The German word karst refers to a combination of characteristic landforms and drainage features resulting from underground water dissolving limestone bedrock. The most well-known result is karst caves. The Mole Creek district is a spectacularly scenic area set on a karst belt measuring some 26km east-west by up to 10km north-south. The Mole Creek karst system is categorised as an extensive, high rainfall, glaciated, upland system developed in Ordovician limestone (which is 400-500 million years old). It’s internationally recognised as the richest karst system in Australia in terms of major, highly decorated caves. Whilst the Mole Creek system contains over 200 caves (of which six or so are on our property), only two are show caves, i.e. developed as tourist attractions and open to the public. These are Marakoopa Cave and King Solomon Cave. The latter, one of Australia’s finest show caves, was first discovered in 1906, and officially opened on 31 October 1908. To celebrate this centenary, on Saturday 9 November 2008 the guided cave tours were free, and guides dressed in period costume. Of course 100 years is nothing compared with 400-500 million years. I can’t really grasp the concept of a time period that long. It sure humbles the soul. I feel privileged to live in such an ancient and beautiful part of the world.
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