TRIP NOTES (print-friendly version here: TripNotesFeb2022.2)

“A totally different perspective on life- magnetic. Another million trips would be great!” Nicole Rankin, Brisbane, Australia (extract from Visitors’ Book)

“Excellent- not just a tour of a bunch of holes. A real introduction to the techniques and principles of caving.” Eric Gunther, New York, USA.

Forget the crowds and concrete paths. If you’re 14 years or over¹, then this is the sensible way to discover Tasmania’s natural or “wild” caves. These are not the usual “tourist” caves. The maximum ratio is 5 to a guide, max 12 in a tour². Your specialist guides work under Tasmanian license and Ecotourism accreditation requirements. We are caving club leaders, providing professional caving trips for visitors since 1989. Bushwalking, fishing, camping and many local accommodation options: < molecreek.info >

    ¹ Discuss with the operator if your <14 child can join a normal trip, or choose a Family-Friendly Tour.                 ² Ask about our specially designed trips for larger groups: includes abseiling option.

   The activity:

Half day or full day trips in undeveloped (natural) caves of the Mole Creek Karst National Park and authorised access to the World Heritage Area. Aboriginal culture and landscape interpretation feature strongly together with cave scenery. Each trip is different, because the style is tailored for you, graded easy to moderate. Vertical rope-work is not normally included³. Options include photography, music/voice, glow-worms, a peaceful wilderness experience, environmental interpretation, fossils, fauna, speleo-skills and adventure/challenges (ASF Minimal Impact Caving Code compliant).

              ³ For group bookings, a professional, accredited abseiling specialist is available, extending the experience with the vertical option (extra cost). Spectacular, spacious 24 m abseil into cave. Please ask.

   Inclusions:

Guide/s, overalls, helmets & lights, gumboots, lunch and/or morning/afternoon tea if applicable. Be sure to advise your dietary requirements (allergies, GF, DF, vegetarian, vegan etc).

   You bring:

Your own vehicle to the meeting place (it’s a short trip to the caves from there). Personal water bottle, shorts and/or thermal-rated underwear (no jeans or track-daks under overalls) and a fleecy any time of the year. Bushwalking boots optional (slippery, uneven ground; may get muddy/wet). Bring a raincoat in case, and change of clothes, socks & footwear. Cameras & small musical instruments are welcome!

   We meet:

The Memorial Hall (opposite the supermarket, “James General Store”), Pioneer Drive, Mole Creek (unless we make other arrangements). Driving time: 1 hr ex Launceston (take Hwy 1 towards Burnie) or ex Devonport (via Deloraine); 1 hr 20 minutes ex Cradle Mtn (allow more time in poor weather). Starting time (unless we make other arrangements) 8.30 am (9.00 winter), finishing 12.30 (1.00) or 4.30 (5.00).

Please note:

-Talk to your guide/s if you have any doubt about your ability to cope with the activity.

-Minor disabilities may not be a problem, but please ask. Access tourism: available on request.

-“Contract- Acknowledgement of Risks” and “Medical Disclosure” are to be completed before caving, for your safety. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Medical details at hand will assist emergency personnel to help you in the unlikely event of a medical or accident emergency.

-Second time and full day trips may involve a more advanced experience. Ask questions if unsure.

NATIONAL PARK FEES APPLY. Enquiries: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

IN CASE of EXTREME WEATHER please check by phone before 8 am on tour day.

Please advise ASAP to cancel or change tour (Cancellation & Covid Policies: see website booking info).

Phone Deb (03) 63678142.                Mobile (limited signal): text me 0403 293549 if running late.

.Cancellation Policy (also shown at place of booking and payment)