Embark on an extraordinary adventure exploring the ancient wonders of the Undara Lava Tubes, a geological marvel millions of years in the making.
The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Ewamian People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Undara Lava Tubes are located. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Exploring the Undara Lava Tubes in Tropical North Queensland is an absolute must! Located in the Undara Volcanic National Park, you’ll walk in the path of an ancient volcano through lava caves hidden under the remnants of a dry rainforest.
To help you get the most out of your visit, I’ve compiled this guide that covers everything you need to know. It includes information on how to get there, where to stay, accommodation options, tour details as well as where to eat.
Let’s get started and plan your adventure to Undara National Park!
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HOW TO GET TO THE UNDARA VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
Undara is easily accessible by car, 4WD, or motorhome. All roads leading there are sealed. Some stretches are narrow or single-lane, and you may need to pull over for road trains, which can be up to 50 metres long. But overall, it’s a smooth drive.
Driving from Cairns to the Undara Lava Tubes takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and from Townsville, it takes around 4 to 5.5 hours.
Keep in mind the Undara Lava Tubes and accommodation is open seasonally between March and October.
UNDARA ACCOMMODATION
To make the most of your experience at the Undara Lava Tubes, I recommend staying at Discovery Resort Undara, the gateway to the National Park. Accommodation options cater to various lifestyles and budgets, ensuring something for everyone.
Cabins and Rooms
Discovery Resort Undara offer guests the following cabins and rooms near the Undara Lava Tubes.
Pioneer Huts
For premium accommodation, consider the Pioneer Huts. These huts sleep up to three people with King/Twin bedding and a sofa bed.
Amenities include air conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, and a small fridge. The private verandah is a great spot to relax and enjoy an alfresco meal while spotting wildlife in the Savannah Woodlands.
Railway Carriage
Want to sleep in award-winning accommodation? The Undara train carriages have won both Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for ‘Unique Accommodation’!
These beautifully restored railway carriages can accommodate up to four guests with Queen/Twin bedding and a sofa bed. They also feature tea and coffee making facilities and a small fridge. Shaded by tall trees and surrounded by native wildlife, this is a unique and enjoyable place to stay for all guests.
Homesteads
Named after six of the original pioneering homesteads in the Undara region, the Homesteads bring a touch of history to life at Undara. The Homesteads feature King/Twin bedding, a sofa bed, tea and coffee making facilities, and a small fridge.
Undara Camping
If you’re looking for camping options, the park has you covered. Whether you want to roll out a swag, pitch a tent, pop your camper top, or enjoy a bit of glamping, there are plenty of options available.
Swags Tent Village (Glamping)
If you want a taste of Undara camping without roughing it, the Swags Tent Village might be what you’re after.
These permanent tents come with home comforts like beds (4 singles in the Quad Tent or a double and two singles in the Family Tent), all linen, electric lights, window screens, a fridge, a sink, and a powerpoint.
These tents are located close to the amenities block and camp kitchen and provide a convenient and comfortable camping experience.
Camping
If you’re keen on camping near the Undara Lava Tubes, the Undara campsite offers 15 drive-up sites for tents, small vehicles, and camper trailers.
These sites are located beneath shady trees, providing a cool breeze and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Conveniently close to the amenities block, even middle-of-the-night toilet trips are hassle-free.
Undara Caravan Park
The Undara caravan park offers 58 powered van sites and 25 unpowered van sites. If your motorhome lacks amenities, the amenities block is conveniently located nearby.
UNDARA LAVA TUBES TOURS
The Undara Lava Tubes in Queensland are believed to be the longest among the 23 countries that also have lava tubes. Formed over 190,000 years ago, when the Undara Volcano erupted, the tubes were created as the flowing lava’s outer edge cooled while the interior kept moving.
A range of tours are on offer at Undara, which are covered below.
Tours do book out, so to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you book your tours when you book your accommodation.
Archway Explorer
For a great introduction to the Undara Lava Tubes, try the Archway Explorer.
This two-hour tour, led by an experienced Savannah guide, covers the Lava Tubes and other intriguing environmental, geological, and historical features of the region. The walk is on boardwalks and stairs with handrails; an easy fitness level is required.
Remember to bring a hat, suncream, torch, and water, and it’s recommended to wear enclosed shoes.
Wind Tunnel Explorer
The Wind Tunnel Explorer tour is perfect if you’re up for some adventure. It takes you to up to three sections of the Lava Tube, where you’ll scramble over rocks without boardwalks and with limited handrails.
This tour requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t recommended for children under 5 years. It lasts about two hours.
Remember to bring a hat, suncream, torch, and water, and it’s recommended to wear enclosed shoes.
Wildlife at Sunset
This tour has it all—wildlife, wine, and bats.
Enjoy a big sky sunset while spotting iconic Australian wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, lorikeets, and other creatures in their natural environment. Sip on sparkling wine and indulge in cheese as your Savannah Guide reveals the secrets of this timeless land.
At dusk, head to the entrance of a Lava Tube and witness thousands of microbats emerging from the darkness. Watch as pythons and brown tree snakes strike from the trees, trying to catch the bats.
This unforgettable nature experience requires a moderate fitness with boardwalks, steps, and a short uneven climb.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
The Lava Tubes are the main draw but don’t miss out on the fun at the Undara resort.
Swimming Pool
The pool blends with the outback’s natural surroundings, designed in a billabong style with a small cascading waterfall. Cool off in the freshwater, then kick back on the chairs and lounges.
There’s also a shallow paddle area for those who prefer to wade.
Bushwalking and Bike Tracks
Walking or biking the tracks at Undara offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy stunning views of the volcanic landscape. You’ll get a trail map highlighting the best spots to see wildflowers and birds, adding a bit of fun to your exploration.
Undara features nine tracks ranging from 1.5km to 12km, mostly easy to navigate. Here are the top three, which are also great for biking:
Bluff Lookout: Head to the Bluff for stunning sunset views over the lava plains and volcanoes – 1.5 km | 25 minutes return | Easy
Bluff Circuit: Follow the Bluff trail to wander through the forest and along the edge of a swamp, potentially encountering wildlife along the way – 2.3 km | 40 mins return | Easy
Flat Rock Circle View: Skirt the 100 Mile Swamp to reach Flat Rock, a granite surface with small water holes on top. The swamp area has many small pools that attract a variety of birds. Circle View, a granite knoll, offers 360-degree views across the lava plains, extending to distant volcanic cones – 8.6 km | 2.5 hrs return | Easy
Dining Options
All meals are sorted with warm outback hospitality. Start your day with a ‘Bush Breakfast’ at Ringers’ Camp, featuring billy tea, freshly brewed coffee, and toast cooked on the campfire coals. How Aussie is that?
For lunch and dinner, head to the ‘Fettlers’ Iron Pot Bistro’ for authentic country cooking.
The ‘Saloon Car Bar’ offers freshly ground espresso coffee, as well as a selection of Australian and imported beers, wines, and spirits, also available for lunch and dinner.
Kiosk
Feeling peckish or need a snack? The small onsite shop has you covered with basic food supplies and snacks, including cold drinks. It’s open seven days a week.
ENJOY THE UNDARA LAVA TUBES!
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need to plan your trip to the Undara Lava Tubes.
If you’re planning a trip to Undara, I highly recommend you check out our North Queensland guide, which provides links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.
If you’re heading to Undara, you might also be interested in the following nearby destinations: