undara lava tubes tours

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Cairns premier luxury one day private charter boat option that is all inclusive of scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing. Meals and soft drinks are included. Luxury 47 foot Riviera that is fitted with more options than other boats in the Cairns charter boat fleet.

Aboriginal tours in Cairns with the Mandingalbay clan. Authentic Indigenous Tours guided by the traditional owners - 15min River Cruise.

Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns for guests who wish to see the reef in as many ways as possible.

The Daintree Cape Tribulation Rainforest in North Queensland Australia is one of the most diverse and beautiful examples of Mother Natures work in the world. This ecologically unique rainforest is home to an extensive range of rare plants and animals - the largest chunk of protected tropical rainforest in Australia

Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, with most dive and snorkel tours leaving here each day taking visitors on Great Barrier Reef tours to explore this World Heritage listed reef system. Visitors can charter boats, take scenic flights in helicopters or liveaboard extended dive tours on the reef.

Cairns things to do region guide, all you need to know about Cairns tours and attractions. Explore Cairns things to see and things to do, learn about the Great Barrier Reef, book tours and holiday accommodation. So much to do and see you will never want to leave!

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Cairns stands proud in offering a wide variety of things to do and see in Cairns for those of all ages including handicapped and disabled people.

There is no better place in the south pacific region than Cairns Great Barrier Reef to host a Challenge Iron Distance Triathlon

The Cairns Tennis Centre is located in Cairns North on the Captain Cook Highway next to the Tobruk Swimming Pool

Getting married in a tropical destination is high on the list for all brides to be and the beautiful destinations of Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas do not disappoint.

DONT MISS 2018 Port Douglas Carnivale! Port Douglas will be packed to the rafters during Carnivale week with the annual celebration of food, wine, friendship, fun and frivolity with a few sporting events thrown in for good measure!

Where can you have your photograph taken cuddling a cute Australian Koala? Well you can do that right here in some of Cairns most popular tourist attractions.

Cairns is one of the most picturesque places in Australia and the millions of tourists that flock to the region to experience all the local tours and attractions of the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed rainforests need a wide choice of hotels, apartments and resorts to accommodate their personal requirements. The Cairns Holiday Specialists team are locals and just love living in Cairns and they really enjoy helping tourists and arranging your dream holiday in their backyard.

Everyone dreams of a beach side holiday and there is no better place than the Cairns Beaches and the Great Barrier Reef as it is a safe tropical paradise all year round. From cute little beach side cabins, to family friendly resorts and Luxury 5 Star style accommodation the Cairns Holiday Specialists offer accommodation options at the best available rates for your holiday in Cairns and they even guarantee that if you think you found a better deal they will match it or beat it.

Each one of Cairns Islands Resorts offer their own unique ambience to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel straight off the beach into the tropical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef or lay back and enjoy a peaceful massage for two. If you are feeling active and adventurous you can also partake in the islands lively water sports activities such as helmet diving, aqua jet, glass bottom kayaking, windsurfing and much much more.

Cooktown is not only known as the location that the English sailor Captain James Cook set foot on this land in 1770 but it is also known as the first white settlement location for new Australian’s and also for the gold and tin mining booms that were thriving here between 1872 and 1907. Today some tourists flock to Cooktown to see the township that they learnt about in their school history books and others so they can follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.

All of the lodges, cabins, resorts and bed and breakfast accommodation properties trees in the World Heritage listed Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforest have been built to blend in with the natural environment with as little as possible impact on the natural resources and bio diversity of the surroundings whilst still offering guest the choice of minimalistic accommodation or the very luxury top end accommodation and food and beverage services to match.

Mission Beach is visually spectacular when you hit the beachfront esplanades. The quality and position of holiday accommodation here is spectacular to say the least and you can be assured you will find the perfect accommodation to suit your personal desires. Although Mission Beach is a sleepy little hollow don’t be mistaken for thinking there is not much to see and do as it is known as one of the most serious action and adventure places to visit for the adrenaline junky.

A very classy little beachside village located just 30 minutes-drive north from Cairns that offers the perfectly safe holiday destination for families, conference delegates, and honeymoon couples. In Palm Cove you can choose from small studio suites for short stays or full penthouse suites with cooking facilities, private swimming pools and spas or you can even rent a luxurious private holiday house with most of the holiday accommodation is located beach side or walking distance to the beach.

Port Douglas is known due to the publicity that surrounded its development as an international holiday destination in the heady days of excesses in the 80’s when luxury resorts where built which in turn attracted the rich and famous and also more developers to build the wide choice of holiday options we have today. Even though Port Douglas is still on the radar of celebrities and movie makers you can still feel its warmth and laid back charm that only the tropics can offer.

The Atherton Tablelands are a destination for the tourist wanting to take a scenic drive or for the couple looking for that quaint little romantic getaway in a bed and breakfast or tree house cabin. The quality of the accommodation is very high and most accommodation places are located near the scenic attractions and the places where tourists can get involved in all the things there is to see and do on the Atherton Tablelands

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The whole family really loved the Kuranda train and Skyrail and we upgraded to the Gold Class on the train and Diamond View on the Skyrail. Spent lots of time in Kuranda exploring this lovely place it was great thank you

Went and had a great day at Josephine Falls sliding down the granite rock slide was awesome but the water from the mountain bloody freezing well worth the trip it was a blast!

The family saw this tour to the rainforest and said they want to book it so we booked on line in Dubai and we are very happy we did. Billy Tea driver very good information enjoyed tour greatly thank you Adhil

We had good time Jungle Surfing with the family. Great for the young one fun on the hampster wheel thank you Adhil

Just got off the magnificent ocean freedom machine. What a vessel, what wonderfull helpful staff. I had dived before in Tahiti 20 years ago and felt comfortable, but today I could get a grip of it and with as much help and reassurance from the staff I couldn't dive today. No matter at all as the snorkelling is amazing and the barracuda swimming around the back of the boat was truly amazing. There are 4 different places to relax and we used them all at some point during the day. Money very well spent and I would recommend this to anyone at any level of competence.

Undara Lava Tube Tours of the Outback Savannah, Far North Queensland, Australia

The Undara Lava Tubes experience is a unique holiday experience renowned for its series of ancient and mysterious lava tunnels and caves.

Nestled in the vast Australian Outback behind Cairns, the Undara National Park Experience showcases some of the finest Australian scenery and an abundance of native Australian wildlife.

Undara is a magical place, the perfect backdrop for a memorable Northern Queensland holiday experience.

The Undara Lava Tubes is eco-friendly, and is committed to preserving the pristine natural environment for generations to come. Our outback Queensland Undara tours can be tailored to suit each individual guest.

The adventurous can enjoy eco-friendly day tours exploring the vast underground labyrinth of the tunnels and caves, while nature lovers can sip Sparkling Wine while enjoying the sun setting over the breathtaking Australian landscape on top of Kalkani volcano crater.

Learn how to see the Undara Lava Tubes and book your tour for an overnight stay in a restored train carriage.

Undara Experience Gulf Savannah, North Queensland, Australia

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How to See the Undara Lava Tubes - How to Get There

Undara Lava Tubes National Park is a good 4 hour drive from Cairns, the best way to experience Undara Lava Tubes and the wildlife is to stay in the restored train carriages overnight.

We highly recommend to fly to Undara National Park and stay overnight; this is the quickest way to get to Undara National Park and the aerial views you will get on the flight are amazing.

This option is available as a   private charter scenic flight  on a helicopter or in a fixed wing plane and is more affordable than you may think!

If you are short of time and looking for a on day tour, why not even combine Undara National Park with Chillagoe Caves all in one day...!

Choose from a helicopter private charter scenic flight a fixed wing  scenic flight or 9 day Cairns to Darwin or a 4 day driving tour to Undara and Cobbold Gorge     

The accommodation options are vast and varied at the Undara Lodge, ranging from exclusive restored Railway Train Carriages through to camp sites nestled in the savanna woodlands.

Visitors can enjoy outback hospitality amongst unique Australian wilderness. The Undara Lava Tube tour experience will delight families, couples or groups seeking a unique eco-friendly wilderness adventure.

The unique ecological and geological formations at Undara have taken millions of years to form and can be traced back as far as 300 million years ago when Australia was part of the super-continent Gondwanaland.

This ancient natural wonderland is yours to discover. For memories that will be treasured forever, enjoy the Undara Experience.

Undara Volcanic National Park

Undara Volcanic National Park is a unique area that is of immense geological and ecological significance. The area now known as Undara Volcanic National Park began forming millions of years ago when Australian was still part of Gondwanaland.

The mysterious lava tubes and caves are the result of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 190,000 years ago. The Undara lava tubes are some of the longest in the world, and are home to a unique collection of Australian plants and animals. The Undara Volcanic National Park features dry savanna woodland.

The area in and around the lava tubes are a stark contrast to this dry, arid countryside and feature lush green rainforests which boast semi-evergreen vine thickets and perennial springs.

The freshwater perennial springs are home to a variety of Australian wildlife, as are the lava tubes and caves. Undara National Park is home to kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, birds, frogs and snakes.

While a myriad of Australian wildlife thrives in Undara Volcanic National Park, the abundance of bats that call the Undara caves and lava tubes home provide a seemingly endless source of fascination to visitors. Four main variety of bats can be found in Undara caves and lava tunnels - the eastern cove bat, northern horseshoe bat, sheathtail bat and large bent-wing bat.

The entrances to the Undara caves are often cloaked by a curtain of green rainforest. Between the months of December and March a unique natural phenomenon occurs. Brown Tree Snakes hang in the tall rainforest trees at the entrance of the caves, and as dusk settles over the Australian landscape the bats make a mass exodus from the caves to feed.

The Brown Tree Snakes (also known as 'Night Tigers') snatch the bats from the air and devour them. This is an absolutely incredible sight to behold, and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday opportunity.

Undara Volcanic National Park is the traditional country of the Ewamian Aboriginal people. For thousands of years indigenous Australians used the Undara savannah grasslands as a traditional camping and hunting site.

Undara is the Aboriginal word for 'long way', and perfectly describes the isolated Outback Australian location and enormous otherworldly underground tunnels and caves of Undara.

Undara Volcanic National Park provides the prefect location for an adventure eco-tour or a casual sightseeing journey through the endless Australian Outback.

Book Undara Lava Tube Tours

There are numerous tours that visitors to Undara can experience ranging from all day eco-adventures through the Savannah wilderness, caves and tunnels to mild bushwalks that showcase the native Australian flora and fauna.

The Undara Experience features eco-tours that suit all fitness levels, and visitors who are mobility impaired and accompanied by a carer. The Undara Experience tours through the Australian Outback feature some of the most unique natural attractions and provide a marvelous opportunity for photography enthusiasts, bird watchers and bushwalkers.

Visitors have the option of joining a small personalized group eco-tour, or embarking on a self guided bush walk however the Undara lava tubes and caves can only be accessed with a qualified Savannah guide.

The Undara Experience eco-tours include

Lost Word Adventure - is an 8 hour guided eco-tour around the rim of the Kalkani Crater where the collapsed line of the lava tube is visible, and the sheer magnitude of the underground lava system is most evident. This breathtaking Undara Experience tour that showcases the Australian Outback perfectly.

Visitors can enjoy the endless savanna grasslands, the perennial springs that are nestled amongst the arid countryside like exotic oasis's and the abundance of unique Australian wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the mysterious underground Undara tunnel system, each of which has its own unique story to tell.

The Lost World Adventure eco-tour includes a full buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea.

Volcanic Valley - is a 4 hour guided eco-tour that allows visitors an intimate journey into the depths of the fascinating Undara lava tubes. Each lava tube is a unique geological marvel, and is home to a variety of intriguing wildlife.

The Volcanic Valley tour also showcases the spectacular scenery from above the ground atop a rocky bluff. Visitors are enthralled by the vast Australian outback and the unique and ancient landscape. The Volcanic Valley eco-tour includes morning and afternoon tea.

Wildlife at Sunset - is a 2 hour guided scenic eco-tour that showcases the interesting wildlife that call Undara Volcanic National Park home. Dusk is one of the most active times for the wilderness of Undara Volcanic National Park. Kangaroos, wallabies, lizards and birds all make an appearance for the Wildlife at Sunset tour.

The Australian Outback is breathtaking in the moments before sunset, and the vast Australian blue sky often displays soft shades of pink and purple, casting an enigmatic blush over the rugged and mysterious landscape. Enjoy a glass of Australian Sparkling wine as the sun sets over the spectacular landscape of Undara Volcanic National Park.

Just as the sun sets, the Wildlife at Sunset tour is positioned at the mouth of Barker's Cave, ready to witness thousands of bats take flight for the night. The bats are equipped with a echolocation system (a sophisticated radar system) that allows them to fly at enormous speeds while not colliding with any object.

This allows visitors the unique opportunity to stand as close to the swarm of bats while not being struck. This is an awesome experience - and one not for the faint-hearted. The Wildlife at Sunset eco-tour includes refreshments and gourmet fruit and cheese platter.

The Archway Explorer - is a 2 hour guided eco-tour that focuses on the unique underground lava tubes, tunnels and cave of Undara. This eco-tour showcases the unique geological formations, plus other interesting historical and environmental features of the mysterious tunnels.

The Archway Explorer tour is suitable for the mobility impaired however notification must be given 24 hours in advance.

Evening Activities - each night a variety of complimentary activities occur at the Undara Lodge including sing-a-longs, nature talks, Aussie heritage shows, bush poetry, slide shows or nocturnal spotlighting tours.

The evening activities at Undara showcase the Australian Outback beautifully, and are the perfect end to the activities of the day. Guests can purchase desserts, coffees and liqueurs from the Saloon Bar.

