Hidden beneath the picturesque farmland of Gunn Plains is a fascinating world of caves, sinkholes and underground streams. Many beautiful cave formations are present, such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and a large array of dazzling flowstone are present in the public section of the cave. The cave is a host to an assortment of wildlife, being inhabited by the endangered Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Crayfish, Platypus, freshwater fish and eels. Glow worms (Arachnocampa) can be consistently found dangling from the ceiling on silk threads. Cave crickets and spiders are also present.

The cave was discovered in 1906 by Bill Woodhouse during a hunting trip after, it is reputed, his dogs fell into a hole that formed part of the cave. It has been used as a show cave for most of the 20th century. It is renowned for its magnificent formations, including calcite shawls and flowstones, and has a glow-worm display. The cave was formed by an underground river that still flows and contains freshwater crayfish, fish and eel. Platypus sleep and nest in the sandy banks along the river.

The cave was discovered in 1906 by a local Gunns Plains man, Bill Woodhouse, while hunting for possums. A possum eluded him down a hole which led him directly to the cave. This opening served as the original entrance to the cave and early tourists needed to descend by rope from it, three stories to the cave floor. 54 steps were later constructed from concrete, leading from the natural cave floor to a new entrance cut into the hillside. This steep and narrow staircase still exists in its entirety and remains the only public entrance and exit to the cave.

Interpretive guided tours of the cave are run daily at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Upon entry a steep flight of 54 concrete steps are descended and from this point the pathway is fairly level apart from a short ladder to be climbed down. The tour route through the caves is 275 metres long. Because candlelight and torchlight were troublesome, power and fixture lighting was installed throughout to illuminate the walking track and the cave���s unique features.

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Where Is it?

24 km south of Devonport, 12 km north east of Sheffield. Gunns Plains Cave is in the Gunns Plains State Reserve. Being approximately 30 kilometres south of Ulverstone in northwest Tasmania, Gunns Plains Cave is easily accessible and a relatively short drive from both Burie and Devonport. It is an ideal half day destination if you are short of time, however there is plenty to do if you devote a full day or more to explore the area. Camping, accommodation and refreshments are also available nearby.

Facilities

The Reserve overlooks the beautiful Leven Valley farmland and has toilets, a wood barbecue and a shelter hut. A shop at Gunns Plains sells food and petrol.