Only in Undara Volcanic National Park, in Outback Queensland, Can You Combine a Guided Tour of Ancient Lava Tubes with a Stay in a Heritage Railway Carriage. Deep in…
Only in Undara Volcanic National Park, in Outback Queensland, Can You Combine a Guided Tour of Ancient Lava Tubes with a Stay in a Heritage Railway Carriage.
Deep in the heart of outback Queensland lies one of Australia’s most fascinating geological wonders – the Undara Lava Tubes. Here, ancient volcanic activity has shaped vast underground tunnels, now silent witnesses to millions of years of natural history. My visit to Undara Volcanic National Park combined adventure and nostalgia – exploring the incredible lava tubes by day and sleeping in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century railway carriage at Discovery Resorts – Undara by night. It was a perfect mix of geology, history, and outback hospitality.
I visited Undara Lava Tubes with APT (Australian Pacific Touring) on their 12-Day Savannah Explorer 4WD Tour, travelling from Darwin to Cairns along the Savannah Way.
About Undara Volcanic National Park
Situated on the McBride Volcanic Province, about 275 kilometres southwest of Cairns and around 420 kilometres northwest of Townsville, Undara Volcanic National Park is part of the Gulf Savannah region in outback Tropical North Queensland. The park features one of the world’s longest lava tube systems, formed over 190,000 years ago when the Undara Volcano erupted. This event caused molten lava to flow over 160 kilometres across the landscape, mainly down the western side of the Great Dividing Range – the world’s longest flow from a single volcano. This flow created the geological phenomenon now known as the Undara Lava Tubes.
As the outer layers of the lava cooled and hardened, the molten lava inside continued to flow, eventually draining away to create hollow tubes – nature’s own underground corridors. Today, the Undara Lava Tubes provide a rare opportunity to explore the remains of this ancient eruption and marvel at nature’s power.
‘Undara’ is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘long way’ – a fitting name for one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems.
The Undara Lava Tubes Tour
Access to the lava tubes is only possible through a guided tour to ensure visitor safety and protect the fragile environment.
After settling into our historic railway carriage accommodation at Discovery Resorts – Undara, our APT group joined our experienced Savannah Guide for the leisurely, two-hour Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour.
Map displaying the Undara Lava Tubes and the accessible volcanic caves inside the tubes.
As it happened, our guide was a geologist who was very informative, easy to understand, and entertaining, keeping us engaged throughout the tour.
The Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour is so named because of the archway formed when a weaker section of the lava tube’s roof collapsed. Descending through the archway and into the lava tube was an eerie experience, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the ancient forces that shaped Australia’s landscape. The drop in temperature, the increasing darkness, and the unique mosaic colours on the ceiling as I went further into the hollow lava tube felt like stepping into another world.
Descending the steps through the volcanic archway to the entrance of the lava tube.
The tour guides you along boardwalks and stairs with handrails that are suitable for most people. It is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
The Archway Explorer Lava Tube Tour took us inside the hollow volcanic tube.
The unique mosaic appearance of the lava tube ceilings is created by mineral deposits seeping through the volcanic rock and by the oxidation of iron, which rusts over time.
Our guide took us to the entrance of a larger lava tube, but we weren’t allowed inside for safety reasons due to a recent roof collapse.
Tips:
- Wear enclosed shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Bring a camera and a water bottle.
- Tours run throughout the operating season (April to October) but can vary in duration and accessibility depending on the weather.
Staying at Discovery Resorts – Undara
Discovery Resorts – Undara is located on the edge of the Undara Volcanic National Park and is one with nature.
Our APT tour group was accommodated in the resort’s charming heritage railway carriages, which have won Australian Tourism Awards in the unique accommodation category. Built in the early 1900s, they have been lovingly refurbished to provide a cosy, comfortable stay. While each carriage retains its vintage character, with polished timber, brass fittings, and period furnishings, there is no shortage of comfort – with private en-suites, tea and coffee-making facilities, a small fridge, and air conditioning.
The historic, turn-of-the-century train carriage accommodation at Discovery Resorts – Undara.
The renovated railway carriage’s en-suite was small but sufficient.
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about falling asleep in a train carriage surrounded by the sounds of the Australian bush. It was the best night’s sleep I had all trip!
The railway carriages are not Discovery Resorts – Undara’s only means of accommodation, as they aim to cater to every budget with a variety of options – from Pioneer Huts and homesteads to powered and unpowered sites and swag tents.