The Undara Experience Eco-Certification

The Undara Experience places a firm emphasis on conservation and sustainable eco-tourism. The Undara Experience is accredited with Advanced Eco-tourism and Savanna Guide Station Accreditation. The Undara Experience is a member of Land for Wildlife and part of the Planet Safe Partnership program.

The eco-ethos at the Undara Experience is more that a fad or marketing tool. It is at the heart of the Undara Experience. Undara Volcanic National Park is home to some of the most unique geological formations, a diverse range of wildlife and native Australian bushland.

The Undara Experience allows tourists to experience this amazing natural wonderland while leaving no ecological footprint. This will preserve this amazing natural attraction for generations to come.

The Undara Experience provides a sensational Australian wilderness holiday experience. Explore the labyrinth of mysterious lava tunnels and caves; enjoy the native Australian animals and the breathtaking scenery of Far North Queensland.

The eco-adventure at Undara is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore a prehistoric natural playground while enjoying Australian Outback hospitality. Undara Experience is an unforgettable and unique holiday experience that showcases the very best of Outback Australia and Northern Queensland.

Facilities at the Undara Lava Tube National Park

Accommodation at the undara lava tubes .

There are a wide range of eco-friendly accommodation options at the Undara Lava Tubes to suit all styles and budgets. All the accommodation options at the Undara Experience provide visitors with a unique Australian wilderness experience, and have been designed with the eco-ethos to preserve the pristine natural beauty of Undara.

The unique eco-friendly accommodation options at the Undara Experience range from the historic Railway Carriages, Swags Tent Village, Wilderness Lodge, Outback Caravan Park and Camp Grounds and the Safari Shelter.

Railway Carriages - the restored Railway Carriages at the Undara Lava Tube Experience are the most romantic wilderness accommodation in Northern Queensland. The award winning Railway Carriages at Undara have been voted the most unique holiday accommodation in Australia and it is easy to see why.

The turn of the century Railway Carriages have been restored to their former gory, and allow guests a unique return to a charming bygone area. Positioned underneath tall shady gum trees, and with a covered outdoor area the Railway Carriages offer guests an intimate experience with the local wildlife.

The Railway Carriage compartments range from single to family suites, some with ensuite bathrooms, and others with share bathroom facilities.

Swags Tent Village - Swags Tent Village feature a range of permanent tents that boast twin, triple or family sleeping configurations. Swags Tent Village can only be described as luxury camping. Visitors can enjoy an undercover camp kitchen, a private barbeque and access to a range of amenities.

Swags Tent Village offers visitors to the region the chance to really connect with nature. Wake to the warm morning sun and cacophony of birds, and sleep bathed in moonlight as the owls coo in the nearby trees of the forest.

Wilderness Lodge - the Wilderness Lodge at the Undara Experience is ideal Australian Outback eco-friendly accommodation for budget travellers. The Wilderness Lodge is dormitory style accommodation nestled amongst the savanna woodlands.

This is a very social holiday option, and guests can enjoy the warm embers of the camp fire by night at the Wilderness Lodge.

Outback Caravan Park and Camp Ground - Whether towing a caravan, traveling in a campervan or pitching a tent, the Outback Caravan Park and Camp Ground is ideal. Nestled amongst the Queensland bushland which is home to an abundance of Australian wildlife, this is the perfect Australian Outback wilderness experience.

Safari Shelter - the Safari Shelter is a camp ground located near all facilities, complete with its own camp fire. This is an ideal base for visitors who are pitching their own tent or traveling with a motor home or van. The Safari Shelter is nestled amongst native Australian bushland and provides easy access to all the geological and ecological attractions of Undara.

Dining at Undara Lava Tubes

The Undara Lava Tubes experience includes some of the finest and freshest regional produce - some grown and grazed fresh on the property, or properties of the region. Visitors can enjoy the famous Bush Breakfast at Ringers Camp - an ideal outdoor Australian Outback dining experience. This bushman's breakfast includes Billy Tea, bacon, eggs, grilled tomatoes and beans prepared on the open camp fire. Visitors can toast their own bread on the open flames of the fire.

There is no better way to start the day than with traditional 'Aussie' tucker in the great outdoors. Lunch and dinner are served in relaxed undercover eating areas, or the Fettler's Iron Pot Bistro - a licensed restaurant located in lovingly restored railway carriage. As the end of the eve draws near guests can enjoy the delectable range of home cooked desserts, liqueurs and coffees around the camp fire at Undara Lodge.

All the produce used at the Undara Lodge is seasonal farm fresh food, and provides guests with a unique Australian culinary adventure. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Australian wilderness along with the delectable home cooked country meals at Undara Lodge.

The Undara Lava Tubes experience is also ideal for functions and groups. Imagine your next special occasion celebrated amongst the vast Australian wilderness, with the ancient and mysterious caves and tunnels your adventure playground.

Special Events at Undara Lava Tubes National Park

The breathtaking savanna woodlands, native Australian bushlands and unique ecological formations at Undara provide the idyllic location for special events. The Undara Experience is home to magical yearly events such as Opera in the Outback and the Outback Country Rock and Blues Festival.

When booking your Undara Experience be sure to enquire about these annual events.

The Undara Lava Tube tour experience can provide the perfect backdrop for your special occasion, function, event or wedding.

When will you embark on your unforgettable Undara Lava Tube Tour Experience

  • Fully licensed Restaurant and Bar serving cold Australian beer, Australian wines and espresso coffee
  • Bush Breakfast served daily at Ringers Camp
  • ULP and diesel
  • Public phones
  • Guest laundry
  • Bottled LP gas
  • Saltwater swimming pool
  • EFTOPS (no cash out)
  • Access to National Park by guided tour only

Getting To Undara Lava Tubes

Undara Volcanic National Park is located 300 km south west from the city of Cairns. There are numerous ways to get to Undara Volcanic National Park. The self drive journey is magnificent. For those who don't wish to self-drive take a scenic half day coach ride, a historic train ride or a short flight by helicopter or in a fixed wing plane  or on a 4 day driving tour that also includes Cobbold Gorge. 

Undara Tour & Cobbold Gorge 4 Day Tour - Outback Explorer - Cairns - DTA

  • Departs From: Cairns

A brand new 4 day driving tour from Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge. Stay overnight in a restored railway carriage at Undara National Park and stay overnight at award winning Cobbold Gorge.

Undara Tours From Cairns – Scenic Flight From Cairns

  • Departs From: General Aviation Cairns

Fly to Undara Lava Tubes with us from Cairns on a one day scenic flight to the Australian Outback. Fly over majestic mountains and rainforests and into the Savannah lands and volcanic country of Queensland. This is a really unique outback Cairns tour.

Cairns to Darwin | 9 Days & 8 Nights | Savannah Way | DTA CD1/DC1

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9 Days & 8 Nights

The ultimate outback Queensland and Northern Territory 8 day tour. From Cairns our small group tour makes its way in a four wheel drive from Cairns to Darwin with our first night at the amzing Undara Lava Tubes on the Savannah Way.

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undara lava tubes tours

Visiting the Undara Lava Tubes, QLD

undara lava tubes tours

For families travelling around Tropical North Queensland, a few days exploring the Undara Lava Tubes is an absolute must!  Located in the Undara Volcanic National Park , this unique natural wonder will have you walking in the path of an ancient volcano, through lava caves, now hidden under the remnants of a dry rainforest.

The best way to experience the Undara caves is by staying at least two nights at the Undara Experience .  This amazing property has a range of accommodation options and is also where the various Undara lava tube tours commence. So to help you plan your own family trip to this exciting part of Queensland I’ve put together this guide which contains all the information you’ll need.

As well as covering all the information about the Undara lava caves , this guide also covers how to get to Undara, information on the Undara accommodation options and of course all the details on the different Undara lava tubes tour options.

So let’s get started and plan your family trip to Undara National Park !

You can also check out our video on  YouTube here , which shows you all of the highlights from our recent stay.

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Page Contents

  • 1 How to get to the Undara Volcanic National Park Queensland
  • 2.1.1 Pioneer Huts
  • 2.1.2 Railway Carriage 
  • 2.1.3 Homesteads
  • 2.2.1 Swags Tent Village (Glamping)
  • 2.2.2 Camping
  • 2.2.3 Undara Caravan Park
  • 3.1 Archway Explorer
  • 3.2 Wind Tunnel Explorer
  • 3.3 Wildlife at Sunset
  • 4.1 Swimming Pool
  • 4.2 Bushwalking and Bike Tracks
  • 4.3 Dining Options
  • 4.4 Nightly Campfire
  • 5 Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge
  • 6 Undara Experience – Our Verdict

How to get to the Undara Volcanic National Park Queensland

Tropical North Queensland brings us another outback wonder – Undara Queensland , set in the Gulf Savannah country.

The good news – Undara is easily accessible by vehicles, whether that be car, 4WD or Motorhome. The great news is that all the roads are sealed. Whilst some stretches of road are narrow or single line and you will have to pull off the road if a Road Train is coming (these can be up to 50 metres long) – all in all, it is a relatively painless drive with kids.

Driving, it will take between 3.5 to 4 hours from Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes and from 4 to 5.5 hours from Townsville to Undara Lava Tubes.

Undara Accommodation

If you want to experience the Undara Lava Tubes, accommodation is available at the gateway to the National Park, ensuring you have maximum time to explore this fascinating natural wonder with a trained Savannah Guide.

With accommodation catering to various lifestyles and budgets, you will find something to suit your family. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the friendly hospitality of both the staff and the native Australian animals – including kangaroos, wallabies and kookaburras right on your doorstep.

Cabins and Rooms

If you prefer to sleep indoors, with the comforts from home, then the following cabins and rooms accommodation near Undara Lava tubes , could be right for you and your family.

Pioneer Huts

undara lava tubes tours

For premium accommodation, you can’t go past the Pioneer Huts. Sleeping up to 3 people in King/Twin bedding and sofa bed, these are for the smaller families out there. 

Amenities include air-con, tea & coffee facilities and a small fridge. Whilst the private verandah is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy an alfresco meal whilst you spot the wildlife amongst the Savannah Woodlands.  

Railway Carriage 

undara lava tubes tours

Want to sleep in award-winning accommodation? The Undara train accommodation has won both Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for ‘Unique Accommodation’!

These railway carriages aren’t all squishy and graffiti-ridden like the carriages on your morning commute may be. No, these beautifully resorted carriages can accommodate up to 4 guests in Queen/Twin bedding and sofa bed. There is also tea & coffee making facilities and a small fridge for convenience. Shaded by tall trees and surrounded by native wildlife, this sure is a unique place to stay, that both kids and adults will enjoy!

undara lava tubes tours

The Homesteads are the latest addition to the accommodation options at Undara. With King/Twin bedding and sofa bed, tea & coffee making facilities and a small fridge – this is really all the basic necessities any family needs.

The Homesteads got their name as they are dedicated to six of the original pioneering homesteads in the Undara region, the name is another way history is brought to life at the Undara National Park accommodation .

Undara Camping

If your family’s accommodation preference is more of the outdoorsy style, Undara Lava Tubes camping has you covered. Whether you want to roll out a swag, pitch a tent, pop your camper top or something in between… where your tent is already set up #glamping – then have a read below for all your options.

Swags Tent Village (Glamping)

undara lava tubes tours

If you want a taste of Undara camping , but don’t want to rough it… then the Swags Tent Village could be what you’re after. These permanent tents are set up with the comforts of home, such as beds (4 singles in the Quad Tent | double and 2 singles in the Family Tent), all linen, electric light, window screens, fridge, sink and powerpoint. Close to the amenities block and camp kitchen, families can gather after a day of exploring the Undara Lava Tubes QLD and swap stories as the kids play with their new friends. Quad and Family Swags start from $131 per night.

undara lava tubes tours

If your family is keen for camping near Undara Lava Tubes , the Undara campsite has 15 drive-up sites to fit tents, small vehicles and camper trailers. The Undara camping sites are located beneath shady trees, so you’ll enjoy the cool breeze as you spot abundant wildlife. And conveniently located close to the amenities block, meaning middle of the night toilet trips are as painless as possible. Undara camping prices start from $17.50 per adult and $8.75 per child.

Undara Caravan Park

undara lava tubes tours

The Undara caravan park has 58 powered van sites and 25 unpowered van sites. Settle in amongst the other travellers where you can rejuvenate in the peace and quiet, surrounded by natural bush. For anything your motorhome is not equipped with, the amenities block is located close by at the Undara resort caravan park . Powered sites start from $19.95 per adult and $10.50 per child (unpowered sites pricing is the same as camping pricing).

Undara Lava Tubes Tours

The Undara Lava Tubes Queensland are believed to be the longest of their kind out of the 23 countries in the world who also have Lava Tubes. The tubes were created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago. The flowing lava lasted a long time, which allowed the outer edge to cool, whilst the interior kept flowing – which is how the tubes were formed. There are a few Undara tours to discover the tubes, we’ve highlighted the top 3 below.

Archway Explorer

undara lava tubes tours

To give you a taste of the Lava Tubes Undara , the Archway Explorer is a great introduction. This 2-hour tour by your experienced Savannah guide takes in the Lava Tubes along with other interesting environmental, geological and historical features of the region. The walk is on boardwalks and stairs with handrails, and an easy fitness level is required – meaning most kids should be capable… let’s be honest, they’ll probably be running ahead of everyone. Remember to bring, hat, suncream, torch, water, and wear enclosed shoes. 

