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.

The lava tubes can only be entered on a guided tour — independent access is not permitted, because of concealed collapses and high carbon dioxide in some tubes. Tours run seasonally from 1 May to 30 October and book out quickly, so reserve ahead. The standard tour runs about three hours and involves roughly 200 to 250 steps spread across the route, with rest points and no obligation to do all of them; a two-hour accessible option uses a motorised chairlift instead. Wear covered walking shoes, a hat and sun protection, and carry a large water bottle.