Gunns Plains Caves

The basics

To see the hidden world of Gunns Plains Caves and learn how it formed, you’ll need to take a 1-hour tour. Visits into the cave are only possible by taking one of these. Afterward, drive over to George Woodhouse Lookout across the river for views of the area or pop into Preston Falls. Half-day tours of Gunns Plains Caves often combine it with Leven Canyon, as the two natural attractions are relatively close by.

Things to know before you go

• The ground in the cave can often be damp, so wear low-heeled walking shoes.

• Access to the cave involves a long staircase and ladder, so it’s not recommended for travelers with reduced mobility.

• Tours appeal to adults and kids, making this a good sightseeing option for families with kids.

• There aren’t any restaurants near Gunns Plains Caves, so pack a picnic or stop at Ulverstone or Penguin for food.

How to get there

To reach the Gunns Plains Caves from Launceston or Devonport, travel by car to Ulverstone along National Highway 1. From there, take the B17 road to the small town of Gunns Plains and stay on Gunns Plains Road rather than following the B17. Gunns Plains Caves are just off the road at Caves Road.

When to get there

Scheduled tours into Gunns Plains Caves run daily in the morning and afternoon, with the caves only closed on Christmas Day. However, there can be unexpected closures if the caves flood. The best time to visit Gunns Plains Caves is during Tasmania’s drier months of December to May.

The best caves in Tasmania

If you’re looking to visit caves in Tasmania, you can find several in the island’s north. Mole Creek Karst National Park near Deloraine is home to Tasmania’s two most popular cave systems, Marakoopa Cave and Kings Solomon's Cave, which you can explore to see intricate rock formations. For a different experience, there’s also the collapsed cave at Trowutta Arch over in The Tarkine, which is very scenic.