Location : Undara Lava Tubes

Opening Hours : Tours depart 10.30 am daily

Price : $63 Adults | $30 Kids 

Wind Tunnel Explorer

undara lava tubes tours

If you’re after a bit of adventure, the Wind Tunnel Explorer tour is what you’re after. You will be visiting up to 3 sections of the Lava Tube where you will be scrambling over rocks with no boardwalks and limited handrails – so you will need a moderate fitness level. And think about whether your kids will be able to manage, as a guide, the tour is not recommended for kids under 5 years. Allow 2-hours to complete.

Opening Hours : Tours depart 8am, 10.30am, 1pm daily (between April – September) 

Wildlife at Sunset

undara lava tubes tours

There are so many parts to this tour – from the wildlife, to the wine, to the bats… let’s start from the, start. Enjoy a big sky sunset as you experience iconic Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, lorikeets and other wild creatures in their natural environment. You will be sipping on sparkling wine (kids can have the juice) and indulging in cheese, as your Savannah Guide unlocks the secrets of this timeless land.

At dusk, you’ll head over to the entrance of a Lava Tube where your eyes will bulge at the thousands of microbats as they emerge from the darkness to eat, attracting pythons and brown tree snakes that hang from the trees and strike out, trying to catch the bats… this is a nature experience the whole family will never forget! Moderate fitness level is required with boardwalks, steps and a short uneven climb.

Opening Hours : Tours depart between 5pm to 6pm 

Undara Experience Facilities and Activities

Whilst the Lava Tubes are the main attractions, the Undara resort facilities and activities are certainly worth a mention. With a sparkling billabong pool, scrumptious dining options, communal campfires and walking/biking tracks to experience the Savannah country – check them out below.

Swimming Pool

undara lava tubes tours

The pool is in harmony with the outback natural surrounds…being a billabong style with a waterfall cascading feature. This freshwater pool allows you to cool off, as you take a dip and then relax on the chairs and lounges. Kids will enjoy the shallow paddle area.

Bushwalking and Bike Tracks

Walking or biking the tracks at Undara will let you experience nature in its purest form, as well as stunning vistas over the volcanic landscape. You will be supplied with a trail map which pinpoints where to spot wildflowers and birds… a bit of ‘eye-spy’ for the family.

There are 9 tracks at Undara, ranging from 1.5km to 12km with the majority graded easy. We’ve listed the top 3 below, which are also suitable for biking.

Bluff Lookout : Walk to the Bluff for amazing views of the lava plains and volcanoes at sunset.

1.5 km | 25 minutes return | Easy.

Bluff Circuit : Keep following the Bluff trail and you’ll pass through forest and skirt a swamp, meeting wildlife as you go.

2.3 km | 40 mins return | Easy

Flat Rock Circle View: Skirts the 100 mile Swamp to Flat Rock – a flat granite rock that has small water holes on top. Along the swamp are many small pools of water that attract lots of birds. Circle View is a granite knoll that gives you 360 degree views across the lava plains to distant volcanic cones.

8.6 km | 2.5 hrs return | Easy

Dining Options

undara lava tubes tours

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken care of, all offered with that warm outback hospitality. ‘Bush Breakfast’ is at the Ringers’ Camp where you will find billy tea, freshly brewed coffee and toast cooked on the coals of the campfire… how Aussie is that?! The ‘Fettlers’s Iron Pot Bistro’ is a licensed bistro offering authentic country cooking for lunch and dinner. And the ‘Saloon Car Bar’ will get you caffeinated with freshly ground espresso coffee and relaxed with a range of Australian and imported beers, wines and spirits – open for lunch and dinner.

Nightly Campfire

Get to know your fellow travellers with a truly outback experience, at a nightly campfire. All guests and visitors to Undara are welcome each evening at 7.30 pm to the communal campfire. This free experience allows you to enjoy some country serenity as the kids make new friends and spin their own yarns.

undara lava tubes tours

Feeling peckish? In need of a snack? The small onsite shop has a range of basic food suppliers and snacks, including cold drinks. It’s open 7 days a week.

Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge

While visiting Undara I highly recommend heading to the Cobbold Gorge before or after your stay.  It’s only a 3 hour drive from the Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge and it’s well worth the effort.

Click here for more information about staying at the Cobbold Gorge Village.

Undara Experience – Our Verdict

This is a truly one of a kind experience. The ancient Lava Tubes were the highlight, of course, and they were spectacular! Such a rare phenomenon to be walking along tubes that were created by an erupting volcano, we absolutely loved it!

Undara itself is pretty magical. The rolling Savannah plains, the variety (and abundance) of the native flora, the inquisitive native wildlife… and then of course the friendly outback hospitality, and the facilities themselves were top notch. 

If you’re looking to travel somewhere off the beaten path, literally, we would highly recommend Undara.

To see how we spent our few days in Undara Gorge– click here .  This will take you to our detailed itinerary which shows you day by day how we spent just over 2 weeks exploring the dinosaur trail in outback Queensland.

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Hopefully you found this guide to Undara helpful. We also have other Tropical North Queensland guides here or Outback Queensland guides here .  You can also read this guide to camping at Undara here .

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Activities and Attractions

Please note,  Discovery Resorts - Undara  is now closed for the green season (November – March). During this period, the Archway Explorer Tour will operate depending on weather conditions. This will be determined on a week-by-week basis. For more information, please contact our reservations team on 0427 521 924 . 

Whether you’re here to explore the lava tubes or are into hiking, biking or wildlife spotting, there’s activities for all ages at Discovery Resorts – Undara

There are plenty of activities at Undara to keep you as busy or as relaxed as you like. The surrounding Undara area offers many walking and hiking trails, opportunities to meet local, furry wildlife (from a distance, of course), and spot many bird species native to outback Queensland. Unwind at the end of a busy day around the communal campfire as you swap stories from the day’s adventures with travellers alike.

Experience Undara’s incredible lava tube systems through the Archway explorer and the Wind Tunnel explorer tours. Please note, you can only view the lava tube systems through a guided tour with an experienced Undara tour guide; we recommend booking this in advance. As the tours are sometimes over difficult terrain, please contact us for assistance with arranging accessible tours.

Important Notice: Please book your tours at time of booking your accommodation as tours often sell out. Only tours with availability left will appear. Breakfast and Dinner bookings are recommended.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour

A not to be missed, leisurely 2-hour tour with an experienced Undara guide. Experience the oldest lava tube system on Earth in Undara Volcanic National Park.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Wind Tunnel Explorer Tour

Lace up your boots as an experienced Undara guide takes you deep into the volcanic lava tube systems.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Wildlife At Sunset Tour

Meet the locals with the chance to spot an array of local wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing drink watching the sun dip below the horizon over the volcanic plains and catch the microbats leaving their cave to feed at dusk.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Bush Breakfast

An outback experience you won’t want to miss is the Undara bush breaky, served daily at the Ringers’ Camp.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Outback Rock and Blues Festival

Get grooving at the outback’s biggest “little” festival, running over three days every year at Discovery Resorts – Undara. There’s a wide variety of entertainment across the jam-packed event schedule that will have you singing along in no time.

undara lava tubes tours

  • Hikes and Trails

There’s an abundance of walking tracks and trails around Undara, accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Walk one of the many bush trails that lead to the ultimate panoramic views over the volcanic landscape below.

  • Discovery Resorts - Undara
  • Accommodation
  • About The Property

Outback Explorer 4 Day Undara & Cobbold Gorge Tour

Undara tour & cobbold gorge – 4 day/3 night all inclusive tour.

Experience the unique Australian Outback and visit the Award Winning Attractions of The Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge on this Fully Inclusive 4 Day / 3 Night  Tour. Spend a night at Bedrock Village and 2 nights at Cobbold Gorge, with all accommodations, meals and experiences included.

Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 4, unless on a Private Charter. Tour is available from Cairns & Northern Beaches
  • Outback Savannah Country
  • Undara Lava Tubes National Park
  • Archway Explorer Tour of the Lava Tubes
  • Spectacular Cobbold Gorge Cruise
  • Tropical Fruit Tasting
  • Small Group Tour
  • Atherton Tablelands
  • All Meals included
  • One night stay at Bedrock Village
  • Two nights’ stay at Cobbold Gorge Village

undara lava tubes tours

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Bedrock Village, Ensuite

After collection from your Cairns Hotel at approximately 7:30am we head for the Outback Savannah country west of Cairns. We make our way up the Gilles Highway and on to the Volcanic Crater, Lake Barrine, for the Tea House’s famous scones with spectacular views over the lake and its’ rim covered by Rainforest. We then make our way through the fertile Atherton Tablelands and its agricultural diversity to Ravenshoe, “Queensland’s Highest town”. After time to explore the Town, we head to nearby Millstream Falls before travelling through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park and on to our destination for the first night, Bedrock Village.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
  • Accommodation:  Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite

Enjoy an early breakfast in the before we depart on our way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Today is full of excitement as your experienced Guide takes you on an informative tour of the fascinating lava tubes. The outer surface of molten lava solidified leaving these unusual tunnel-like formations, set high in the savannah country around the vast cattle properties. These volcanic lava tubes are said to have been formed around 190,000+ years ago when a staggering 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed into a riverbed and kept flowing for 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano in the whole world. The flow left behind huge caves or tubes with some over 21m wide and up to 10m high. This is genuinely an unforgettable geological tour with diverse and unique flora and fauna. Leaving Undara Lava Tubes National Park for Cobbold Gorge we travel on along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise and on to Einasleigh. We call in at this old outback pub for a basic lunch at the Einasleigh Hotel, with some spare time to view the Copperfield Gorge just across the road. Then we continue to Forsayth, the end of the line for the Savannahlander train. Enjoy a drink (own cost) by the bar at this newly refurbished outback Aussie pub before travelling on thru the outback to Cobbold Gorge. Staying at Cobbold Gorge Village for two nights, we can star gaze as we sit around the nightly prepared campfire and have a yarn with other travelers. Enjoy meals at MacDonald’s licensed bar and bistro which provide good quality home-style meals accompanied by a good beverage offering.

  • Accommodation: Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite

After enjoying a big breakfast, we then head out on our exploration of the geological wonder we have all travelled to see, the Cobbold Gorge. Enjoy all of the activities on offer in this wild unadulterated countryside. Discover the uniqueness of this amazing gorge with its majestic, polished shear walls on our awe-inspiring boat cruise as we punt quietly along the gorge on our silent boat tour in search of fresh water crocodiles and other native Australian wildlife. Your guide will enlighten you with their local knowledge of the local indigenous tribes, past pioneers and the current stories of the families that call Robinhood Cattle Station home. Add on options available include helicopter scenic flights over Robinhood Cattle Station, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking on the lake time permitting and at added cost if required to yourself. There is a lovely swimming pool, hiking trails and other recreational activities for guests to enjoy at Cobbold Gorge as well as laundry facilities for you to freshen up your clothes.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After leaving Cobbold Gorge we re-join the Golf Development Road at Georgetown where we visit the Information Centre for an opportunity to take in the districts Gem and Gold Mining, and local history. Gold fossicking is still popular with the major find being the 858g Providence Nugget on display. Then on our way back through the Atherton Tablelands, we have time to take in points of interest before heading down the Kuranda Range and back to Cairns. Add on attractions as time permits: Innot Hot Springs, The Crater, Herberton’s Historic Village or Gallos chocolate and cheese. Return to your Cairns City Hotel before 6pm.

All rates are in Australian dollars and include GST. Conditions: Discovery Tours Australia  reserves the right to amend this itinerary due to any unforseen circumstances and accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property, lunch destination may be changed without notice, cancellation fees apply.

Departing Cairns City & Northern Beaches

  • Departure 7am – Returns 6.00pm approximately.
  • Please note that Single Travelers must book a “single” rate as we don’t offer shared rooms with other single travelers.

Please note

  • This tour is not suitable for children under 4, unless on a Private Charter.
  • The Child Price is for ages 4 – 14.

Terms and Conditions

  • Download a copy of our Terms & Conditions

What's Included

  • Small group- offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service.
  • Transfers – from and to your accommodation.
  • Interpretation – friendly, knowledgeable guides explain our unique flora and fauna.
  • Modern 4WD vehicle.
  • All meals as stated in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
  • National Park and Site Fees.
  • Attractions as stated in the itinerary.
  • Atherton Tablelands.
  • Mount Garnet.
  • Undara Lava Tubes.
  • Mount Surprise.
  • Copperfield Gorge.
  • Cobbold Gorge.
  • Georgetown.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Small Overnight Style Soft Bag (No Hard cases or Suitcases)
  • Swimmers & towel, if you wish to swim anywhere during our trip. Accommodation has pools.
  • Lightweight clothing (shorts & t-shirts are fine).
  • Jacket for cooler evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Hat, sunscreen & insect repellent.
  • Water & water bottle.
  • Your camera.
  • Cash / cards for purchases of beverages and souvenirs.

All Inclusive Price

from $ 2,730

Get in touch

Contact us to get more information about our great tours.

Tour Details

24 hour reservations 1300 321 019, best rate guaranteed, locally owned operated.

undara lava tubes tours

© Discovery Tours 2024 / Articles / Some Photo(s) courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Website created by RJ New Designs

undara lava tubes tours

Undara Lava Tube Tour

undara lava tubes tours

Booking and Travel Agents

Yes! We do offer commissionable rates for bona-fide booking and travel agents.

Please visit our Booking Agent Signup page to apply and access the agent portal.

Traveling with us on a Rail Runner or a Surprise Getaway (Friday Departure)? If you’d still like to participate in a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes, you can add this to your booking.

This tour is operated by Discovery Parks Mount Surprise.  It departs Mt Surprise for Undara at around 2.30 pm on Friday afternoon. You are scheduled to return to Mt Surprise by about 6.00 pm having explored one of the tubes in the park.