Discovery Resorts – Undara doesn’t just stop at accommodation. I had a delicious lunch and dinner at the resort’s fully licensed restaurant, the Fettler’s Iron Pot Bistro. The meals were good country cooking, and the service was excellent.
Please note that all accommodation and dining facilities at Discovery Resorts – Undara are closed from November to March.
Other Things to Do While Staying at Discovery Resorts – Undara
One night’s stay at Discovery Resort – Undara was too short, as I didn’t get the opportunity to explore Undara Volcanic National Park’s walking trails. The resort offers self-guided bushwalking trails that wind through open savannah, leading to scenic viewpoints and wildlife-rich areas.
Also available is the Wildlife at Sunset Tour, where your guide will identify native wildlife and bird species as the outback sky turns fiery red and orange – all while enjoying sparkling wine and nibbles, before heading to the entrance of a lava tube to watch microbats emerge at night.
Don’t leave Undara without trying the resort’s Bush Breakfast served daily at Ringers’ Camp, just a short walk from the resort. Sitting on logs with ingenious cup holders, surrounded by the bush, and watched over by kookaburras, it’s a truly unique experience. Enjoy a continental and cooked buffet-style breakfast, along with freshly boiled billy tea as you toast your own bread over the campfire.
The Undara Bush Breakfast – an experience you shouldn’t miss.
How to Get There
Undara Volcanic National Park is located about a 3.5-hour drive southwest of Cairns along the Savannah Way in Tropical North Queensland. The journey itself is part of the adventure, taking you through remote outback scenery and small country towns.
The easiest way to reach Undara is by car, as it gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The road to Undara is sealed all the way from Cairns, Townsville, and Georgetown, suitable for 2WD and 4WD vehicles and towing a caravan. Guided tours and transfers from Cairns are also available through several operators.
I visited Undara as part of APT’s 12-day Savannah Explorer 4WD tour, which follows the Savannah Way from Darwin to Cairns (a reverse trip from Cairns to Darwin is also available) – an excellent option for travellers who prefer a fully guided experience without the hassle of self-driving.
Please note that Discovery Resorts – Undara and the lava tube tours operate seasonally, open from 1 April to 30 October each year. Outside these dates, access to the resort and guided tours is unavailable, so plan your trip accordingly.
When to go
The Undara Lava Tubes and Discovery Resorts – Undara are open seasonally, from 1 April to 30 October each year. This period corresponds with northern Queensland’s dry season, when the days are typically warm and sunny, humidity is low, and evenings are cooler – ideal for exploring the outback. During these months, roads are easily accessible, tours operate regularly, and walking trails are open.
From November to March, both the resort and lava tube tours close for the wet season, when heavy rainfall makes access difficult.
So, plan your visit between April and October when Undara’s landscapes are at their most inviting and you can fully enjoy both the geological wonders and the unique accommodation.
Visiting Undara Volcanic National Park was like uncovering one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Exploring the Undara Lava Tubes showcased the incredible power of the Earth’s ancient forces, while sleeping in a heritage railway carriage at Discovery Resorts – Undara was a unique and nostalgic experience that captured the true spirit of the Australian outback.
Whether you come to marvel at the underground creativity of nature, explore the expansive savannah landscape, or enjoy unusual accommodation, Undara is a destination you shouldn’t miss. It’s a place where Earth’s history meets human ingenuity and where the outback truly comes alive.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.
© Just Me Travel 2018-2025.
If you were planning a trip to the Australian outback, would you choose a guided lava tube tour with an overnight stay in a heritage train carriage? Why or why not?
I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Please join the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Like this post? Save it for later!
Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.
<insert MailChimp newsletter signup link>
You might also like
COBBOLD GORGE ADVENTURE: My Honest Review of the Official Guided Tour. Discover the beauty of Cobbold Gorge, a stunning natural wonder, in the heart of outback Queensland, Australia. I share my experience of the Cobbold Gorge tour and what made it special.
COOL OFF IN TROPICAL PARADISE: 5 Top Swimming Holes Near Cairns. Northern Queensland’s rainforest conceals some of the most refreshing swimming spots in Australia, from crater lakes to cascading waterfalls and ancient gorges. Visit five incredible places on day trips from Cairns. Discover them all in this blog post.
© Just Me Travel 2018-2025. All rights reserved.
2 Comments on UNDARA: SEE AMAZING LAVA TUBES AND STAY IN UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION
