It’s not every day you get to walk in the footsteps of an ancient volcano, let alone explore one of the oldest, longest and most well-preserved lava tube systems on the planet. But for Aussies, that experience is just a short flight away at the Undara Lava Tubes in Tropical North Queensland.
Described by Sir David Attenborough as one of the most “unexplored geological features of the Earth”, these remarkable tubes are perhaps Australia’s best-kept natural secret. Attenborough even declared they should be recognised as the eighth Wonder of the World. Interested to find out why? Here’s everything you need to know about the Undara Lava Tubes.
What are the Undara Lava Tubes?
The Undara Lava Tubes are the remains of one of the Earth’s longest lava flows to originate from a single volcanic eruption. Now, they hold the record as Australia’s oldest, longest and best-preserved lava tube systems, stretching an impressive 160 kilometres.
How were the Undara Lava Tubes formed?
Around 190,000 years ago, a colossal volcano in Undara erupted, spilling enough lava to fill Sydney Harbour over six days. When the molten rivers eventually drained away, they left behind an incredible network of hollow tubes that stretched on for tens of kilometres. Over time, weaker sections of the tubes collapsed, forming more than 70 caves scattered throughout the national park. Today, much of this ancient volcanic landscape is covered in thick vines and seasonal grasses, providing shelter for a diverse range of local wildlife.
Where are the Undara Lava Tubes located?
You can find the Undara Lava Tubes within Undara Volcanic National Park in Tropical North Queensland. ‘Undara’ translates to ‘long way’ in the traditional language of the Ewamian Aboriginal people, which is a fitting description of the journey, with the tubes about a four-hour drive southwest of Cairns or five hours northwest of Townsville.
Can you visit the Undara Lava Tubes?
Since the cave ecosystem is so large and fragile, the only way to explore the Undara Lava Tubes is on a guided tour. Undara Experience’s Savannah Guides run three different tours, including a leisurely two-hour Archway Explorer Tour, a more adventurous Wind Tunnel Explorer Tour, and a fascinating Wildlife at Sunset Tour.
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