Locked gate cut at ancient cave

A GATE protecting one of Australia's premier caving sites has been cut down in the state's North.

Tasmania Police and Parks and Wildlife Service staff are investigating illegal entry to Kubla Khan cave, west of Mole Creek.

A locked metal gate at the cave entrance had been cut free with oxy-acetylene gear. The severed gate has not been found.

It is unknown whether any of the ancient cave's irreplaceable formations were damaged or stolen in the break-in.

Entry to the cave is restricted to 12 groups a year, with a maximum of six people in each group, to ensure it is maintained in pristine condition.

Those seeking access must be registered members of a recognised caving group to obtain access permits and must use a Parks and Wildlife approved guide.

The cave has one entry and one exit point, which have locked metal gates.

Police said it appeared someone had gone to a lot of trouble carrying oxy-acetylene cutting gear to the site on foot.

Access to the cave entrance is via a 30-minute walk along an unused track through thick scrub and up a steep hill.

Mole Creek Caving Club quarter master Deb Hunter said members of the Southern Tasmanian Caverneers caving club found the gate missing on Sunday.

"It's not just the obvious of damaging things that have taken thousands, if not millions of years to form," Ms Hunter said. "It's the distribution of mud which alters the make-up of the cave. My primary concern is safety, because nothing will destroy the cave like a rescue."

A Parks and Wildlife group will inspect the cave this week. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.