See more details on the lava tubes is available at  http://undara.com.au/

  • Travel on the Savannahlander from Cairns to Einasleigh and Forsayth to Cairns.
  • En-suite accommodation in Chillagoe at the Chillagoe Cabins.
  • A tour in the afternoon of the Chillagoe Caves and Town.
  • En-suited accommodation in Cobbold Gorge.
  • Enjoy the Cobbold Gorge Boat Cruise in their custom electric boats.
  • En-suited accommodation at the Bedrock Village Van Park.
  • Tour the wonderful Undara Lava Tubes .
  • All in-tour transfers as required.
  • 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts.

Undara Lava Tube stairs and accessibility

The tour of the Undara Lava Tubes has roughly 300 steps in the complete tour that takes you from the plains above, through the upper entrance way and down the floor of one of the lava tubes.  For those concerned about completing this here is some more information.

For those walking, the stairs are well constructed and feature landings and rest benches along the way.  In addition to this you may choose to go part way if you prefer as the tour goes out and comes back along the same route – so if you choose to stop you will be met by the group on their return.

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Terms and Conditions

Prices and conditions.

Any verbal quote given is only an estimate of the price at the time of enquiry, which will be subject to change until confirmation of your reservation by us.

Prices listed are in Australian Dollars (AU$) and are inclusive of GST. Prices are current at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

All prices, conditions and information regarding your travel should be checked prior to making a booking. Specific fare conditions may apply and these can be viewed in our Fare Types or they will be noted on the fare advertising information.

Concession prices: The Savannahlander offers concessions and discounts to a range of customer types. Please view our Discounted Fares page for details.  All Concession numbers for concession fares MUST BE QUOTED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING – once the invoices have been issued for your tour package we cannot apply concession rates retrospectively.

Deposits and Booking Orders

There is a non-refundable deposit of $150 per person for all tours.  (this does not include rail-fare only bookings).  In the event that we cannot supply your requested tour the deposit will be refunded in full, however for any re-bookings or cancellations the deposit will be forfeited.  This includes changes to existing bookings if new dates become available through the course of the year.

Upon confirmation of your tour you will be sent an invoice for the balance of your tour and full payment is due 30 days prior to travel.

Bookings will be processed strictly on the basis that they are received with a completed deposit.

Amendments, Cancellation and Refunds

Full payment for your tour is due 30 days prior to travel. We offer a full refund (less your deposit) for cancellations made greater than 14 days prior to departure.  All cancellations made with 14 days or less notice from the date of departure will not be refunded.

We reserve the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or due to circumstances beyond our control. We are not responsible for costs of any other travel arrangements affected by changes to or cancellation of your booking.

Without limitation, we will not be responsible if the Product is not available due to force majeure, including but not limited to, civil unrest, health risk, closure of airports/ports etc, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, adverse weather conditions etc.​

Coronavirus Related Cancellations

If you are unable to travel due to coronavirus related travel restrictions we will refund your payment and deposit in full with the following conditions:

  • Coronavirus related cancellations includes cancellations due to border closures, transport cancellations and quarantine or lockdown.
  • Full payment for your tour is still due 30 days prior to departure unless you have made alternative arrangements with our office.
  • Cancellations must be made 21 days prior to your departure date for a full refund of your fare and/or deposit.
  • There are no refund for cancellations under any circumstance (covid or non-covid related) for cancellations made 14 days or less from departure.
  • If you have a covid related reason that you cannot travel with 14 days or less notice from departure – we will approach our suppliers on your behalf with the circumstances of your cancellation and pass on any refund that they may give us in full to you. You may be asked to provide some documentation to support your claim in this case.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend travel insurance at the time of booking.

While the train has no practical weight limit for your luggage – you must be able to lift and carry your own luggage.  This includes carrying up a flight of stairs and carrying over open ground.   Please note that this is an outback tour and that paved areas are the exception rather than the rule (ie. wheeled bags are not an acceptable alternative to carrying your luggage).

Generally we ask our passengers to limit their luggage to  one piece  (approx 20Kg) plus a smaller carry-on bag (ie. handbag).

Fitness to travel

By booking with us, you acknowledge and agree that you are fit to travel independently, unless you have fully informed us of any special requirements at the time of making your booking and we have agreed to provide the special assistance to you.

We require that all our passengers self-assess their fitness to travel -we have an online guide here at  http://www.savannahlander.com.au/

If you think that there may be an issue – please contact us.  We do have a DDA Compliant railmotor and can suggest changes to your tour that may assist with your specific needs.

The Savannahlander is strictly a non-smoking service for all types of cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. This includes smoking in the toilet area and within 5 meters of the doorways and eating areas.

All our accommodation providers operate non-smoking rooms and facilities, although there may be provision for smoking in a Designated Outdoor Smoking Area (DOSA). Please make your enquiry direct to the accommodation provider when you arrive as to the location of the DOSA.

If you would like to smoke while travelling with us you may do so when the train stops for morning tea, lunches etc. Please talk to your friendly driver about the timing and where you can go to smoke at the specific stop.

Please note that we take the comfort and safety of our passengers seriously, passengers found smoking on the train may be asked disembark the train and leave the tour. In the event that you are removed from the tour there are no refunds available for the unused portion of your tour package.

Disability Access, Special Assistance, Medical and Dietary Requirements

We will try to ensure that any special requests or requirements noted at the time of booking can be met by the Savannahlander.

Please advise any dietary requirements including diabetic, coeliac meals; allergies etc. to ensure the necessary arrangements are made before your arrival.

Please note that all meals are catered for by third parties and while all care is taken we cannot be responsible for the meals that are served. Most providers are happy to provide alternative meals for breakfast and dinners, but morning tea and lunch selections may be more limited.

Please also be aware that you are travelling in remote areas with limited medical access and facilities. Your care in this matter should be related to the severity of your allergic response.

If your reaction is manageable and regarded more as an “intolerance” then you should be fine. You may want to consider bringing some appropriate snacks with you in case you cannot find a suitable morning tea or lunch option available to your needs. There is an “Esky” on the train in which you can keep things cool.

If your allergic response is severe (such as anaphylactic shock), then you may need to consider bringing food with you for your meals. Our providers are happy to facilitate your needs in this respect but cannot provide segregated food preparation environments which may carry a risk of cross contamination. An example is that the chopping boards and utensils may have been used previously with other foodstuffs. Please contact us if you intend to do this.

If you do have the potential for severe reactions, please advise us of the nature of your allergic reaction and access to any medications that you may have with you to treat severe reactions (ie. Epi-pen). On boarding the train please inform the drivers of your medical needs and the location of your medication so they may be able to assist in the event that you are not able to.

The tour operates in remote areas which sometimes have limited medical access.  If you have any doubt about your medical needs please contact us prior to booking to discuss how we may assist.

COVID-Safe travel conditions

The safety of our staff and passengers are always of the highest priority for the Savannahlander. The following new procedures and facilities will be in effect for all travel on the Savannahlander:

  • By booking with us you agree that you have not displayed covid symptoms, are currently being tested or currently under quarantine as directed by a health official.
  • If you develop symptoms of Coronavirus prior to departure, please contact our offices as your booking may be deferred as required.
  • If you develop symptom of Coronavirus prior to departure, you agree NOT TO TRAVEL as this poses a high level of risk to our staff and passengers.
  • Boarding and exit only through the rear doors of the front carriage and forward doors of the rear unit. (with the exception of those requiring use of the DDA compliant wheelchair lift);
  • Social distancing will be encouraged;
  • Increase cleaning and sterilisation procedures during train journeys;
  • Hand washing stations will be located on each rail motor and passengers are encouraged to use them;
  • We have reduced the carrying capacity to approximately 50% to allow for social distancing in the seating pattern;
  • There will be a restriction the amount of free movement of passengers during a train journey (ie. no visiting the drivers areas);
  • We have made changes to food preparation and delivery to minimise contact;
  • Changes to luggage handling – passengers will take their bags to the unused seats adjacent to their seating for the day;
  • We will produce and maintain a “contact tracing manifest” ;
  • Face masks will be available for any persons developing a cough who will be provided a mask and required to wear them.

Important Covid-19 Information

Thank you for considering the Savannahlander for your next outback rail adventure. Whilst we aim to provide an amazing outback experience, we hold the safety of our staff and passengers as our primary concern. In light of the ongoing corona virus pandemic we have taken advice and risk assessed our business practices and have come to a considered position on the vaccine status of our passengers.

In 2022 we will require all travellers on our tour packages to be double vaccinated two weeks or more before the date of travel.

We ask for proof of vaccination one month prior to travel and your tour will be cancelled if this is not received two weeks prior to travel. In the case that your travel is cancelled at this stage no refund will be available.

If you have any problems or concerns regarding this policy,  please contact our office .

As in previous years, you will be invoiced prior to departure and full payment will be due one month prior to travel.

Can I leave my vehicle somewhere?

As with a lot of rail travel, you may be driving to your chosen departure point for your journey with us on the Savannahlander.

The good news is that all of the stations along the route have space available for you to park a car.  You should note however that while all care is taken and incidents are very rare that your vehicle is parked at your own risk.

The Cairns central railway station has the provision for FREE parking for travellers on the Savannahlander.  It should be noted that Cairns Central has recently moved to “ticket-less parking” which uses cameras to read your vehicle number plates.   To access this service you should do the following:

1) Please note your vehicle registration number on your booking form.  If you change vehicles between the time of booking and the time of travel you will need to  contact our office  to update the registration details.

2) On the day please park your car as normal.

3) When you exit the parking facility simply proceed to the exit and the gate will open for you.

Please note- if you do not provide registration details you will need to pay at the pay-station prior to leaving the carpark.

Please note that if you have a large vehicle, motor-home or RV that you may need to make alternate arrangements as not all parking facilities can accommodate larger vehicles.  We would advise that you visit the station prior to departure to check or make alternative arrangements.

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Covid-Safe Measures of Partner Organisations

This page is to explain some of the measures that have been put in place by our partner organisations. These are the businesses along the route of the Savannahlander where you will be booked for meals, accommodation and tours. Please observe social distancing and the direction of the staff in these venues as the measures put in place are for the safety of the staff and passengers such as yourself. In many cases these conditions are enforceable by law and breaking these rules puts our operators at risk of penalties. Almaden Railway Hotel No drinks or meals may be consumed at the bar area Drinks and meals may only be consumed in the designated dining area(s) and social distancing should be observed Re-organising or moving the tables and chairs is not permitted – if you feel this is required for your specific contact group (ie. a family group) then please discuss these requests with the staff Bedrock Village Caravan Park Our bar will not be open until further notice, however, we can supply alcoholic drinks to accompany your evening meal Dimbulah Historical Society Please adhere to social distancing markers on the platform while enjoying your refreshments There is hand sanitiser stations around the station for passenger use 1.5 meter distancing in place by putting tape on the platform we will be serving afternoon tea, tea and coffee for the customers and have the chairs placed 1.5 meters away from each other

In the museum building on the platform – there is only 2 persons permitted at any time (excluding staff). This may be extended if you are a travelling contact group such as a family with children etc. Mutchilba General Store Menu will be scones, jam & cream We can cater for 20 people as we have tables and chairs inside and out. Please be patient with lining up when entering some might have to wait outside. We will guide customers to seating arrangements

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Visiting the Undara Lava Tubes

The Undara Lava Tubes are a fascinating geological formation and one of the highlights of the Savannah Way in Far North Queensland.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Here's what you need to know about visiting the Undara Lava Tubes in Far North Queensland, including:

  • What to expect at Undara Volcanic National Park?
  • Details about the Undara Experience
  • The best tours of the Undara Lava Tubes
  • The main walking trails at Undara
  • Options for accommodation at Undara

It was 190,000 years ago that a massive volcano erupted here at Undara. The eruption was so enormous that enough lava was spewed out to fill Sydney Harbour almost 50 times! And it flowed so far, that it created the Undara Lava Tubes – the longest of their kind in the world.

These incredible rock formations are now the highlight of Undara Volcanic National Park in Far North Queensland, where visiting the Undara Lava Tubes can be done as either a side trip from Cairns or as part of a road trip along the Savannah Way.

As you approach Undara Volcanic National Park, there’s nothing at first that gives away the tumultuous geothermal activity that occurred here eons ago. The savannah woodland of grevillea and eucalyptus is the same as anywhere else in this part of Outback Queensland.

It’s when you take one of the tours deeper into the park that the lava tubes are revealed.

I didn’t really have an image of them in my head beforehand, and I was quite surprised when I saw them in person. Despite what the name might suggest, they’re not small pipes that you might need to crawl through – they are more like enormous caverns that a couple of double-decker buses could drive through side by side.

The lava from the volcano 190,000 years ago created several lava flows, with the biggest about 160 kilometres long, and the next longest about 90 kilometres. Although each would’ve been a single tube at one point, lots of sections have collapsed over the years. That’s why the bits you visit these days look more like caves.

A very quick geology lesson

Geology is not the most exciting topic, but it’s worth understanding how the Undara Lava Tubes were formed if you’re planning to see them (although, of course, the guides will explain this as well).

The short version is that when the Undara Volcano erupted 190,000 years ago, all the lava that was spewing out of it had to go somewhere, and it flowed into channels formed from old watercourses.

As it flowed along, the lava started to cool down from the outside first, so the edges of this river of fire solidified and formed a crust. This crust actually insulated everything inside it, keeping the rest of the molten lava hot enough to continue flowing along its path, which is why they are so long.

