Undara is one of the great natural wonders on the road between the tropical coast and the Gulf. On the surface, it's open savannah woodland dotted with low volcanic cones. Underground, it's a different world: huge tunnels left by flowing lava, with vine thicket and rainforest growing in the collapsed sections. The park is the traditional Country of the Ewamian people.
Where is Undara?
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) says the park is about 300 km south-west of Cairns or 420 km north-west of Townsville. It's just off the Savannah Way (the Gulf Developmental Road) near Mount Surprise. From Cairns, the usual route climbs to the Atherton Tablelands, then heads west through Mount Garnet.
How the lava tubes formed
The park contains the remains of one of the earth's longest lava flows from a single volcano. As the lava flowed across the landscape, its outer surface cooled and hardened into a crust, while molten lava kept moving inside. When the flow drained away, it left long, hollow tubes. Where sections of the roof collapsed, they created moist, sheltered depressions where rainforest plants and animals now thrive, in stark contrast to the dry savannah above.
Seeing the lava tubes: guided tours only
QPWS says access to the lava tubes is by guided tour only. Tours are booked through:
- Discovery Resorts–Undara
- Discovery Parks–Mount Surprise
- Undara Lava Tube Tours
QPWS doesn't offer guided tours itself. Tours vary in length and in how much walking and climbing they involve, so check the details and book ahead, especially in the dry season.
Walks you can do yourself
QPWS lists walks from 2.5 km to 12 km return:
| Walk | Grade | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalkani Crater rim walk | 3 | 2.5 km return | about 1.5 hours |
| Atkinsons lookout trail | 3 | 3.8 km return | about 1.5 hours |
| Rosella Plains lookout trail | 4 | 12 km | 4–6 hours |
Kalkani Crater rim walk. Starting at the Kalkani day-use area, about 17 km from Discovery Resorts–Undara, this self-guided walk climbs to the saddle of Kalkani Crater and circles its eggcup-shaped rim. There are views over the lava plains to other volcanic vents, and you can trace the darker vine thicket that follows the lava flow from Undara Crater. Signs explain the area's explosive geology. Mountain bikes aren't allowed.
Atkinsons lookout trail. From Discovery Resorts–Undara, this shared trail crosses a granite knoll and Iron Pot Creek to a granite slab lookout, with views south to The Granites and Racecourse Hill, the park's highest shield volcano cone.
Rosella Plains lookout trail. A longer loop, best walked clockwise. The first 3 km follows part of the old telegraph line from Cardwell to Normanton, with original poles and a replica settler's hut. It includes a short, steep climb to Jump Up lookout. QPWS recommends boots and gaiters.
Wildlife
QPWS says more than 120 bird species have been recorded, including the vulnerable red goshawk. Early morning is best for birdwatching. The caves are home to thousands of insect-eating bats, which stream out at dusk. Spotted pythons and other predators often wait at cave entrances to catch them.
Facilities and rules
- No camping in the national park.
- No campfires.
- The Kalkani day-use area has toilets and picnic tables, some sheltered.
- There's a lookout, and some areas have wheelchair access, which may need assistance.
Where to stay
Since camping isn't allowed in the park, most visitors stay at Discovery Resorts–Undara, next to the park, which has accommodation and camping. QPWS also points to accommodation in and around Mount Surprise, Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet. See outback accommodation.
Best time to visit
The dry season, roughly April to October, brings cooler days and more reliable roads. The wet season can be hot and humid, with storms and possible road closures. Check QLDTraffic and the park's alerts before you go. See best time to visit.
Safety
- Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and walk in the cooler parts of the day.
- Stay on marked tracks, and follow your tour guide's directions in the tubes.
- Watch for wildlife on the roads at dawn and dusk.
- Check the QPWS visiting safely page and park alerts before you travel.
See outback safety.
Undara on a Savannah Way trip
Undara is a natural stop on the Savannah Way between Cairns and the Gulf. Combine it with Cobbold Gorge, Georgetown, Croydon and Normanton. See the Gulf Country guide and the outback Queensland road trip.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Undara Lava Tubes without a tour?
No. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says access to the lava tubes is by guided tour only, booked through Discovery Resorts–Undara, Discovery Parks–Mount Surprise or Undara Lava Tube Tours. QPWS doesn't run tours itself. You can walk the Kalkani Crater rim on your own.
How far are the Undara Lava Tubes from Cairns?
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says the park is about 300 km south-west of Cairns, or 420 km north-west of Townsville.
How did the lava tubes in Undara form?
Lava flowing from the Undara volcano formed a crust as its surface cooled, while molten lava kept flowing underneath. When the flow drained away, it left long hollow tubes. Where sections of roof collapsed, the depressions became fertile pockets where rainforest plants and animals thrive.
Where to stay when visiting Undara lava tube?
Camping isn't permitted in the national park. Discovery Resorts–Undara, next to the park, has accommodation and camping, and there's more accommodation in and around Mount Surprise, Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Undara Volcanic National Park — Queensland Government
- Things to do, Undara Volcanic National Park — Queensland Government
- Visiting safely, Undara Volcanic National Park — Queensland Government
