Images courtesy of Tourism Queensland (No.1) and Undara Experience (No.2-5)
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:
Ph 07 4097 1900
#61
This was the highlight of the holiday.We were totally blown away by the Undara Lava Tubes, they were brilliant and so were the guides. We stayed at Bedrock Village caravan park which added to the enjoyment as it was such a great layedback place.
#62
A great trip, very enjoyable.
#63
We had no idea that there was volcanic history in Australia and so when told about undara by a local at Kuranda it was a stop we had to make. The contrast in countryside from the lush green of atherton to the savannah and then rainforest of undara is a definite highlight of our backpacking tour of the east coast. Being two aussies we were amazed at how diverse our landscape is and the natural history of our country was certainly overpowering at undara. We booked the afternoon tour and that evening joined the free campfire to listen to australian bush poetry after watching the sun go down at the campsite. Get back to nature and see it for yourself!
#64
Seeing the Lava Tubes was an unforgetable experience. To witness such beauty that nature has made was an awesome moment on a family holiday throughout Queensland. My children ages 14, 11 and 8 were totally amazed with this experience and I feel that seeing this has encouraged them with their school work and knowing more about the country they were born in.
#65
These caves are fascinating. Well worth a visit when you are in the north!
#66
We visited Undara in 1992, very few people had heard of the Lava Tubes then. The geology of the place is facinating and the fauna fabulous, especially the little visitors at the campsite in the evenings.
#67
I would like to see more guides available with such high expertise at all Queensland geological areas. This makes the visit truely wonderful, as the lava tubes are and so well preserved.
#68
To learn how the Lava Tubes were formed was so fascinating. The tour and the smorgasbord lunch were both very enjoyable. The scenery and wildlife something extra special.
#69
What an amazing, natural, unique formation. This will keep you engrossed for hours with excellent guides to explain the formation of these weird tunnels. Totally loved it.
#70
Undara Lava Tubes is a truly unique experience, it's a step back in time that both delights and enthrals all who take the time to visit this wonderful natural formation.