The eruption continued for about three weeks, with more lava strengthening the walls and the ceiling of these tubes, until they were strong enough to stand on their own – and withstand the tests of time.

What remained when the volcano settled down were the Undara Lava Tubes.

Where are the Undara Lava Tubes?

The Undara Lava Tubes are in the Outback of Far North Queensland, within Undara Volcanic National Park. They are about 3.5 hours’ drive from Cairns or 5 hours’ drive from Townsville.

The Undara Lava Tubes are on the Savannah Way, a popular driving route between Cairns and Broome.

How long are the Undara Lava Tubes?

There were several different flows that formed the lava tubes. The longest of the Undara Lava Tubes is about 160 kilometres long, and the next biggest is about 90 kilometres long.

Can you walk the Undara Lava Tubes yourself?

You can visit the Undara Lava Tubes – but not by yourself. The only way to see the tubes and to walk through them is with a guided tour. There are two companies that offer guided tours to the Undara Lava Tubes (and I’ve got that information further down).

Although there are a few things to do within Undara Volcanic National Park, it’s the Undara Lava Tubes that are the highlight. You can only visit them with a guided tour, and there are just two companies that offer that – Undara Experience and Bedrock Village , both of which also provide accommodation.

Bedrock Village is about 40 minutes’ drive away, whereas Undara Experience is right in the park – and I’ll go through the benefits of each option shortly.

The other main activity here is hiking, and there are a few routes to choose from – some with spectacular views from the top of the hills.

If you’ve got time, it’s certainly worth spending at least 24 hours here so you can take at least one of the tours (and possibly even a second one), enjoy a hike or two, and relax amongst the beautiful landscapes.

Undara Volcanic National Park

Although the Undara Lava Tubes once stretched out for huge distances, the sections that you can visit today are within the Undara Volcanic National Park.

I always like to give a bit of information about the specifics of each national park – but, in this case, there’s not much of the park that you can access on your own, so it’s pretty straightforward.

There are only a few things to do in Undara Volcanic National Park. The first is to visit the Undara Lava Tubes, the second is the Kalkani Crater rim walk, and the third are some walks around the Undara Experience. I’ll go through each of these in detail shortly.

There’s no entry fee for Undara Volcanic National Park and access is easy. Although some of the roads are gravel, they are fine for any type of vehicle, even if it’s been raining.

There’s food and drink available at the Undara Experience, although it’s wise to bring some snacks and water with you, in case of emergency (especially if you’re going to do some of the walks).

Pets are not allowed in the national park, so if you’re travelling with a dog, you’ll need to choose one of the accommodation options back on the highway.

Undara Experience

Undara Experience is not the only company that has tourism offerings for visitors at Undara Volcanic National Park – but it is the main one, and it’s the only one actually based here. (I’ll have more on the alternatives shortly).

Right in the heart of the national park, Undara Experience has a range of accommodation options, including sites for tents, powered sites for campervans, cabins, and even rooms in converted heritage train carriages.

When it comes to food, Undara Experience has a huge bar and restaurant area in a semi-outdoor setting sheltered by a large roof that evokes the shape of the lava tubes.

And in the mornings it runs a ‘bush breakfast’ a short walk away, where the tea and coffee is brewed over a fire and you’ll make your own toast over the coals (but, don’t worry, you don’t need to cook the bacon and eggs yourself).

Undara Experience is also one of two operators that are allowed to run tours to the the lava tubes – and that’s the reason you come here, right? You don’t have to be staying at the accommodation to take the tours, but it makes sense to do that, unless you’re planning to just stop for a couple of hours on a day of driving.

Undara Lava Tubes tours

You can’t see the lava tubes without a tour – and you can’t even get close enough to ‘kind of’ see them – so you’ll need to choose at least one tour when you’re here.

Undara Experience is one of the two main operators and its tours leave from its headquarters in the national park, just a short drive from the geological sites.

There are three tour options to choose from:

  • Wind Tunnel Explorer: If you only have time for one tour, then this is the one I would suggest. It’s two hours long and takes you to three different sections of the lava tube. You’ll go into the caverns for the best views and learn plenty about the geology of the site.
  • Archway Explorer: This tour is also two hours long but goes to some different parts of the park, in particular The Archway which is a short section of tube open at both ends. This tour is easier so I would recommend it for less mobile visitors. Although you could do both tours, the commentary will be quite similar.
  • Wildlife at Sunset: If you are keen to do two tours, I would recommend doing this one as the second option. It’s focused more on the animals and the plants of the park – and you’re sure to spot a few wallabies and kangaroos along the way. The tour includes drinks on a hilltop for sunset (with stunning views) but the highlight is going into one of the caves after dark as all the bats fly out!

The other local operator that has permission to take tours to the Undara Lava Tubes is Bedrock Village, and the thing I like about their offerings is that it’s something a bit different to Undara Experience, so you do have a legitimate choice.

The Bedrock Village tours are slightly more expensive – but that’s because they include a lot more, such as meals and a walk around the Kalkani Crater (although you can do that without a guide).

Here are the two tours the Bedrock Village offers, both of which leave from their site back on the highway at Mount Surprise.

  • Full-day tour: This tour is actually a great way to see everything and makes for a fun day out. It starts with a walk around Kalkani Crater, which is inside the national park, followed by visits to several sections of Undara Lava Tubes. There’s morning and afternoon tea included, as well as a lunch!
  • Morning tour: The morning tour is basically just a shorter version of the full-day tour. You’ll also have the walk at Kalkani Crater and see a few sections of the lava tubes. But it moves a bit faster and only morning tea is included, because you’ll be back by lunchtime.

When it comes to choosing the best Undara tour, I would just suggest going for the one that suits your schedule and accommodation choice, because you’ll see pretty much the same things with either operator.

Undara walking trails

Aside from the Undara Lava Tubes, one of the other main things to do at Undara are some walks – and there are a few lovely ones to choose from.

I think the best walk is the Kalkani Crater rim walk . It leads you up to the top of a volcanic crater and then the path does a loop around the rim. The ascent is not particularly steep and the whole walk is 3.8 kilometres in total. The average walker will be able to do it in about an hour.

The longest walk in the national park is the Rosella Plains lookout trail and it leaves from the Undara Experience. It’s a loop walk that is 12 kilometres in total and takes at least 4 hours. The trail leads you though granite country, with some wonderful views of the rocky outcrops and lots of colourful flora along the way.

From the Undara Experience, there are a few other shorter walks you can do, including The Bluff (2.3 kilometres as a loop) or The Bush Walk (5.8 kilometres as a loop), or the Flat Rock Track (8.6 kilometres return).

Each of these walks have similar landscapes, although the Flat Rock Trail also takes you closer to some swamp areas where you might see a bit more birdlife.

With all of them, you can just go along as far as you want and then come back, if you don’t have time for the whole walk. But I think it’s worth seeing some of this gorgeous country – particularly around sunset or sunrise.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation at the Undara Lava Tubes, there are a few options, with sites for campervans/camping or normal rooms.

As I’ve already mentioned, the main place to stay at the Undara Lava Tubes is the Undara Experience , a large complex right in the park that has a range of accommodation, plus a great restaurant and bar.

The Undara Experience is certainly the easiest option and the location gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the walks right from your accommodation, without having to drive to the start of the trails. The tours that are run here are also very good.

The main downside is that you’ll pay more for the convenience, with unpowered camping sites starting at $35 and rooms in the railway carriages from $190. The bush breakfast, a wonderful experience where your tea or coffee will be brewed over a campfire, is $27.50.

If you’re not worried about price, the Undara Experience would be my strong recommendation.

Bedrock Village

The other main option for accommodation for people visiting the Undara Lava Tubes is Bedrock Village . It’s back on the main highway, about 40 minutes’ drive away.

Just like Undara Experience, Bedrock Village has tent sites, van sites, and cabins. The accommodation is a bit more basic, as are the facilities, but the main difference is that they’re about half the price!

Staying at Bedrock Village also means that you’re not in the national park itself so it is a fair drive to go in and see the sights. But if you’re just going to do one of Bedrock’s tours, then that’s not such a problem. And for anyone towing a large caravan, for example, being able to stay on the highway can be an advantage.

Other options

There aren’t many other options in the area, but there a couple of alternatives to consider.

The Mt Surprise Tourist Park has a selection of accommodation, including campsites, powered sites, and motel rooms. Everything is relatively rustic, but there’s a charm to this kind of place.

Another option closer to Cairns is Pinnarendi Station , which has sites for caravans and camping. It’s only about 30 minutes’ drive to Undara, so it’s easy to use as a base to visit the lava tubes.

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  • Why the Undara Lava Tubes should be on your must-see list

HannahStatham

Hannah Statham

Some adventures are off the beaten track and others, like the Undara Lava Tubes, are underneath it. You’ll need to dip below the earth’s surface, to explore these famous 190,000-year-old lava tunnels that point to an explosion when 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed for 160 kilometres, carving a natural playground south-west of Cairns.

It might only be three and a half hours’ drive from Cairns, but the Undara Lava Tubes feels worlds away. Consider this a road trip to be savoured, because across 255 kilometres you’ll be swapping the reef and rainforest for outback savannah country – as mountains flanked with rainforest give way to termite mounds and sparse vegetation.

Allow ample time to chase waterfalls across the Atherton Tablelands as you make your way from Cairns to your final destination, Undara Volcanic National Park. Aim to arrive by sundown, taking extra care of the native wildlife who like to share the road too.

Where to stay?

Father and sun on bed in renovated turn of the century railway carriage at Undara Experience

Stay in a turn of the century rail carriage

tents at the undara experience

Leave your camping equipment at home and opt for the swag tent village

When visiting one of Australia’s greatest geological wonders, you’ll want to stay close to the action. The Undara Experience is the only accommodation within the national park, offering a range of options from restored turn of the century rail carriages to camping (both BYO and tent city style), caravanning, well-appointed pioneer huts and homestead rooms.

No matter which style you choose, you’ll have access to the crowd-pleasing bush breakfast on offer at the Ringers Camp – an Aussie-fry up (think: bacon, eggs, snags cooked over the coals) and a piping hot cup of Billy Tea, all set to the backing vocals of the native birds.

How were the lava tubes formed?

Vine thickets in collapsed lava tube at Undara Volcanic National Park

Vine thickets have reclaimed some of the tubes

Welcome to the inner workings of a volcano that erupted 190,000 years ago, spilling enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour three times over. The tubes you see today were formed when this enormous volume of molten lava drained, leaving behind a series of hollow tubes, which mother nature has since landscaped with tools of her own – water, wind, and rain – giving the Undara Lava Tubes their spectacular colouration.

In parts of the lava tube system, rainforest has reclaimed this former volcano, with thick vine thickets sheltering the entrances to some of the tubes, giving the landscape incredible Jurassic qualities in photographs.

How to see the lava tubes?

Family and Savannah Guide exploring Undara Lava Tubes on the Archway Explorer Tour

The Archway Explorer Tour features stairs and boardwalks

Savannah guide at the Undara Lava Tubes

Both tours offer highlights of the tubes

To see the geological wonders, you’ll need to join one of the Undara Experience’s Savannah Guides for a tour that delves into one of the world’s longest cave systems. Considering the name Undara translates to “the long way” in the local Indigenous language, you’d be right to wear comfortable walking shoes, regardless of the format you choose.

For an introduction to Undara’s Lava Tubes and a two-hour tour time, join the Archway Explorer , which covers some of the highlights of the system via boardwalks and stairs. This tour is the preferred-pick for tiny-travellers, those with accessible needs and / or travellers with a basic fitness level.

To explore more of the lava tube system, the Wind Tunnel Explorer guarantees adventure, taking you to three sections of the tubes across two hours. A moderate fitness level is required for this tour, with its uneven surfaces, some rock scrambling and lack of infrastructure to get you there. Either tour you choose, don’t expect to be submerged into total darkness. There are gaping holes in the tube system, which light up these cavernous caves.

What else is there to do?

Family watching bats flying out of lava tube at Wildlife at Sunset tour at Undara Experience

See wildlife come alive at night on the Wildlife at Sunset tour

For a documentary of David Attenborough proportions, join the Undara Experience for their nightly Wildlife at Sunset tour. As dusk descends on the national park, you’ll visit the entrance of Barker’s Tube to watch thousands of microbats leave to feed for the night.

The volume of bats alone is impressive, but that’s only part of the experience. The real spectacle is their nightly dance with death – as these brave bats have to get past pythons and tree snakes who dangle like Medusa’s hair over the tube’s opening, to catch the microbats on their nightly mission.

Where to eat?

Family toasting bread on an open fire at the bush breakfast at Undara Experience

Toast bread on a fire at the Bush Breakfast

Savannah Guide preparing traditional billy tea at the bush breakfast at Undara Experience

Enjoy traditional Billy Tea

Family sat in an old rail carriage eating dinner at Undara Experience

Dine in a former railway carriage at the Fettler’s Iron Pot Bistro

In a nod to the Undara Experience’s outback location, the hospitality synonymous with the region, can be found in full swing here. Meet other travellers for the Bush Breakfast , which is served over the coals and washed down with freshly brewed billy tea each morning.

Both lunch and dinner are available at the Fettler’s Iron Pot Bistro, which takes pride of place in a former railway carriage. The menu at Fettler’s is as retro as the furnishings, serving up the likes of corned beef, Georgetown sausages and homemade desserts, including their crowd-pleasing chocolate volcano. In between main meal times, Saloon Car Bar, slings coffees, beers, wines and tea and cake to hungry (and thirsty) travellers.

What other walks are around?

