Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland (No.1) and Undara Experience (No.2-5)

Undara Experience

Get there by train Get there by road Accommodation

190,000 years ago, Mother Nature set to work creating one of the rarest and most fascinating volcanic phenomena on Earth – the Undara Lava Tubes on the eastern edge of Tropical North Queensland’s vast Gulf Savannah region.

Undara extends over 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano on our planet. Access to this mysterious world is by Savannah guide only, exclusive to the Undara Experience. Tours will hike you around the rim of the Kalkani Volcanic crater and lead you through this fascinating underground phenomenon, a lava-cast environment in which bats have triumphed.

After sunset drinks overlooking the wide open plains below, tours will take you to the entrance of a lava tube where right on dark thousands of tiny bats fly out in their daily search for food. During the warmer months from December to March, brown tree snakes (known as “night tigers”) hang from the trees to strike out and snatch their own bat meal of the day.

Getting there:

Undara is 275km southwest from Cairns, 1700km north of Brisbane and is easily accessed by conventional vehicle.

Further information:

Undara Experience 

Ph 07 4097 1900

Voters Comments

Add your comment

#1

Graham Welby
2009-02-18

I had my 'Undara Experience' back in 2005 and it was well worth the visit. The thing that truly amazed me though was that one of the lava tube tours is wheelchair accessible with assistance (you will need to travel with at least one able-bodied assistant). The two hour tour started with a 20 minute unsealed road trip to the lava tubes in a minivan which unfortunately was not wheelchair accessible. On arrival at the drop off point, a 200 metre path firm enough for wheelchair users leads to a large, fairly steep wooden ramp that descends into the mouth of the tube. A solar powered stair climber is used for the final descent into the base of the tube and disabled users will need to transfer onto the seat of the stair climber and their wheelchair or walking frame will need to be carried manually down the stairs by an able-bodied companion. Once you reach the bottom you transfer back into your wheelchair and access the 200 metre section of the lava tube on a raised wooden platform that is easy to negotiate.

#2

Robyn Shorrock
2009-02-02

Another amazing place in North Queensland. We visited here first in 1993 and look forward to the opportunity to return. I need to hug that very old tree that was in one of the colasped tunnels. If you can fly over the area it is awesome.

#3

Dawn Thyer
2009-02-02

Loved reading the comments. I'd be happy to visit the Tubes and I'll plan on staying several days. Thanks for all the comments.

#4

Loris Hansford
2009-02-02

A thoroughly enjoyable travel experience. Great camping area and facilities with a memorable visit to these unique lava tubes. Would recommend to all travellers - young and old - there's something for everyone to enjoy!

#5

Bruce Rayner
2009-02-02

Wonderful experience, enjoyed accommondation , great meals , amazing cave tours , a must do !

#6

Gary Irving
2009-02-02

Undara is a truly awesome experience. The tubes are just magnificent. We spent a couple of nights there and the children loved it as much as we did. The food in the restaurant was great and the breakfasts were so Australian in the bush around the fire with the billy tea, bacon and eggs. At night we enjoyed the entertainment around the campfire. A great holiday!!

#7

mike muchiri
2009-02-03

Seems like a fantastic addition to my trip through queensland!

#8

Nicole Hoefer
2009-02-03

It is a very nice area, great for an escape. Enjoy the selfguided bushwalks - just relax!

#9

Leanne Bowden
2009-01-30

A fantastic place - out of this world - a fabulous natural feature and a pleasant location to relax for a while.

#10

Donna Kelland
2009-01-30

The area is truly amazing countryside and a interesting and original tour through the lava tubes. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxing, enjoying the bush and the walks.

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