Sunday 17/03/2024 Wet Cave
Mole Creek Karst National Park, lutruwita / TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Before leaving Honeycomb Cave campsite we decided to explore the other cave near the campground, Wet Cave. It was indeed wet so we took our Crocs with us and removed our shoes close to the entrance. We also took one hiking pole each for extra assistance because you never know how slippery the surfaces may be.
Max elevation: 333 m
Total climbing: 2 m
Total descent: -4 m
Average speed: 3.64 km/h
Total time: 00:15:48
The vegetation near the entrance of the cave was lush and mossy. There is a sign indicating we could only enter the first 70m as the rest was privately owned. The limestone formations were quite beautiful and we spent time wading through shallow cold pools of water and using our headlamps to explore our surroundings. We came to a “beach” which looked much like the one the Thai cave boys were rescued from. The water here looked fairly deep so we didn’t venture any further. It was great to explore these caves independently.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
Wet Cave is a solutional cave situated within Mole Creek Karst National Park, Tasmania. The park itself is renowned for its extensive karst landscape, featuring caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.
Landscape Features and Geology
Wet Cave is carved from limestone bedrock, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. The cave entrance lies at the base of a low escarpment. Water erosion processes continue to shape the cave, creating the characteristic solutional features.
Scenic Highlights
Wet Cave offers a unique caving experience with several highlights:
Limestone formations: The cave is adorned with various speleothems (cave formations) such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, formed by calcite deposits.
Water features: Shallow pools and a section resembling a submerged “beach” are present within the first 70 metres of the cave, accessible to the public.
Self-guided exploration: The first section of Wet Cave is open for independent exploration, allowing visitors to experience the wonders of a cave system firsthand.
Local Flora
The immediate surrounds of the cave entrance are likely characterised by:
Temperate rainforest vegetation: Due to the moisture availability and protection from the elements provided by the escarpment, a lush rainforest assemblage might be present. This could include tree ferns, sassafras, and myrtle.
Moss and algae growth: The damp cave entrance itself likely supports a growth of mosses and algae adapted to the low-light environment.
Local Fauna
The cave environment itself provides limited habitat for fauna due to the lack of light and limited food sources. However, the surrounding rainforest supports a diverse range of Tasmanian animals, including:
Cave crickets (various Anoplurellidae species): These specialised insects are adapted to the subterranean environment.
Cave spiders (various families): Several spider species may inhabit the cave, preying on smaller invertebrates.
Bats (various Microchiroptera species): Bats may utilise the cave for roosting or foraging.
Indigenous History
Information regarding Aboriginal Tasmanian interaction with Wet Cave is limited. The name “Wet Cave” itself is a European designation, and further consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people is needed to understand their connection to this land.
White History
The specific date of Wet Cave’s discovery by Europeans is unclear. However, its proximity to other caves in Mole Creek Karst National Park suggests it was likely discovered in the early 1900s. The first 70 metres of the cave are accessible for self-guided exploration, while access to the remainder is restricted due to private ownership.
Other Walks
Mole Creek Karst National Park offers a range of walking tracks catering to different interests and fitness levels. Some options include:
Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave tours: Explore other impressive cave systems adorned with speleothems.
Mole Creek Nature Walk: A short loop track through the temperate rainforest alongside Mole Creek.
Limpins Marsh Track: A short track leading to the scenic Limpins Marsh sinkhole.
Upper Forth Falls Track: A more challenging track leading to multiple waterfalls on the Forth River.
A visit to Wet Cave provides a glimpse into the formation processes of caves and the unique ecosystem within. Combined with other attractions in Mole Creek Karst National Park, it offers a rewarding experience for visitors interested in Tasmania’s karst landscapes.
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