Niggly Cave, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niggly CaveTasmania |
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| Postcode(s) | 7140 | ||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Derwent Valley Council | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Lyons | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons | ||||||||
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The Niggly/Growling Swallet cave system (JF-237) in Tasmania holds an amazing record. It is the deepest cave explored in Australia! This huge underground system is a true wonder of nature.
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Discovering Australia's Deepest Cave
The Niggly Cave was first found in 1994. For many years, it was known as the deepest explored cave in Australia. But in 2019, something exciting happened. Explorers connected Niggly Cave to another large system called Growling Swallet (JF-36).
This connection made the combined system even deeper. The total depth reached an incredible 397 meters! That's like going down more than 100 stories underground.
Future Depth Records
Cave explorers are always looking for new passages. Another nearby cave, Delta Variant Cave (JF-761), might soon join the Niggly/Growling Swallet system. If this happens, the cave system could become even deeper. It might even go past 400 meters!
Special groups like the Southern Tasmanian Caverneers explore these deep caves. They have also explored other amazing caves nearby, such as Tachycardia Cave (JF-270).
Inside the Niggly Cave System
The entrance to Niggly Cave might not look like much. It starts with a tight, vertical drop. But inside, the cave opens up into a mix of tight passages and huge, spectacular drops. The longest drop is an incredible 183 meters!
After about 250 meters of climbing down ropes and squeezing through tight spots, you reach a large underground river. This river gets some of its water from Growling Swallet. It then flows underground for about 5 kilometers before coming out.
Caving Challenges
Exploring Niggly Cave is very challenging. It requires special skills and equipment. This type of caving is called "alpine caving" because it's like climbing a mountain, but underground. There are no tours for visitors, so only experienced cavers can go inside.
Location and Environment
Niggly Cave is part of the large Junee-Florentine karst area. This area is known for its many caves and underground rivers. It is located near the Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, Australia. The closest town is Maydena.
The cave system drains into the Junee River. This river is part of the Junee Cave State Reserve. The land above the cave is about 800 meters above sea level. The rocks in the area are very old, from the Permian and Triassic periods. The surface is covered with a thick sclerophyll forest.
