Atherton Tablelands - Undara

Located on the eastern edge of the ruggedly beautiful Gulf Savannah region of northern Australia , Undara Experience captures the essence of the real Australian Outback. From the Lodge, guests visit the Undara Lava Tubes , part of the longest lava flow from a single volcanic crater on Earth. Guests have a choice of accommodation styles ; specially restored antique railway carriages nestled in the Queensland bush, or a central camping area with superb above ground tents and all amenities. The Undara Experience includes evening wildlife spotlighting walks, campfire evenings, dining , or a quiet drink in the bar.

We did the half day lava tube trip, the evening sunset trip where we saw bats, owls, rabbits and kangaroos. We also did the short walk and all this is one complete day and two nights. We slept in a railway carriage with on suite. Breakfast is outdoors with Kookaburra's and Kangaroos. Well worth the 5 hour drive.

Tours And Excursions that you can do while at Undara.

The Undara Lava Tubes are the region's main attraction and Savannah Guides conduct tours of the tubes that are rewarding and educational experiences. Other tours focusing on the wildlife and ecology of Undara are also available, including night spotlighting tours where you'll learn the secrets of the Outback's fascinating nocturnal animals.

Many kilometres ofbushwalks , both guided and unguided, will show you the wildlife of the historic One Hundred Mile Swamp, while several walks also lead up to the granite bluffs which present spectacular views of the Eastern Gulf Savannah.

Undara is a photographer's dream with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, majestic natural scenery, and the amazing flora and fauna unique to Outback Australia . Birdlife is abundant, with over 120 species to delight bird-watchers.

For those wishing to venture further afield, the popular ' Savannahlander' train travels the original 90 year old rail line that serviced the pioneering mining towns of Forsayth, Einasleigh and Mt Surprise. Slowing and stopping regularly, there are plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph the flora, fauna and unique geological features encountered on this historic journey.

One attraction not to be missed is Cobbold Gorge, created by nature over the past 135 million years. Countless wet seasons have spilled torrents of water through the narrow ravines, carving out deep gorges and permanent waterholes at the foot of spectacular towering cliffs. The gorge is a perfect habitat for native animals, including occasional sightings of the harmless freshwater crocodile.

Whether you wish to join one of their small, personalised group tours, or wander quietly discovering the flora and fauna on your own self guided bushwalk , Undara will give you an experience as unique as its ecology.

Tour Information

Undara Experience offers several types of Lava Tube tours that are designed to suit the time you have available, your interests and also your budget.

All tours are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles with highly trained and award winning Savannah Guides who enjoy sharing the Gulf Savannah and Undara with you. It is important that all passengers wear enclosed footwear, and hats are strongly recommended. Bring your camera, as photos are welcomed, and your Savannah Guide will provide you with a torch.

Full Day Tour - Aprox 8 Hours

The tour begins with a walk around the rim of Kalkani crater where the collapsed line of the lava tube is highly visible and the vast scope of the tube system is most evident. Each section of the lava tubes has its own story to tell, and you'll see it all. Morning & afternoon tea are served in the bush, and your buffet lunch presented at Undara Experience.

Half Day Tour - Approx 3.5 Hours

Discover this fascinating underground geological phenomenon, enjoy home-style refreshments, climb a rocky bluff to get an above ground perspective and learn more about the region's ecology.

Wildlife at Sunset Tour - Approx 2 Hours

Watch and photograph a variety of local native animals, including wallabies, kangaroos, lizards and birds, before enjoying a cold drink and local produce as the sun sets. Learn about the local landmarks, plains and distant ranges. As dusk settles, travel to Barker's Cave to witness literally thousands of micro bats leave to feed for the night.

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Two Hour Lava Tube Tour

An excellent concentrated visit to the lava tubes, plus other interesting environmental, geological and historical features pointed out and explained on the trip to and from the tubes.

Evening Activities

Join in free evening activities with our Savannah Guides. Programs change daily and may include a sing-a-long, nature talk, Aussie heritage show, bush poetry, slide show, nocturnal spotlighting walk etc.

Undara Walks

Meander along marked tracks through the bush. Features open savannah woodland and gentle climbs to scenic lookouts with bird and animal watching opportunities.

Cobbold Gorge

Cobbold Gorge is unique, hidden away within the rugged sandstone formations of North Queensland . This gorge is extremely narrow, closing to a mere two meters wide in places, with spectacular 30 meter cliffs on either side. The overall length of the gorge is about six kilometres and consists of a series of water-holes and rock falls, however only the last 500 meters is accessible by flat bottom boat. This is another 4 hours on from Undara and on unmade roads. But looks fantastic

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