Croesus Cave, Tasmania

Vikki & Ray with Northern Caverneers Cathie, David, Bob & Damian

After lunch we drove round to the parking for Croesus Cave, which it turns out is the same parking as for Lynds the day before. The 2 caves are actually very close, essentially just on opposite sides of the Mersey River. We were joined by another new face – Damian, who is an ex-pat Brit and former member of the Wessex. We were warned that Croesus is very wet and so wetsuits are essential. Vikki had brought her own from home and I borrowed one of Cathie’s, which fit like a glove. Very much appreciated Cathie!

It was a relatively short walk to the entrance, back up the road a bit and then cross country on a very vague, more or less non-existent track. It is actually quite a grand entrance, although it soon closes down, just beyond the gate, to a short hands and knees crawl. We regrouped on the other side in a nice, fairly dry, walking-sized passage. But it was short-lived as we were soon ducking through an arch and wading in increasingly deep water. There was a howling gale blowing out though this arch. Eventually the floor rose and things got very nice indeed.

The depth of the streamway varied from almost nothing to full on swimming, although, thankfully for me, it was always possible to scramble around the edges and thus avoid actual swimming. For long sections, the floor was calcite, so we had to be careful in quite a few places not to damage it. As with Lynds, the walls and ceiling were covered in almost continuous formations. The scale seemed bigger than Lynds though, so I found it harder to photograph with my very old (and cheap) phone.

At one point we had to traverse around a deep pool. This was accomplished by climbing around the right hand side on small holds and then posting oneself through a very convenient hole. The passage just got better on the other side.

Eventually we came to the Golden Stairs, where we had to climb a staircase of gour pools, being very careful not to step on the rims or in the pools (which were mostly dry, apart from some mud). As I was at the back, I had the benefit of watching the trail of cavers ascending to heaven. What an amazing sight.

The formations didn’t reduce at the top. At one point, Damian (who seemed to know the cave particularly well) suggested that I should clamber up to have a look on top of a particular boulder. Wow! It was covered with the most delicate, almost translucent, mini gour-like structures.

Shortly after this, Cathie, Bob, Viki and I turned back, while David and Damian carried on for a bit. I believe it’s possible to do a through trip – the howling gale earlier would certainly suggest so – but not on this occasion. For some of us, this was our 3rd trip in 2 days and we were getting a bit tired.

On the way out, we seemed to go a bit too high and were quite surprised to see David & Damian simply walking along the streamway far below us. Apart from that, the journey out went quickly enough. At the traverse around the deep pool, Vikki (being half fish) decided it would be easier just to plunge in and swim. I think Damian did the same. I didn’t! Cathie’s light was fading, so we ended up travelling together for the last section.

Croesus was one of the best decorated caves I’ve ever seen, probably the most. Lynds and Genghis Khan weren’t bad either. I tried to think of anything that even comes close in the UK. Otter Hole is probably the closest. Maybe the White River Series in Peak/Speedwell? There certainly aren’t many. And definitely nothing so easily accessible.

Sadly, this was the end of our Tasmanian caving adventure. We had a great time and would really like to thank all the Northern Caverneers we met, particularly Cathie, who put so much time and effort into making it all possible. Needless to say, we would love to reciprocate one day. Any Northern Caverneers can be assured of a warm KCC welcome if ever you’re up north! Thanks all so much.

Photos by Ray.