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

#101

Helen Simpson
2008-11-28

The more I visit, the more I love Undara. Did all the tours ages ago. The kids and I love going back for the 'chill' factor. Staying in the swag tents (Sheridan camping), doing our own thing - reading, bush walking, sleeping, star gazing, campfire chat... Relaxation, peace, quiet, nature. It's like I leave the cares of my world at Ravenshoe - the closer I get the calmer I feel. We've been to both the Opera and Country Rock too - what a buzz! Recommend Undara to everyone - it's worth the drive. Definitely worth 3 days 2 nights minimum per visit.

#102

M Wright
2008-11-28

We spent two nights at Undara and still didn't get to see everything. There is nothing else like it anywhere. The tunnels, the unique style of accomodation and the totally outback camping sites are just perfect set in the real Australia bush with wildlife all around. Also the nightly campfire entertainment a specical treat. Also Loved the tour guides with their true blue Australian style commentary.

#103

David Gandini
2008-11-28

I have taken some of my grandchildren to Undara twice,explaining the geology of the area and am planning on taking some of the younger ones in the near future. David Gandini....Cairns

#104

Judy Kippin
2008-11-28

It is quite awe inspiring to think of the geological occurrence that casued this phenomonen, and the experience is wonderful. The Undara restort is relaxing, friendly, comfortable and fun. It may be a long drive but I urge everyone to make the effort as it is well worth it.

#105

Rebecca Luke
2008-11-28

Undara is a MUST SEE whilst up in the Cairn's area, The Lava Tubes are magnificent! there is many different tours which cater for all ages and gives you a good insight of what happened so long ago. The Lava tubes are well looked after by the Guides that take you through to see the hidden beauty that lies beneath the ground. The Sunset tour is a must!! Gives you a great lookout of the area and the Tour guides have great knowledge of the area and get to enjoy champas and cheese whilst relaxing and enjoying the Sunset.

#106

Beth Anderson
2008-11-27

Undara is a truely beautiful Australian Experience. The lava tubes and the surrounding savanah wilderness rival areas in in Australia such as Ayres Rock, but with the convenience of a 1/2 day drive from Cairns and the beautiful Barrier Reef Marin Park. The Undara experience offers close encounters with Australian wildlife, several different styles of accomodation and touring options to veiw the lava tubes themselves. This attraction embodies true eco-tourism and gives visitors a magical Australian experience. This is a must do for Australians and International visitors alike as it gives a true link to the wonder that is Australia and the geological,flora and fauna history of this great country.

#107

Heather Liosatos
2008-11-27

I have been to Undara and had a fantastic time. the camping grounds were excellent, staff friendly and to the tours of the lava tubes very informative and fascinating. We even had a betong come up to us at night.

#108

Julie Duncan
2008-11-27

Fantastic caves steeped in atmosphere, add the stories & aboriginal legends about the area and you have an unforgettable experience. The early morning billy tea in the bush surrounded by Kangaroos, birds & other wildlife and sleeping in a train carriage added up to make this a truly unique must-do.

#109

maxwell bean
2008-11-27

My wife and myself were traveling around Australia in 2002 and were amazed at the size of tube and the amount of lava that spewed from the volcano that filled the tube and the 'tide' marks on the walls as it ran out of lava. The fact that the lava flow cooled on the top to make the huge tube for that great distance of 160 klm is amazing.

#110

Marilyn Hayes
2008-11-26

Such a spectacular experience visiting the caves and the camp site. We also incorporated a trip travelling inland from Ingham to the Valley of Lagoons then on to Undara. Finished our trip via the Atherton Tablelands on to Cairns. A must for any inquisitive traveller looking for something different.

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