Undara Volcanic National Park — Attraction in Mount Surprise

Two of us enjoyed both-tours on 28 September, Wind Tunnel tour and Sunset tour.

The adventurous Wind Tunnel Tour was with very knowledgeable tour guide Brett. Unlike the Archway tour on boardwalk, this is more physical accessing the tunnel, scrambling over rocks with steep descends at times.

Inside of the tunnel formed 190,000 years back was marvellous; Brett explained the life cycle of insects-bats-snakes living in the tunnel.

We did not see any wildlife inside the tunnel, except for a skeleton of a kangaroo lying on a corner of the tunnel floor.

We were to visit Undara in April, but it wasn’t possible as the site was closed due to flooding; Brett noted that this year (2023) the rains were exceptionally heavy, 2500mm during the season where normally it was around 400mm.

Brett on our wayback explained the history of how two privately owned lands acquired by the government to establish the national park in 1990 as it stands today. One owner of the original land negotiated to run the business of Undara Lodge for visitors until change hands last year end of the permit period (now managed by Discovery Parks).

Unfortunately we did not have much luck seeing many wildlife (they appeared to have taken a day-off, hahaha) during the Sunset tour, however we enjoyed the snacks and champagne provided. Our tour guide David was knowledgeable although only three weeks at this place.

Following the Sunset tour we had our dinner at the restaurant; Barramundi fish with steamed vegetables was fantastic; very happy with the services at the restaurant.

We stayed two nights in a railway carriage; beautifully converted to living accommodation with ensuite; very thoughtfully designed. However it is our view that some improvements may be needed to the facilities in the carriage.

We also immensely enjoyed the Bush Breakfast on the same day; fascinated by toasting bread on real fire; never experienced that before. And bush-tea and coffee prepared by very talented young Harvey. We also had the opportunity to chat with the very experienced Manager of the Undara Discovery who was at the breakfast, who noted that there’s lots of improvements are in the pipeline over the next 10 years.

The map we received on the walking trails around the lodge isn’t great. The trails are colour-coded on the map; these are expected to be identified on the trails with colour-coded triangles installed on to trees/ rocks; but they aren’t always; either colours are faded away or triangles aren’t there at all. We went to the Bluff; we came back to the lodge on a different route as we inadvertently missed the turn to the original route.

We also visited Kalkani crater; approx 7km on gravel road to the picnic area from the sealed road, approximately 500m to the top and 2km around the rim of the crater. The 7km gravel road wasn’t in good condition for cars, appeared not graded for some time, heavily-corrugated surface.

We must make a note of Michelle, who we talked with when we made the booking; very helpful and knowledgeable (while the website wasn’t). We as residents of QLD received a discount on accommodation -...

What a romantic night at nice glamping. From this park, we learn more about history and culture, we learn about geology, and learn about savana nature of Australia. I remember first time I came here with my friend than we feel so familiar at the first time we arrived. After arrived, we enjoy the welcome drinks and get more info about the facilities around national park and a short itinerary for our 3 days and 2 nights visiting there. I also remember that today is my friend birthday so I told our guide to make a surprise to her. At the evening we are invited to the savanas near our camp then suddenly we were surprise when a bonfire light lit up from the small park that sorrounded by wooden seat. At the same time we here a nice acustic guitar sound says happy Birthday and followed by us. What a wonderful and special selebration. The next day we visit the Lava Tube then the afternoon hike the highest Hill there than waiting for sunset at the savana. We went here from Cairns to Port Douglas, than to Atherton before to Undara. This park is good for kids and specially for a couple. In the last day, they serve us for OZ Classic breakfast at the savana Jungle. They do Traditional cooking to prepare coffee and bread. We were...

The Undara Volvanic National Park has limited access to certain lava tubes via tour only. Discovery has the Undara resort. This review is based on a recent stay at the resort and tours taken while there. Location - lovely; Tours were generally good, but really dependent on which guide you got; accommodation - clean, new; Food - tasty. So .. why only a 3 .. if you aren't a big walker, there is very little to do., if you aren't self-catering then you have to be available in the very narrow times available to eat .. note - the sunset tour finishes at 7:15 and dinner service finishes at 8, so no shower before dinner and you need to decide what you want fairly quickly.. oh and if you linger over your food, kitchen is closed before dessert is able to be ordered .. ooh and the bush breakfast.. yep - you walk for a while to eat food cooked over a fire. It's still a pretty ordinary meal. Oh, and even though they tell you it starts at 7 .. it finishes at 8. That may not be mentioned when you book, or at least, we weren't told and got there late. Burnt sauages for us. Overall, I felt disappointed with my experience at the resort. Therefore, the lava tubes are great .. the...