Exploring Tasmania...Enter the Caveman...

Ever since I watched 'The Descent' on DVD I've wanted to try caving.

You know, for the adrenalin rush of descending into the earth and exploring the subterranean alien environment.

Not for the monster at the end of the movie.

SCARY!

I want the adventure without the danger, thanks!

Luckily, there's plenty of places that cater to a novice like me and have been tried and tested to make sure there are no monsters lurking in the shadows.

These caves are the perfect destination to visit if you're staying in North West Tasmania.

Head to Mole Creek Karst National Park.  It's approximately 40 minutes from Deloraine (which holds the worlds oldest working craft fair) but can be a great day trip if you're staying in Devonport or Cradle Mountain.

Mole Creek Karst National Park protects deep limestone caves of superb stalactites, stalagmites and columns, glow worm displays, subterranean streams and cathedral caverns.

The park is best known for two richly decorated caves open to the general public, but it's 1, 345 hectares contain 300 caves and sink holes in all.  Although visiting the caves should be high on your agenda, don't miss the opportunity to take a walk through the beautiful forests in which these caves occur.

You'll have the opportunity to explore Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves on a guided tour - they've recently celebrated 100 years of public visitation (and lost no one...yet).  Picnic shelters, free barbecues  and toilets are located close by.

There are several guided tours run at different times throughout the day from 10 -4 for the general public. If you are an experienced caver,  a knowledgeable guide can lead you through one of the region's wild caves, not open to the general public.

The two tours of Marakoopa and the tour of King Solomons are quite different, but each tour takes approximately 45 minutes (tickets for the caves need to be bought at the central office which is about 600m prior to the entrance).

MARAKOOPA CAVE

This cave was  named after an Aboriginal word meaning 'handsome' and is characterised by a superb glow warm display, which is well worth the effort.

The Underground Rivers and Glow Worms is an easy tour for all age groups and fitness types.  Visit the lower chamber with its sparkling crystals, reflection pools, stalactites and stalagmites.  Listen to the underground streams and wander down abandoned river passages.  

The Cathedral Gardens and Glow Worms tour requires a reasonable level of fitness.  The large cavern known as the "Great Cathedral' is not to be missed. 'The Gardens' feature delicate formations and beautiful colours.

KING SOLOMONS CAVE

It's a compact cave system with elaborate geological formations, including stunning calcite crystals known as King Solomon's Diamonds.  The cave has high scientific and conservation significance and is home to a number of threatened plant and animal species.  It is a dry cave, with no stream running through it.

Awesome!  Great way to experience some of the caves in Tasmania without going extreme.

Once you've visited the caves, you can play tourist in the Mole Creek area. 

Hit Stephens Leatherwood Honey Factory for a jar of leatherwood honey.  Or pay a visit to the Tasmanian Wildlife Park and Koala Village for an up close encounter with a Tasmanian Devil.

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Exploring Tasmania...this cheese is the bees knees!

If you're staying in Tasmania and looking for an idea for a day trip, how about Bruny Island?

Bruny Island lies off the south-east coast of Tasmania.  To get to this little paradise, cross the D'Entrecasteux Channel by ferry.  

Spend the day exploring its wild seascapes and sweeping surf beaches, abundant birdlife and wildlife, tall forests and historic lighthouse.  Surfing, kayaking, even fairy penguins, the island has so much to offer.  You can be as mild or as wild as you like. 

All that exploring can make a girl build a pretty big appetite and guess what?  The island is home to some of Tassie's finest quality produce including wine, oysters, fudge and of course, cheese!

One of my favourite reasons to pay a visit to Bruny Island is the Bruny Island Cheese Co.

Bruny Island Cheese Co was started by Nick Haddow, after he spent 10 years working with specialist cheese makers all over the world.  His cheeses are heavily influenced by his travels and for him, cheese making is a pursuit of integrity and flavour.  

For me, it's all about the flavour.  Mouthwatering!

They produce a big variety of delectable cheeses.  From The Tom (cow milk, simple, fresh), to the O.D.O (marinated in olive oil and herbs), to the affectionately named The Bastard (cow and goat milk, delicate and robust all at the same time).

My personal favourite is the Otto.  It's a fresh cow cheese, wrapped in prosciutto and made in the Italian style.  It has to be baked for 15 minutes before eating.  Delicious served with a glass of wine.

The team at Bruny Island Cheese Co run monthly workshops so that you can go along and learn how to make some of their famous cheeses, as well as great breads, pizzas or even hand made butter.

Alternatively, grab a bottle of Pinot from Bruny Island Premium Wines, stock up on cheese and fresh sourdough bread and enjoy the island.

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