Discovery Resorts - Undara — Attraction in Mount Surprise

As part of our stay at Undara, we embarked on the sunset tour. In our case 1 bus took us into the park. No one is allowed in the park without a ranger. During the drive in we saw some kangaroos and wallabies. It is a nice drive, but not spectacular. The first stop is a hill top from which you have a nice view of the area and the sunset. There were some bubbles, cheese and other things to nibble at. It seems that the group was more interested in that than in the sunset. It was clear blue sky so the sunset was really nice. The walk up the hill is very easy. Next stop is a cave were every night about 40.000 bats leave the cave. The ranger will light up the entrance with red light so you can see the bats and take some pictures. After that you'll be on the way back and you will spot some more kangaroos or red-tailed black cockatoos. It is a nice tour but not spectacular, unless you have never seen such a sunset.|The next morning we had a bush breakfast. Meat and eggs are prepared on a BBQ. Coffee and tea is brewed on an open campfire. You need to toast your own bread on an open fire. Even though there is smoke, the bread does not taste like that, so that was a little surprise. Cereal, milk, etc are also available. You have to watch your food though because there will be half a dozen kookaburras around that will take your food if you only give them half a chance. 'Tables and chairs' are made out of logs. We thought is was a nice experience, although a little cold in July.|This was followed by the lava tube tour. Personally we think there is not a lot of time between the bush BBQ and the start of the tour. The breakfast felt a little rushed.|The lava tour took us to 2 caves. A very good explanation of the science and how things worked back then. Also good to see that this is only a small part. You can go online and see the bigger picture. Nice to go around and inside. In our case there was still water in the cave. The water is so clear and the reflection almost perfect, it seems that the water is many meters deep where in reality it is only 2 inches deep. A very nice excursion which is worth the money.|Later we wanted to drive to the rim of the volcano, but you need a 4x4 to do that. You can do it in an RV but then you have to drive slowly and it will take you forever. We're sorry we missed this as we would have like a hike up there and have...

As part of our stay at Undara, we embarked on the sunset tour. In our case 1 bus took us into the park. No one is allowed in the park without a ranger. During the drive in we saw some kangaroos and wallabies. It is a nice drive, but not spectacular. The first stop is a hill top from which you have a nice view of the area and the sunset. There were some bubbles, cheese and other things to nibble at. It seems that the group was more interested in that than in the sunset. It was clear blue sky so the sunset was really nice. The walk up the hill is very easy. Next stop is a cave were every night about 40.000 bats leave the cave. The ranger will light up the entrance with red light so you can see the bats and take some pictures. After that you'll be on the way back and you will spot some more kangaroos or red-tailed black cockatoos. It is a nice tour but not spectacular, unless you have never seen such a sunset.|The next morning we had a bush breakfast. Meat and eggs are prepared on a BBQ. Coffee and tea is brewed on an open campfire. You need to toast your own bread on an open fire. Even though there is smoke, the bread does not taste like that, so that was a little surprise. Cereal, milk, etc are also available. You have to watch your food though because there will be half a dozen kookaburras around that will take your food if you only give them half a chance. 'Tables and chairs' are made out of logs. We thought is was a nice experience, although a little cold in July.|This was followed by the lava tube tour. Personally we think there is not a lot of time between the bush BBQ and the start of the tour. The breakfast felt a little rushed.|The lava tour took us to 2 caves. A very good explanation of the science and how things worked back then. Also good to see that this is only a small part. You can go online and see the bigger picture. Nice to go around and inside. In our case there was still water in the cave. The water is so clear and the reflection almost perfect, it seems that the water is many meters deep where in reality it is only 2 inches deep. A very nice excursion which is worth the money.|Later we wanted to drive to the rim of the volcano, but you need a 4x4 to do that. You can do it in an RV but then you have to drive slowly and it will take you forever. We're sorry we missed this as we would have like a hike up there and have...

We stayed one night and should have stayed two to better explore and experience the attractions of this wonderful, natural place.

The reason to visit is to walk through and learn about the spectacular lava tubes which will appeal to the young and old alike. Note access is via rough walkways and a number of steep stairways so you need a good degree of mobility and fitness.

Other must dos are

the bush breakfasts with billy tea and coffee brewred over a camp fire and a selection of cold and hot breakfast plates accommpanied by cheeky birds who will try to steal the sausages off your plate, and sometimes succeed as happened to one lady in our group.

The sunset and wildlife tour to watch the sky turn bright orange, then deep red as the sun goes down with a sprakling wine and cheese nibbles. Beware it could be cold if there is a wind so take a warm top and hat. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged - you will want to capture the moment.

Finally there are plenty of walks surrounding the village which we didn't have time to do sadly but we did complete the Kalkani Carter walk as we left to drive home. A short walk with great views of the area which has a toilet and well maintained picnic area at the base. There are no cooking facilities as it is a national park.

Accommodation at the village varies with caravan sites (powered and unpowered) tents, converted railway carriages and stand alone huts. We stayed in the railway carriages which are cleverly converted with an en suite, and separate sleeping and sitting area which can by used as an extra bedroom. There are no TVs etc so if travelling with children/ teenagers taking portable devices for entertainment might be a good idea. Internet connections away for the Hub does not exist and downloads are limited so have movies etc saved.

Meals and drinks are provided in the hub of the village and are hearty and good value there is also a shop that sell snack food and momentos.

Highly recommend this site for a break in...