Aerial of Kalkani Crater at sunset

The park is full of unique volcanic landscapes

Aerial image of people walking the rim of the Kalkani Crater at sunset

Walk the rim of the Kalkani Crater

The underground lava tubes are only a fraction of this national park. Armed with a trail map, you can take your pick of the bushwalks through the park, which range from easy (2.5km) to more challenging hikes (12km). To really get a lay of the land, take the Kalkani Crater Walk which follows the line of the volcano and circuits the crater rim. The views are mesmerising – to take in the lava plains and other volcanic vents that point to a time when this was an active eruption zone, set aside an hour and a half for this 2.5 kilometre return walk. Did you know the park was once home to 164 volcanoes

Chasing more views where this came from? If you’re an experienced hiker and like long format walks, set aside six hours to take the 12 kilometre return hike to Rosella Plains Lookout via Atkinsons Lookout. This trail offers views of the McBride’s Volcanic Province, along with a variety of landscapes from lowlands, steep inclines that scale jump ups, and plenty of native vegetation in between.

Mark your diary for these events

Performer at Undara Outback Rock and Blues

Undara Rock and Blues

A rock music festival set to the backdrop of this ancient landscape? You’d have to see it to believe it. Save the date on or around ANZAC Day, for the annual Undara Outback Rock and Blues Music event, which takes over the national park for three days of country music.

Later in the year, the Rockabilly Rods and Rides Festival makes use of the natural, outdoor amphitheatre with live music and entertainment.

What are the locals like?

Family and Savannah guide around nightly camp fire at Undara Experience

Meet other travellers at the nightly campfire

You can expect to meet a few friendly Undara locals during your stay here. The likes of rock wallabies, emus, birds, and eastern grey kangaroos are spotted here daily. Meet and greets are also easily facilitated with other two-legged guests – in the spirit of outback hospitality, the Undara Experience run a nightly communal campfire, which is free for all Undara guests from 7.30pm.

You only need read a few reviews of other travellers’ time here to see it’s the combination of geology, flora and fauna, and the friendly guests you meet a long the way, that cements the Undara Experience as a must-see attraction in Tropical North Queensland.

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Undara Tour & Cobbold Gorge 4 Day Tour - Outback Explorer - Cairns - DTA

Tour Code: 1051

Departing: Cairns

Pickup: Cairns

Cobbold Gorge tours and attractions - 4WD tours Cairns

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge on a four wheel drive tour of outback Queensland with departures from Cairns.
  • This is an all inclusive four wheel drive tour with accommodation, meals and sightseeing in modern 4WD vehicles. 
  • Travel in small groups of no more than 12 like-minded guests and see the iconic Undara Lava tubes and Cobbold Gorge.

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price.

  • ***This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate or loading surcharge applies***
  • Small group- offering unrivalled, friendly and personalised service - No more than 12 guests
  • Transfers – from and to your accommodation.
  • Interpretation – friendly, knowledgeable guides explain our unique flora and fauna.
  • Modern 4WD vehicle.
  • All meals as stated in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
  • National Park and Site Fees.
  • Attractions as stated in the itinerary.

Our Cairns outback explorer 4 day tour is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey through the "Savannah” west of Cairns out to Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes. This personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than twelve.

Outback Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey through the "Savannah” west of Cairns out to Cobbold Gorge.

This personalised tour is fully accommodated, and you will travel in a group of no more than twelve passengers.

Our Outback Explorer offers an insight into the days when dinosaurs were roaming the landscape of outback Queensland.

At that time, it was an ocean full of coral, just like the Great Barrier Reef, until an explosion of catastrophic proportion totally changed the landscape forever.

Whilst exploring the Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge, you will experience natural geological wonders, interact with the native Australian flora and fauna and marvel at the incredible vibrant colours and scenery of the "Savannah Plains” of Outback Queensland.

Why not grab some friends, leave the driving to us and enjoy this wonderful outback expedition together?

2024 Departure Dates

  • 26 - 29 May 2024
  • 16 - 19 June 2024
  • 14 - 17 July 2024
  • 18 - 21 August 2024
  • 15 - 18 September 2024

If these dates are not suitable for you, please contact us as we may be able to assist. 

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Undara Lava Tubes & Cobbold Gorge Itinerary

Inclusions: Lunch & Dinner, Bedrock Village, Ensuite

After collection from your Cairns Hotel at approximately 7:30am we head for the Outback Savannah country west of Cairns. We make our way up the Gilles Highway and on to the Volcanic Crater, Lake Barrine, for the Tea House’s famous scones with spectacular views over the lake and its’ rim covered by Rainforest. We then make our way through the fertile Atherton Tablelands and its agricultural diversity to Ravenshoe, “Queensland’s Highest town”. After time to explore the Town, we head to nearby Millstream Falls before travelling through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park and on to our destination for the first night, Bedrock Village.

Inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner, Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite

Enjoy an early breakfast in the before we depart on our way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Today is full of excitement as your experienced Guide takes you on an informative tour of the fascinating lava tubes. The outer surface of molten lava solidified leaving these unusual tunnel-like formations, set high in the savannah country around the vast cattle properties. These volcanic lava tubes are said to have been formed around 190,000+ years ago when a staggering 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed into a riverbed and kept flowing for 160km, making it the longest lava flow from a single volcano in the whole world. The flow left behind huge caves or tubes with some over 21m wide and up to 10m high. This is genuinely an unforgettable geological tour with diverse and unique flora and fauna. Leaving Undara Lava Tubes National Park for Cobbold Gorge we travel on along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise and on to Einasleigh. We call in at this old outback pub for a basic lunch at the Einasleigh Hotel, with some spare time to view the Copperfield Gorge just across the road. Then we continue to Forsayth, the end of the line for the Savannahlander train. Enjoy a drink (own cost) by the bar at this newly refurbished outback Aussie pub before travelling on thru the outback to Cobbold Gorge. Staying at Cobbold Gorge Village for two nights, we can star gaze as we sit around the nightly prepared campfire and have a yarn with other travelers. Enjoy meals at MacDonald’s licensed bar and bistro which provide good quality home-style meals accompanied by a good beverage offering.

Inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner, Cobbold Gorge Village, Ensuite

After enjoying a big breakfast, we then head out on our exploration of the geological wonder we have all travelled to see, the Cobbold Gorge. Enjoy all of the activities on offer in this wild unadulterated countryside. Discover the uniqueness of this amazing gorge with its majestic, polished shear walls on our awe-inspiring boat cruise as we punt quietly along the gorge on our silent boat tour in search of fresh water crocodiles and other native Australian wildlife. Your guide will enlighten you with their local knowledge of the local indigenous tribes, past pioneers and the current stories of the families that call Robinhood Cattle Station home. Add on options available include helicopter scenic flights over Robinhood Cattle Station, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking on the lake time permitting and at added cost if required to yourself. There is a lovely swimming pool, hiking trails and other recreational activities for guests to enjoy at Cobbold Gorge as well as laundry facilities for you to freshen up your clothes.

Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch

After leaving Cobbold Gorge we re-join the Golf Development Road at Georgetown where we visit the Information Centre for an opportunity to take in the districts Gem and Gold Mining, and local history. Gold fossicking is still popular with the major find being the 858g Providence Nugget on display. Then on our way back through the Atherton Tablelands, we have time to take in points of interest before heading down the Kuranda Range and back to Cairns. Add on attractions as time permits: Innot Hot Springs, The Crater, Herberton’s Historic Village or Gallos chocolate and cheese. Return to your Cairns City Hotel before 6pm.

Important Information

SMOKING: As per Government Regulations, smoking is not permitted in vehicles. Ample stops provide time for "smoking breaks" en route.

UNUSED TOUR SECTORS: if a passenger fails to join a tour as booked or joins in after the tour has departed, or departs prior to the completion of the tour, no refund will be made for any portion of the tour including food, excursions, accommodation, etc., that are not used or undertaken.

INSURANCE: Discovery Tours Australia and/or its agents are not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings whatsoever, nor for personal injury, accidents, hospitalization, illness or medical expenses. In our experience, most claims arise from personal or close-family illness before holiday departure, resulting in cancellation charges. We strongly recommend all intending passengers consult their travel or insurance agent and take out adequate travel insurance to cover events that may affect your ability to travel (including, but not limited to, health, baggage, loss of monies through cancellation, additional expenses incurred through illness or personal liability prior to travel and early return, for example, following the death of a relative).

CLIMATE: Winter in the tropical north is the dry season and temperatures will be mild with low humidity. Through the months of September and October, the temperatures become increasingly warmer.

FITNESS: Our tours have been designed to suit a reasonable level of fitness; the ability to be able to do some walking along nature trails and cope with remoteness is essential. People suffering from lack of tolerance or not of general good health should consult their GP before taking part on these tours. Please Note: Passengers accept that it is their responsibility to ensure that their health is in a state which will allow them to enjoy the tour and successfully complete the activities that the tour offers. If you are unsure, we highly recommend seeking advice from your GP.

LUGGAGE: each passenger is entitled to take one bag (soft sided), 80cm x 30cm x 30cm. (no more than 10kgs as space is very limited) and no suitcases You may also have a small day bag or pack weighing no more than 4kg, however most guests tend to carry a bottle of water and their cameras only. Baggage over the prescribed limit cannot be carried without prior arrangement.

LIABILITY: The operator and its employees accept no responsibility for any booking, contract, travel, accommodation or group tours which result in any loss, damage, accident, diversion, or theft in regard to luggage or personal belongings, and will be exempt from all liability in respect of direct or indirect consequential loss or damage, death, injury, sickness, irregularity, delay liability, and additional expenses, or inconvenience or any other event beyond its control including accident, failure of machinery or equipment, accommodation, transport, or other services.

CANCELLATION FEES: Deposit Required: 30% deposit at time of booking. Balance Due: 30 Days prior to day of departure. Bookings cancelled less than 30 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 100% of tour total. In the unlikely event we are not able to operate a tour, due to weather conditions or unplanned operational events an alternate travel date will be offered, or a full refund processed.

ON ARRIVAL IN CAIRNS

On arrival in Cairns prior to your tour departure, please reconfirm your bookings and accommodation with the tour operator as per your voucher. Please note that pick-up times are to be confirmed ONE day prior to the tour departure.

Passengers are picked up and dropped back at accommodation in the Cairns area or en route. The operator, reserves the right to alter the itinerary and location of passenger accommodation, if necessitated by weather conditions or by any other unforeseen circumstances prevailing at the time of tour. The operator also has the right to substitute vehicles or an alternative operator, transport, and carrier. The tour operator can also charge at any a “fuel levy” if it there is a dramatic increase in the price of fuel - we would be very reluctant to impose such a charge and would only do so under extreme circumstances.

The operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times and cannot be held liable for failure to make connections with other services or for any expenses incurred by the client as a result of weather conditions, mechanical defects, or any other unforeseen cause. If for any reason, the itinerary is altered, no refund is payable by the operator. The operator reserves the right (without payment or compensation and whether before or after commencement of travel) to exclude any passenger if that passenger appears likely to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others or impair the comfort of other passengers; this includes any passenger who commits any illegal act.

The operator reserves the right to change or alter your tour itinerary and carriers to those advertised without prior notice due to weather, road or operational requirements and would do so with full consideration of your safety and comfort. No refunds are given in these circumstances.

The operator takes all care but holds no responsibility for loss, damage, injury or death incurred at any of its utilized accommodation providers and may change these providers without notice, making every effort to supply equal quality where possible.

The operator is not responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death caused to a passenger by another passenger.

Itineraries are correct at time of publication; however slight differences may occur as we endeavour to improve our tour throughout the year. No refund is given for altered Itineraries however, we do so with your tour satisfaction as our number one goal.

Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

undara lava tubes tours

Departs From

Departure time, pickup locations, destinations.

  • Atherton Tablelands
  • Mount Garnet
  • Undara Lava Tubes
  • Mount Surprise
  • Copperfield Gorge
  • Cobbold Gorge

Months of Operation

May - September

Please note this tour operates on fixed dates, see dates under "Description & Tour Inclusions"

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Additional Information

  • Seasonal weather conditions and operational requirements may cause a variation in the tour itinerary. The operator reserves the right to substitute or modify if required. Departure and Return times are approximate.
  • We endeavor to room guests with ensuite facilities where available.
  • Please note this tour is not suitable for infants.
  • Please note that Single Travelers must purchase the optional extra "single supplement" as we don't offer shared rooms with other single travelers.
  • Please read our terms and coonditions carefully.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Water & Water Bottle
  • Insect Repellent & Sunscreen 30+
  • Luggage is restricted to ONE Soft Bag (no suitcases) weighing no more than 10kgs + ONE Small Backpack/Day Pack:
  • CLOTHING 3 to 4 changes (t-shirts and shorts)
  • LIGHT JACKET & LONG PANTS
  • 1 X PAIR OF SANDALS, 1 PAIR OF LIGHT WALKING SHOES
  • 1 X PAIR OF BATHERS
  • 1 X BEACH TOWEL
  • HAT, SUNGLASSES
  • SMALL PERSONAL WATER BOTTLE
  • SMALL DAYPACK

undara lava tubes tours

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.

Please see our  terms and conditions   for details prior to booking.

Tour Operator's T&Cs

On arrival in Cairns prior to your tour departure, please reconfirm your bookings and accommodation with the tour operator as per your voucher. Please note that pick-up times are to be confirmed ONE day prior to the tour departure.

Itineraries are correct at time of publication; however slight differences may occur as we endeavour to improve our tour throughout the year. No refund is given for altered Itineraries however, we do so with your tour satisfaction as our number one goal. 

au $2,600.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

(discounts may apply), 1300 761 612, +61 427 074 745, you may also like.

