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Undara Volcanic National Park Review

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Undara Volcanic National Park

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Phone: 07/4097-1485

Category: Parks
Location: Cairns

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Fodor's Review:

The lava tubes here are a fascinating geological oddity in the Outback, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors. A volcanic outpouring 190,000 years ago created the hollow basalt tubelike tunnels, many of which you can wander through on a tour led by a trained guide. The tunnels are 35 km (22 mi) long in total—some are 62 feet high and half a mile long, covering a total of 19,700 acres. Undara is the Aboriginal word for "long way." Vintage railway cars have been converted into comfortable (if compact) motel rooms (A$75-A$85) at the Undara Experience (Mt. Surprise. 07/4097-1411. www.undara.com.au). You can also camp, with powered and unpowered sites available (A$8-A$12 per night). The lodge, 275 km (171 mi) from Cairns, has 10 three-person dorm rooms (A$25 per person) and is set amid savanna and woodlands. It supplies the complete Outback experience: bush breakfasts, campfires, lava tube tours, and guided evening wildlife walks. Lava tube tours cost A$38-A$110. One-day (A$150) and two- and three-night Outback Experience packages incorporate tours, transfers, and accommodation—from A$454, or A$278, self-drive, for the two-day package.

Cost: Free
Open: Daily dawn-dusk

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