Gunns Plains Caves

Stalactites share an underworld limelight with very rare creatures

The caves under the rich farmland of Gunns Plains Reserve offer displays of magnificent stalactites and stalagmites... They're also a nature reserve for the world's biggest freshwater lobsters, a host of fish and eels while platypus nest in the sandy banks of their underground river.

And let's not forget Arachnocamp tasmaniensis, Tasmania's very own species of glowworms and their dazzling display of cold green taillights.

The limestone caves and underground river feature stunning stone formations including the world's largest ribbon stalactite, a dramatic flowstone known as the Golden Fleece, and the giant, multi-tiered Wedding Cake with its silver frosting created by a build-up of calcite crystals.

Back above-ground there's camping, a caravan park, and cabins, trout fishing in the Leven River, bush walking, swimming, kayaking, picnics and barbecues.

The 10-hectare reserve was originally cleared by aboriginal hunters and the caves were subsequently discovered by European hunters when their dogs plunged through a hole in the cave's roof.