Undara Lava Tubes

In the dry savannah of the Gulf country west of the Atherton Tablelands, the Undara lava tubes are among the longest and best-preserved in the world. When a shield volcano erupted here some 190,000 years ago, a river of lava drained through the landscape and left behind a network of vast basalt tunnels, their mouths now green with pockets of vine forest that shelter rock-wallabies and, at dusk, streams of microbats and the pythons that hunt them. Access is by guided tour only, through the surrounding reserve. It is one of the most extraordinary and least-known natural wonders in Queensland.

Stay with your guide on guided tours. Bring a torch for self-guided caves. Watch your head in low passages. Caves maintain a cool temperature year-round, so bring a light layer. This is an easy visit suitable for most fitness levels.