Travels in an Orange Van
Chapter 8: Undara Volcanic National Park
Distance Covered: 2796km
After our visit to the Atherton Tablelands we headed into outback Queensland the Lava tubes of Undara Volcanic National Park, but first an overnight stop at Pinnarendi Station and Cafe for no other reason than their famous brick oven. Located only 40km from our destination this great little campground offers peaceful camping, a number of walks around the station and of course meals cooked in their brick oven, and tonight was lasagna night!
Some of the creatures at Pinnarendi Station
Leaving the station it was only half an hour to our next stop at Undara Experience located in the heart of Undara Volcanic National Park, although less campsite more resort our space in the unpowered area was fantastic, secluded with heaps of space and surrounded by a hedge of banksias which the local birdlife loved.
Local birds loving the native vegetation and a leaky tap turned into water source!
The big draw card for this National Park is of course the Lava tubes, formed 190,000 years ago from rapidly flowing lava the tubes extend over 160km making them the longest known lava tubes in the world. Sections of the tunnels have collapsed providing a unique environment for flora and fauna and allowing access to the intact sections. Entry to the tunnels is via a tour group only to help protect this unique environment and several options are available at Undara Experience.
The massive Undara Lava Tubes standing over 10m tall
Cracking the roof which hopefully holds for a few more years!
There’s not just Lava tubes at Undara though, as well as the standard touristy stuff there’s plenty of walks and rides out from the resort through some great outback country and when you’ve finished for the day there’s a pool relax in and a bar to drink in, but you’ll have to share with the locals!
Sunset on The Bluff