Staying in specially restored railway carriages set amongst the Queensland bush (Lava Lodge), or in the central camping ground (Swags tent village), you will experience evening wildlife spotlighting walks, campfire evenings, superb cuisine under the Outback stars, or a quiet drink in the bar as the burnt oranges of the sunset fade into dark to reveal the clearest starlit night.

The Undara Lava Tubes were formed some 190,000 years ago when a major crater in the McBride Volcanic Province erupted, its molten lava flowing down a dry river bed. As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubes taking it further and further from the crater.

As the eruption slowed, and then stopped, the lava drained out of the tubes leaving a series of long, hollow tunnels. Ancient roof collapses created deep, dark and moist depression where fertile pockets of rainforest can now be seen. Rainforest plants and animals thrive in this environment where each tube offers an insight into this rare geological wonder.

The word "Undara" is an Aboriginal word meaning "a long way", and one of the lava flows from Undara extends 160 kilometres (or 100 miles) making it the longest known single lava flow on the planet. The tube formed by part of the flow extends for more than 100 kilometres and several sections are accessible.

During the eruption cycle, the Undara volcano spewed forth 23 cubic metres of lava covering 1550 square kilometres. So far, 68 separate sections of cave have been identified from over 300 lava tube roof collapses.

Naturally, the Undara Lava Tubes are the main attraction in the region, 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 conducted, including night spotlighting tours where you will learn about the Outback's secrets and its fascinating nocturnal animals. Many kilometres of bushwalks, 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 from which you will get spectacular views of the Eastern Gulf Savannah.

Accommodation

Neither hotel nor resort, the Undara Lava Lodge is a wilderness experience totally in contrast to today's modern resorts. Undara Experience has recycled and brought alive again a bygone era with authentic turn-of-the-century railway carriages that have been beautifully restored and now sit under tall shady gum trees alongside an old teamsters trail.

At night a campfire crackles nearby, and after dinner is the perfect time to take part in fireside tales and sing-a-longs. Each morning you can enjoy a true Aussie breakfast surrounded by the bush, and breakfast and dinner are all included in the cost of your carriage.

Charming compact and comfortable, a night in one of our carriage compartments is reminiscent of long forgotten train journeys. You will find the siding decks the perfect place to observe the wildlife, or just relax and absorb the sounds of the bush.

The Lodge boasts superb cuisine which is served from the Fettler's Iron Pot Bistro and can be enjoyed under the Outback stars or within the nostalgic dining carriages. Compliment your dining experience with a classic Australian wine from our quality selection. For those of you who prefer to experience the bush in every way, the central camping grounds access all of the Lodge facilities, as well as their own undercover BBQ areas, sinks, guest laundry, and hot and cold showers for the use of campers. Individual campsites have campfire pits with firewood supplied. There is also the special Swags Tent Village where you only need to bring your own swag (bedding). The Swags Tents are comfortable "off-the-ground" tents with full head room, lighting and of course ... beds! Meal packages and linen hire is available.

Set on the eastern edge of the Gulf Savannah, Undara is 2,500 feet above sea level and enjoys over 300 days a year sunshine. With minimal humidity, the climate is very pleasant with warmer days and cooler evenings.

Two Day Tour

• Day One: Travel by coach to Innisfail and the beautiful Cairns Highlands, then into Tropical North Queensland's Outback region, known as the Gulf Savannah. Lunch on arrival at Undara Experience , then join your Savannah Guide for a fascinating two hour tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. Later on the Wildlife at Sunset Tour, enjoy refreshments as you watch the sun drop below the rugged Newcastle Range and marvel at the variety of wildlife including literally thousands of micro bats leaving the Lava Tubes to feed for the night. After dinner, enjoy an evening campfire activity. Overnight restored railway carriages. Lunch and dinner included.

• Day Two: Awaken your tastebuds with bush breakfast at the Ringers Camp to the accompaniment of the morning bird chorus. After breakfast depart the Lava Lodge for your return journey to Cairns on the beautiful Savannahlander train. Breakfast is included.

Tour Includes: 1 nights carriage accommodation, all National Park fees, 2 hour Lava Tube tour, Wildlife Sunset tour, meals as indicated, evening campfire activities, courtesy hotel transfers, outward coach tour and return Savannahlander train journey.

If you are interested in a more in depth exploration of the UNDARA LAVA TUBES and the surrounding area extended tours can be arranged including the traditional SAVANNAHLANDER train from Forsayth to Cairns which only recently has recommenced service. Please contact us for more information about your tour and accommodation options. Please note that specific aspects of some tour itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather and access conditions.