Undara Volcanic National Park

Introducing Undara Volcanic National Park

The massive Undara lava tubes – the world’s longest molten-rock tunnels, running up to 160km underground – are one of inland Queensland’s most fascinating natural attractions. They were formed around 190, 000 years ago following a three-month eruption of a single shield volcano. The massive lava flows drained towards the sea, following the routes of ancient river beds, and while the surface of the lava cooled and hardened, hot lava continued to race through the centre of the flows, eventually leaving enormous basalt tubes.

You may only visit the tubes with Savannah Guides (08-8985 3890; www.savannah-guides.com.au), which runs full-day tours (adult/child including lunch $100/50), half-day tours ($65/35) and two-hour introductory tours ($35/17) from the lodge.

Sitting 275km west of Cairns, the facilities for campers are excellent at Undara Experience (1800 990 992, 07-4097 1411; www.undara.com.au; unpowered/powered sites $16/24, f tents $60, dm/s/d $25/100/150; ), but the railway carriages (adult/child $75/38) are a beautifully restored (but sometimes hot) sleeping variation (ask about the meal packages). Bush breakfasts are outdoors with billy tea and birdsong. The bistro serves lunch and dinner, but self-caterers must bring all supplies. Two-hour tours run year-round, several times daily (adult/child $38/20).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009