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Far North Escapes

undara lava tubes tours

Undara Lava Tubes Tours

How to see the spectacular undara lavatubes from cairns.

The Undara Lava Tubes are a unique travel opportunity in Cairns , Far North Queensland, Australia . Located approximately four hours southeast of Cairns city , the Undara lava tubes are easily accessible from Cairns , making this oneof the most accessible outback experiences in Australia.

Undara National Park is home to the world famous Undara Lava Tubes, which were created over 190,000 years ago by Mother Nature. These strange lava tube formations beneath the land are now acclaimed as one of the longest lava tube systems known in the world today. As guests of the Undara lava tube experience, you will be able to explore the remains of the earth's longest flow of lava thatoriginated from a single volcano. The eruption caused lava to flow over 90kmsnorth and 160kms northwest.

With Far North Escapes different Undara tour options catering to all levels of fitness and physical abilities, Undara Lava Tubes truly is an experience you will never forget!

Far North Escapes all inclusive  Undara Lava Tubes tours and Cobbold Gorge tour will leave you with great memories of such a unique landscape of Undarra and outback Queensland .  

Far North Escapes 1 Day Undara Lava Tubes Tour is an all inclusive 1 day Undara tour that takes you through outback Australia Queensland. The tour departs daily from Cairns region except for the wet season.

Otherwise, want to see Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes at the same time? Come on Far North Escapes 2 Day Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge tour. An all-inclusive 2-daytour that takes you through outback Queensland, Australia. The tour departs daily from Cairns region. This small group (max 10) personalised tour is fully accommodated and includes an insight into the history and unique Queensland outback.

If you're travelling as part of a group or with family and friends, ask us about FarNorth Escapes private charter options today!

The Undara Lava Tubes

The Undara Lava Tubes are a series of long, dark tunnelst hat were created by a major eruption of a volcano. As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubestaking it further and further from the volcano.

The eruption slowed and then stopped, leaving behind a series of hollow tunnels. Ancient roof collapses created deep, dark and moist sections where fertile pockets of rainforest can now be seen. These darker sections are growing on top of the ancient Undara lava tubes.

On the sunset tour from the top of the hill you climb, you are actually able to see these darker pockets of rainforest that are growing on top of the ancient Undara lava tubes.

The only way to access these tubes is through a tour with an accredited guide from Undara Lava Tube Experience. Once inside the tubes, it feels as if you have stepped into another world! While in most caves you expect to find stalactites and stalagmites, Undara is unique in that the majority of the tube walls are smooth. This is down to the way the hot magma flowed andcooled through the tubes creating a smooth surface.

Something you will notice growing along the grounds and hanging down from the lava tubes ceilings are different types of tree roots creating intricate patterns along walls of the lava tubes as the roots look forwater. When spending time in Cairns the Undara lava tubes are an amazing natural wonder that needs to be seen to be believed.

undara lava tubes tours

Voyage to Undara Lava Tubes

If you are looking for an adventure, the Gulf Savannah Way is for you!

This road is a must-do for any traveller interested in exploring the wild side of life. With plenty of stops along the way, this roadwill not disappoint. Departing early morning will allow you to fit it all inand arrive at Undara mid-morning after a few interesting stops on the way. The Gulf Savannah Way is fully sealed and safe for driving both 4WD and non 4WD vehicles.

The further inland you travel, the sparser both the landscape and population become so be sure to travel prepared with a full tankof petrol, extra water, and a goodmap. Some fun and notable places to stop along the way include the Atherton Tablelands .

Lava Tubes Undara

Unfortunately, the popularity and significance of these geological wonders has led to their deterioration at an alarming rate. In order to preserve this unique habitat and ensure visitors can continue to enjoy this area without negatively impacting upon this rich geological environment, eco accredited tours have been developed in the region. These tours are aimed at educating people about how best to enjoy this unique habitat without damaging it.

Accommodation at Undara Resort

The Undara Experience is one of the most unique, excitingand memorable experiences you'll ever have. It's like going back in time to when Australia was still a wild and untamed place. You'll sleep in turn-of-the-century railway carriages, or maybe in a swag under the stars.

It's a place where you can reconnect with nature and yourself, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Australia Queensland's outback. There are five different accommodation options available at Undara Experience : you can choose from dormitory style accommodation at Wilderness Lodge, 'swags' or large permanent tents, the Safari Shelter which is reserved for those who bring their own tent and caravans to stay at the Outback Caravan Park. All these sites are situated close to amenities with both hot and coldwater (including showers), individual campfire pits, free gas barbeques and anamazing little swimming pool that will be your favourite place to cool downafter a long day exploring the outback Undara Lava Tubes! ‍

A Campfire and Dinner to remember at Undara

Enjoy a hearty dinner at the Fettlers Iron Pot Bistro before heading out to the free evening campfire activities. The dining area looks like a converted railway station, so you'll feel like you're dining in the middle of the Australian outback. With something on the menu for everyone to enjoy, you'll be sure to sample some delicious fare before moving onto the free evening campfire activities. Just behind the dining area is a large campfire site, so grab your Billy tea, come on down and enjoy the Undara campfire stories and activities conducted by the Savannah guides. ‍

The authentic Australian Undara Bush Breakfast

Enjoy the world famous bush breakfast in a truly unique outdoor setting. Start the day off right with a hot breakfast cooked right before your very eyes, in a truly unique outdoor setting.

undara lava tubes tours

Undara Volcanic National Park Tour

The Undara National Park is a unique natural wonder that you'll only find in Cairns Far North Queensland Australia. It's a place like nowhere else on earth, and the locals have been keeping its secrets safe for centuries.

The best way to explore this amazing Queensland attraction is by taking a guided Undara tour with an experienced Savannah guide—they will share with you all the history of this magnificent natural wonder and give you plenty of chances to take photos. They'll also make sure you stay hydrated and well-fed at every stop along the way.

The Undara Volcanic National Park tour is perfect for those who are looking for something different but don'twant to spend too much time getting there. This particular tour visits a rocky bluff and four unique sections of the wondrous Undara lava tubes, as well as morning and afternoon tea. It also includes some short uneven climbs, so be prepared for a moderate level of fitness. The ideal time frame for this walk is four hours total--best done in two days!

This Undara tour is great fun for all ages, whether it's just you or your whole family!

Undara Wildlife at Sunset Tour

What's more Australian than a sunset?

A sunset in the outback.

This Undara Sunset Tour will take you there, with a glass of bubbly in hand and a guide by your side.

Gaze upon the vast skies of the outback as they turn from blue to purple, and then pink, and then orange. Watch as the stars begin to peek through the darkening sky. Feel the wind on your face and hear the crunching of your footsteps on the rocks. It's like being in another world—and it's all yours for an hour or two.

How to Get to Undara Lava Tubes National Park - 4WD Tours

The road to Undara is a fully sealed and serviced road nowadays but is narrow in sections and carries a lot of road trains so keep alert as they travel very fast. You may also come across wildlife such as Kangaroos or roaming cattle.

This remote part of the world was once a major supply route for cattle ranchers, however it is now only used by 4WD enthusiasts and tourists who come to see the lava tubes, tube caves and glow worms.

The easiest road to take is the Kennedy Highway which you access at Smithfield on your way to Kuranda and head to Herberton and then follow the signs to Ravenshoe.

The next township is Mount Garnetand there you will see a sign that says Undara Lava Lodge in 45 kilometres. Once you are through the Forty Mile Scrub National Park follow the signs to Undara Head towards Mt Surprise and the Undara turnoff goes through the Whitewater Cattle Station so make sure you watch out for those big beasts as they are as solid as a rock!

Undara Lava Tubes to Cobbold Gorge – Self Drive

Directions to Undara lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge

If you're looking to get off the beaten path, look no further than Cobbold Village. From Cairns , drive along Kennedy Highway through Atherton Tablelands to Mount Garnet. Continue on the Savannah Way via Gulf Developmental Road towards Mt Surprise and then Georgetown. At Georgetown, head south 42km on a gravel road that's maintained by Etheridge Shire Council, finally, there are 43km of formed gravel road leading to the frontgates of Cobbold Village—your final destination!

How to get to Cobbold Gorge

If you're planning to drive from Cairns to Cobbold Gorge, were recommend you check with the individual Budget Car hire Cairns company before hand tounderstand their policies regarding driving on 'formed gravel road.' Policiesmay differ from one company to the next.

undara lava tubes tours

Depending on where you're coming from, you'll encounter dirt road. If you're travelling from Cairns , there is an additional approx. 8km of gravel between Georgetown and Forsayth. Most conventional vehicles will handle the journey to Cobbold Gorge with ease, including those towing caravans, plus we have two-wheel drive vehicles and non-off-road caravans come in—but again, your Budget Car hire Cairns company may specify that you require a 4WD for the trip so always double-check with the rental company first before making your booking. Book at Budget Car hire Cairns today,t he best value Cairns car hire.

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The Undara Experience: Lava Tubes, Micro-Bats and Sleeping in Trains

Undara Experience, Qld, Australia

The Undara Experience

Table of Contents

Venture into Outback Australia with the Undara Experience, in Tropical North Queensland. Explore the oldest lava tubes on the planet, sleep in refurbished train carriages and enjoy bush walks surrounded by wildlife.

Located 260km south-west of Cairns (or a 3.5 hour drive), the Undara Experience is located in the Undara National Park, a private enterprise operated by the Collins family, the earliest white settlers in this locality whose cattle have grazed in the area since 1862.

The Undara Experience was created to showcase the lava tubes located on the Collins’ family property in 1987, protecting the formations for future generations by developing a sustainable visitor experience.

Visitors to Undara can stay on the property in a range of accomodations that suit all budgets and preferences. To see the lava tubes, visitors must book into a tour, which ensures the numbers passing through the tubes are kept to a sustainable number and keep the ecological impact to a minimum.

Undara Cairns

Like many visitors to Undara, we arrived at the property in the early afternoon to check into our accommodation. We stayed in the rail carriage rooms, which are all restored turn-of-the-century Queensland Railway Carriages.

For a truly unique experience, the rail carriages cannot be beat.

Undara Cairns

There is a swimming pool on the property for some cooling down and several bush walks to take if you are after some exercise and wildlife spotting. We saw plenty of wildlife around the swimming pool as well as in the bush.

Undara Cairns

The star attraction is, of course, the lava tubes, which are 190 million years old. Over 300 roof collapses have been detected from the air, which should equal 300 caves – however only 69 have been discovered, and leaving the majority as yet unexplored. David Attenborough, upon visiting Undara, proclaimed it to be one of the most unexplored geological features on earth.

Tours at the Undara Experience

There are three tours offered by the Undara Experience, of which we enjoyed two – the Big Sky Sunset Iconic Australian Wildlife and Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour.

Big Sky Sunset Iconic Australian Wildlife

This tour takes visitors by mini bus through the bush to enjoy the sunset over the bush with sparkling wine and cheese and a highly knowledgable guide to point out the iconic wildlife easily spotted along the way, as well as the history of the land. We saw plenty of pretty face/ whip tail kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies and wallaroos as they came out at dusk.

Undara Cairns

After the sunset, visitors are taken to the mouth of a lava tube to witness one of the most memorable experiences imaginable – thousands of tiny insect-eating micro-bats emerge from the darkness to find food. Waiting for them at the entrance are pythons and brown tree snakes hoping to catch a meal. Up to half a million micro-bats swarm out of the tubes each night to hunt for insect, returning at dawn.

Undara Cairns

Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour

This is the the ultimate tour of Undara’s lava tubes. It’s takes two hours to complete and runs from mid-March to October – bookings essential. The tour picks up visitors in a mini bus and drives them to the lava tubes, through the arid, red landscape into the lush rainforest that has grown out of the mouths of the lava tubes.

Undara Cairns

Each tour visits up to three sections of lava tubes, which are easily accessible however do contain staircases that need to be descended and ascended again. An accessible lava tube with a chair lift is available for those who cannot use stairs.

Undara Cairns

The Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour was an experience was breathtaking. There was something very “Indiana Jones” about descending down into the lava tubes through a collapsed roof, where a lush forrest of greenery has sprung up, and greeted by swarms of tiny Common Australian crow butterflies and yellow greasies butterflies. Birds, insects, butterflies that live in the collapsed section can be found nowhere else in the region.

Undara Cairns

Wind Tunnel Explorer

This tour takes two hours to complete and runs between April and September. A tour for the adventurous, it allows visitors to explore the lava tubes in their rawest form – by scrambling over rocks with less infrastructure. Expect uneven surfaces, not suitable for children under five.

Families at Undara

Kids are very welcome at Undara. Lover of trains, caves and wildlife all find their way to this magical place and enjoy its wildness. While there are no specific family tours, the guides tailor their talks to the visitors present.

Food at Undara

Undara Cairns

There is a restaurant in the main settlement serving dinner each night. The food is hearty and wholesome and a welcome end to the day.

Undara Cairns

Breakfast is served over campfire, a traditional billy tea with a choice of hot and cold food.

Undara Cairns

Where to stay at Undara

There are several options for staying on the property.

Railway Carriage Accommodation

Stay in a beautifully restored railway carriage. Each carriage has its own bathroom. There is an accessible carriage available. 

Undara Cairns

Pioneer Huts Accommodation

The pioneer huts are modern cabins each with their own bathroom, private verandah and air conditioning. 

Undara Cairns

Swags Tent Village Accommodation

Undara Cairns

Glamp in the bush in one of these large, permanent tents, which are close to a central amenities block. There is an undercover camp kitchen available for use with hot and cold water, free gas barbecue, fridge, gas hot plates, picnic tables and chairs. 

