Mole Creek Karst National Park

The major threats to the Mole Creek Karst National Park are related to human activity, including nearby agricultural land use, forestry practices, and recreational caving.

These activities can lead to habitat degradation, disturbance of key species, and erosion of cave formations. Climate change is also a concern, as it can affect the hydrology and ecology of these karst environments.

The Mole Creek Karst National Park is a popular tourist destination known for its impressive cave networks. Visitors can explore the two developed show caves, King Solomons cave and Marakoopa cave, through guided tours. These tours provide a unique opportunity to witness the spectacular features of the underground caves, such as stalactites, stalagmites, shawls, and flowstones. The park also offers surface walking trails for visitors to explore the surrounding forest landscape and appreciate the park's natural beauty.

Established in 1996, the Mole Creek Karst National Park aims to protect over 300 known caves and sinkholes, including the Marakoopa and King Solomons caves. The management of the park focuses on balancing conservation efforts with public access for tourism and recreational activities. As an IUCN Category II protected area, the park prioritizes the preservation of natural resources and ecological processes. Parks staff collaborate with stakeholders to manage the impacts of human activity on the caves and their surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, research is conducted to enhance our understanding of the unique karst ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, guiding evidence-based decision-making on management and conservation strategies.