July 11/12 Undara Lava Tubes

July 17, 2020 - Reading time: 2 minutes

Reputation can be killer!

1997 a friend visited Undara with his family and has raved about it ever since and last year my Brother and Sister in Law did the same. So it was with high expectations that we arrive – expectations that were well and truly met.

Firstly our campsite was very large with a fireplace if required and we had a degree of privacy from other campers. Secondly, the atmosphere created by the old train carriages which are used as accommodation, reception, bar and restaurant areas in a peaceful setting with great views of the bush and wildlife, required excellent planning and foresight.

Thirdly, the walks are extremely well organised – good maps, accurate descriptions and a very good way to further investigate the area. The highlight being the sighting of a pair of red tail black cockatoos – they were beautiful and sat in a tree for five minutes as we quietly observed them – the colours in the tails are stunning when the wings are spread.

Finally, the tour of the lava tubes is both informative and awe inspiring! 150 metres long, roofs only two to five metres in thickness, Moreton Bay figs trees root system travelling 75 metres along the floor of the tubes to survive. The general area is of course Savannah in name, while immediately around the tubes it turns into remnant Rainforests even with bottle trees! From a high point you can pick out the tubes due to this change!

We left Undara with it's reputation firmly entrenched!