Safari Shelter

The large campground area is perfect for groups with their own tents, vans and motor homes. It has a separate amenities block available, access for mobility impaired guests and a dedicated undercover camp kitchen with hot and cold water, free gas barbecue, picnic tables and a private campfire.

Motorhome, Caravan Park and Camping

There are 11 drive-up camp sites (tents, small vehicles and camper trailers), 38 powered van sites (22 drive-through, 16 reverse-in) and 26 un-powered van sites available in this are, with individual campfire pits/barbecues on some sites and firewood available for purchase. This section of the property is surrounded by bush, and located close to amenities blocks.

Undara Cairns

Find more things to do in and around Cairns .

Undara Experience Undara Volcanic Park, Savannah Way QLD undara.com.au

I was hosted during my time at Undara by Tourism Tropical North Queensland . Get more info on things to do in Queensland here.

Undara Experience, Qld, Australia

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Undara Volcanic National Park Tropical North Queensland

Photo credit: © Tourism Tropical North Qld

About Undara

Park features.

On the western slopes of the McBride Plateau, open woodlands give way to the vast open spaces of the savanna. Here in Undara Volcanic National Park, rich volcanic basalt soils, covered in a sea of seasonal grasses, conceal the Undara lava tube. This geological tunnel of global significance extends under a ribbon of remnant dry rainforest.

‘Undara’ is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘long way’. The park protects one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. About 190,000 years ago, a large volcano erupted violently, spewing molten lava over the surrounding landscape. The lava flowed rapidly down a dry riverbed. The top, outer layer cooled and formed a crust, while the molten lava below drained outwards, leaving behind a series of hollow tubes.

Semi-evergreen vine thicket grows in the moist, sheltered entrances to some of the lava caves. The roofs of some tubes collapsed, creating ideal conditions for dry rainforest to grow and wildlife to shelter. Rock-wallabies, insectivorous bat colonies and owls roost here in the cool. Birds shelter in the fruit-filled canopy and predators lurk in the tumbled basalt terrain to complete the food chain.

  • Read more about the nature, culture and history of Undara Volcanic National Park.

Looking after the park

Assist the Traditional Owners and rangers in preserving the natural and cultural values.

  • Take care if driving at night—wildlife may be encountered on the roads.
  • Stay on the walking tracks at all times—this reduces the risk of injury, prevents disturbance to native vegetation and reduces erosion.
  • Limit the spread of weeds by ensuring clothes, shoes and gear are clean and free of seeds before arriving at the park.
  • Take your rubbish with you when you leave.
  • Feeding of wildlife is prohibited—it can affect the health of animals and alter their behaviour.
  • Leave domestic animals at home—they are not permitted in national parks.
  • Everything in the park is protected—leave everything as you found it.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Gazetted in 1989, Undara Volcanic National Park is part of the extensive Einasleigh Uplands biogeographic region .

The park is managed for the purpose of protecting the natural and cultural values of the area, while allowing the public to continue to enjoy a range of recreational activities.

A management statement for Undara Volcanic National Park (PDF, 3.1MB) has been prepared and implemented.

Tourism information links

Discovery Resorts – Undara ph: 1800 990 992 email: [email protected]

Discovery Parks – Mount Surprise Ph: (07) 4062 3193 Email: [email protected]

For tourism visitor information centre locations visit Discover Queensland and for tourism information for all regions in Queensland visit Queensland Holidays .

Nature, culture and history

The natural, cultural and historical significance of Undara

Park alerts

  • Wet season closure of 2 x walking tracks; Undara Volcanic National Park 15 December 2023 to 18 March 2024

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Excellent half day tour - Undarra Lava Tubes

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  • Undarra Lava Tubes

Excellent half day tour

Great day. The tour warnings are a bit misleading. You need to have a fair to good level of fitness. There are steep climbs and not a level bit of ground in and out of the tubes. Having said that these tubes are well worth the doping.

We did the tour organised by Bedrock Village, Mount Surprise. The lava tubes were certainly interesting but access via very steep rocky tracks with no rigid handrails can be dangerous for elderly tourists

The Undara Lava Tubes are well worth seeing - just make sure you book a tour as it is the only way to see them - and the tours are really popular.

We booked ahead to stay at Bedrock Village in a cabin & to do a morning tour of the LavaTubes which was very good! Informative, friendly guide, & learnt so much. They provided individual torches for us, for use in the darker tubes. Started the tour with a walk around the nearby crater & then morning tea before heading to a few of the lava tubes. Bedrock Village VanPark (&cabins) is only about 35 min drive from the Lava Tubes - they take you in their bus.

The tour of the lava pipes is very interesting and attractive. We had an excellent guide, but make sure you book ahead. It's easy walking. It does include walks into dark caves, so a torch is advised. I used my phone flashlight.

undara lava tubes tours

These are just amazing. The tour is operated by the guy who owned the land before it became national park so he kind of has a monopoly which means it isn't cheap. But when you drive hundreds of kilometers to get there you're not going to not do it. The setup of the whole place to stay is well done. Lots of old railway carriages for the office, restaurant, bar etc as well as for accommodation. We stayed in a "family swag" which is two teepee type things with a small deck in between with table and chairs, a sink and fridge. Pretty basic but there are several amenities blocks nearby. It's a pretty dry and dusty place in the dry season of course. The tour to the tubes was fantastic, the guide gave all the history, geology etc of how they formed. We did the active tour since it involved a bit of rock scrambling. Bring a good torch or headlamp to make sure you get to see everything in the tubes.

IMAGES

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  2. Visit The Undara Lava Tubes

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  3. The Undara Lava Tubes a Cairns Outback Experience

    undara lava tubes tours

  4. The Lava Tubes of Undara Volcanic National Park

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  5. Undara Lava Tubes on a Day Tour Flight

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  6. Visit The Undara Lava Tubes

    undara lava tubes tours

VIDEO

  1. Exploring One of The World's Most Extensive Lava Tube Caves: Australia's Undara Volcanic Park

  2. Undara Lava Tubes & Cobbold Gorge, Queensland || Outback Queensland || Paul Wheel Drive

  3. Thurston Lava Tube, Big Island Lava, Lave Tube Hawaii

  4. Lava Tube Tour

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  6. Exploring Cobbold Gorge & Undara Lava Tubes, The Savannah Way

COMMENTS

  1. Discovery Experiences Undara

    The Archway Explorer Tour is an excellent way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Your Savannah Guide will unlock the secrets of this world-class geological wonder, bringing to life the story of why it's considered to be one of the oldest and best-preserved on Earth plus other interesting environmental, geological, and historical features pointed out and explained by your Savannah Guide ...

  2. Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour

    During this period, the Archway Explorer Tour will operate depending on weather conditions. This will be determined on a week-by-week basis. For more information, please contact our reservations team on 0427 521 924 . The ultimate introduction to Undara's lava tubes; take a guided tour along the boardwalks through the hollow lava tubes that ...

  3. Cairns Attractions

    The Undara Lava Tube tour experience will delight families, couples or groups seeking a unique eco-friendly wilderness adventure. The unique ecological and geological formations at Undara have taken millions of years to form and can be traced back as far as 300 million years ago when Australia was part of the super-continent Gondwanaland.

  4. Undura Lava Tubes 1 & 2 Day Tours. Best Undara tours!

    Undara Tours. Explore th e Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge on an all-inclusive One or two Day 4WD tour of outback Queensland and discover the beauty of this unique landscape. Travel in a small group on our one or two-day Undara Tours, which include a unique style railway carriage and an insight into the history and unique Queensland outback.

  5. Visiting the Undara Lava Tubes, QLD

    Undara Lava Tubes Tours. The Undara Lava Tubes Queensland are believed to be the longest of their kind out of the 23 countries in the world who also have Lava Tubes. The tubes were created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago. The flowing lava lasted a long time, which allowed the outer edge to cool, whilst the interior kept ...

  6. Activities and Attractions

    Activities and Attractions. Please note, Discovery Resorts - Undara is now closed for the green season (November - March). During this period, the Archway Explorer Tour will operate depending on weather conditions. This will be determined on a week-by-week basis. For more information, please contact our reservations team on 0427 521 924 .

  7. Undara Lava Tubes & Cobbold Gorge 4 Day Tour

    Undara Tour & Cobbold Gorge - 4 Day/3 Night All Inclusive Tour. Experience the unique Australian Outback and visit the Award Winning Attractions of The Undara Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge on this Fully Inclusive 4 Day / 3 Night Tour. Spend a night at Bedrock Village and 2 nights at Cobbold Gorge, with all accommodations, meals and experiences ...

  8. Undara Experience

    The Archway Explorer Tour is an excellent way to experience the Undara Lava Tubes. Your Savannah Guide will unlock the secrets of this world-class geological wonder, bringing to life the story of why it's considered to be one of the oldest and best-preserved on Earth plus other interesting environmental, geological, and historical features pointed out and explained by your Savannah Guide ...

  9. Undara Lava Tube Tour

    The tour of the Undara Lava Tubes has roughly 300 steps in the complete tour that takes you from the plains above, through the upper entrance way and down the floor of one of the lava tubes. For those concerned about completing this here is some more information.

  10. Things to do

    Guided tours and talks. Access to the lava tubes is by guided tour only and several tours are offered by Undara Experience and Bedrock Village. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service do not offer any guided tours. Picnic and day-use areas. The Kalkani day-use area, about 17km from Undara Experience, has toilets, picnic tables and access to the ...

  11. Visiting the Undara Lava Tubes

    Although there are a few things to do within Undara Volcanic National Park, it's the Undara Lava Tubes that are the highlight. You can only visit them with a guided tour, and there are just two companies that offer that - Undara Experience and Bedrock Village, both of which also provide accommodation. Bedrock Village is about 40 minutes' drive away, whereas Undara Experience is right in ...

  12. Visit The Undara Lava Tubes

    TNQ Writer. Some adventures are off the beaten track and others, like the Undara Lava Tubes, are underneath it. You'll need to dip below the earth's surface, to explore these famous 190,000-year-old lava tunnels that point to an explosion when 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed for 160 kilometres, carving a natural playground south-west of ...

  13. Visiting safely

    Undara Volcanic National Park is open 24 hours a day. Temporary seasonal closures may be encountered. In very wet periods, sections of caves may be flooded and closed to visitors. Access to the lava tubes is only by guided tour by Undara Experience and Bedrock Village. To protect breeding bats, access to the Wind Tunnel Complex and Barkers Cave ...

  14. Undara Volcanic National Park

    Caves within this lava tube system are fertile pockets in which rainforest plant and animal species thrive. Location. The park is 300km south-west of Cairns or 420km north-west of Townsville. Welcome. Welcome to Undara Volcanic National Park, traditional country of the Ewamian (pronounced oor-a-min) Aboriginal people. Learn more Getting there

  15. Undara Lava Tubes and Cairns Outback Experience

    Seeing the Undara Lava Tubes on an Outback Experience Tour is a unique travel opportunity in Cairns Far North Queensland Australia.. Located approximately four hours southeast of Cairns city it definitely is the accessible Australian outback. Undara National Park is home to the world famous Undara Lava Tubes.Over 190 000 years ago, Mother Nature created one of the rarest and most interesting ...

  16. Undarra Lava Tubes: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

    Incorporated in the trip was a Cairns outback bus and train tour that included overnights in Georgetown, Karumba, Forsayth and Mount Surprise as well as two iconic landforms - Cobbold Gorge ( reviewed separately) near Forsayth and the Undara Lava Tubes near Mt Surprise. The story of the formation of the Lava Tubes is worth noting.

  17. Undara Volcanic National Park In 4 Days

    In fact 'Undara' is an Aborginal word for 'the long way', and when you get to the tubes you'll see why. This is one of the oldest and best preserved lava tube systems anywhere on Earth, created when the Undara Volcano erupted over 190,000 years ago, pouring out enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour three times over.

  18. Undara Tour & Cobbold Gorge 4 Day Tour

    Departing: Cairns. Tour: #1125. From. AU$940.00. Tour Details Book Now. Our Cairns outback explorer 4 day tour is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey through the "Savannah" west of Cairns out to Cobbold Gorge and Undara Lava Tubes. This personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than twelve.

  19. Undara Lava Tubes Tours

    The Undara Lava Tubes are a series of long, dark tunnelst hat were created by a major eruption of a volcano. As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubestaking it further and further from the volcano. The eruption slowed and then stopped, leaving behind a series of hollow tunnels.

  20. The Undara Experience: Lava Tubes, Micro-Bats and Sleeping in Trains

    Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour. This is the the ultimate tour of Undara's lava tubes. It's takes two hours to complete and runs from mid-March to October - bookings essential. The tour picks up visitors in a mini bus and drives them to the lava tubes, through the arid, red landscape into the lush rainforest that has grown out of the ...

  21. About

    'Undara' is an Aboriginal word meaning 'long way'. The park protects one of the longest lava tube cave systems in the world. About 190,000 years ago, a large volcano erupted violently, spewing molten lava over the surrounding landscape. The lava flowed rapidly down a dry riverbed.

  22. Great tour of the lava tubes

    We did the 3.30 tour with Mike the geologist - a wealth of knowledge with a great sense of humour and even sang for us in the lava tube! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, educational and interesting. We have 2 boys 12 & 9 they loved the tour too, even saw wallaroos, kangaroos and other wild life on our return.

  23. Excellent half day tour

    Undarra Lava Tubes: Excellent half day tour - See 272 traveller reviews, 289 candid photos, and great deals for Undara Volcanic National Park, Australia, at Tripadvisor. ... The Undara Lava Tubes are well worth seeing - just make sure you book a tour as it is the only way to see them - and the tours are really popular.