and developed for tourism from the 1910s, becoming one of Tasmania's earliest show caves. Formed in Ordovician limestone over millions of years, it is part of the Mole Creek karst system, now protected within Mole Creek Karst National Park (established 1939) and included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area for its karst and natural values.
Culture & Context
The cave is significant for its natural heritage and long-standing role in nature-based tourism and education in Tasmania, showcasing karst geology and glow-worm ecology to visitors.
Route
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