Undara Volcanic National Park

The first item for The Deckie to cross off her "bucket list" was a visit to the Undara Volcanic National Park to see, first hand, the amazing lava tubes.

Even though Undara is a National Park, tourists are unable to go through the caves and tubes unless they are on an organised tour.  Not a problem as we had organised ourselves on one through the caravan park at Mt Surprise.  The tour took in a walk up and around the Kalkani Crater, morning tea, two caves/tubes, three course lunch at the resort just outside the National Park, some more caves/tubes, afternoon tea and then back to Mt Surprise - 40 klms away.  Wow, just exhausted by reading through that list!!

It was to be an early start - 0800hrs - but as it was something that we were both looking forward to, it was not too difficult to be 'up and at 'em' just as the sun rose.  A small group of nine people boarded the mini bus and we were off into the sunrise.

First stop - Kalkani Crater.  A leisurely walk up the side of the extinct volcano and then around its rim.  The guide was very informative and managed to find something of interest in the dozen spots that we stopped at going up and around - this also coincided with most of the group being able to catch their breath.  The view was wonderful but the wind on the day was very cold and very strong.

Kalkani Crater

The Gentle Start to the Walk

Off Into The Distance

After our brisk walk around the crater rim, it was coffee time with homemade slices and biscuits - just what we needed to boost our energy levels for further exploring.

Our next stop was the Wind Tunnel Complex.  There were two sections of this part of the lava tube that had collapsed.  The patterns on the roof and ceilings have been formed from different minerals seeping through the ground - even to a whale being captured in time!

An Entrance and Patterns

Into The Bowels Of The Earth

A Whale Of A Time!

Next stop - the Undara Resort for lunch.  Three courses - Vegetable soup, cold meats, salads and cheese platters and then cake for desert.  More coffee and/or tea and then we were back on the bus.

Off to the other side of the park to Barkers Cave.  Part of the roof of this one is still in place while other sections have collapsed around it.  One has to wonder about what sort of minerals and the consistency of this part that made it so resistant to the ravages of time, wind and water whilst the other sections have collapsed.

The Entrance to Barker's Cave

The cave itself was very eerie but the vegetation that has grown in parts of the cave has given it another outlook.

Looking To The Heavens

Where's There's a Will.......

At this stage, we all clambered back into the bus instead of our usual sprightly leaps.  The guide felt it best to have afternoon tea, a decision that was met with a rousing cheer from all assembled.  A small drive along some bush tracks and we were at another little shady spot.  Some of us had just enough strength in us to climb the final mountain for the day.  This little lookout gave us uninterrupted views of the entire National Park and a very nice way to finish off an interesting, but exhausting day.

Barker's Knob

Overlooking Undara Volcano

We were tired and exhausted by the time we had returned to camp, but it had been a wonderful day so it was well worth it.

The next day was one of pure relaxation before the next part of our travels.