West of Deloraine, limestone country around Mole Creek contains two public cave sites, each explored on a guided tour. Marakoopa is known for underground streams, glow-worms and chambers of mineral formations. King Solomons has a different set of decorated limestone passages.
These are managed cave environments rather than open walks. Places on tours are limited, so the best approach is to choose the experience you want and arrange it before driving into the valley.
How to get there
Follow the B12 west from Deloraine through Mole Creek. Marakoopa Cave is reached from the signed turnoff at Mayberry, with King Solomons Cave further along the road towards Liena. Parks Tasmania advises allowing at least 15 minutes for the 11 km between them.
Cave ticket services operate through the central office near Marakoopa Cave at 330 Mayberry Road. The upper car park is small and access is narrow. Motorhomes and vehicles towing trailers must use the lower parking area and walk about 800 metres to the cave.
What to see and do
Marakoopa's underground rivers
The Underground Rivers and Glow Worms Tour explores the lower chamber, with reflective pools, limestone formations and the sound of subterranean water. It is the less physically demanding Marakoopa option, but still takes place in an enclosed cave.
The Great Cathedral
Marakoopa's Great Cathedral tour includes an ascent by stairway to a higher chamber. It requires moderate fitness. Choose it for its different formations and acoustics rather than assuming the two Marakoopa routes are interchangeable.
King Solomons Cave
King Solomons is a separate cave site, known for varied mineral colours and calcite deposits. Its guided tour suits a broad range of visitors, although cave passages can involve low ceilings, stairs and uneven ground.
How much time to allow
Each cave tour runs for around 45 minutes. Factor in parking, ticket collection and walking to the entrance. Visiting both caves takes substantially longer and requires coordinating the tour departure times and road journey between sites.
Practical notes
- Cave access is by guided tour only. Telephone bookings can be made up to 14 days in advance, and capacity is limited.
- Caves are approximately 9°C, so bring warm clothing and walking shoes.
- A national parks pass is not required for the cave tours, although other areas of the park have separate pass rules.
- Photography is not permitted in Marakoopa's glow-worm chamber. Food, drinks and tripods are not permitted in the caves.
- Steps, low ceilings and uneven ground limit mobility access.
A suggested plan
Arrange a Marakoopa tour that suits your group before leaving Deloraine. If you want to see King Solomons as well, choose times with a comfortable gap between them. These caves fit a broader North-West Tasmania road trip, but each guided tour deserves proper time.