28 Nov 08 Undara Lava Tubes

Undara Volcanic National Park is a pleasant four hour drive (275 kilometers) south west of Cairns (also accessible by train and coach).  Undara boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine each year with little humidity and cool evenings, but the main attraction for visitors found here is not the climate but the Undara Lava Tubes.

The Lava Tubes were formed about 190,000 years ago when Mt. Undara erupted and oozed an estimated 23 billion cubic meters of lava over the plains of the Atherton Tablelands.  The molten lava traveled along the river bed for about 2 or 3 weeks where it formed a large cylindrical tunnel 100 kilometers long.  One continuous branch is up to 28 kilometers long, possibly the longest tube in the world and similar to the lunar ridges on the moon.  Time has seen weaker sections collapse and become covered with heavy vegetation and deciduous rain forest.  This, in turn, has left huge caves, some 21 meters wide and 10 meters high – heaven on earth for bats.

Undara captures the spirit and the essence of the ancient Australian outback, dwarfed by its magnitude it wraps itself around you and fills you full of wonder.

Old railway carriage accommodation, a lodge, a camping village and places to eat and have a drink, plus picnic areas and toilets all go to make a stay at Undara inviting.  Visitors can climb the volcano, bush walk and bird watch (over 120 species of birds including the endangered Red Goshawk).  However, a guided tour must be taken to inspect the lava tube.  A one day, or half day trek here is fun, participants are allowed to climb down into the tubes and take a glimpse at vulcanology, ecology, botany and bat life.  This is a fantastic experience, one of the wonders of Australia.

28 Nov 08 Backpacker Hostels and Budget Accommodation

Ranging from the busy Mackay City to the seclusion of Pioneer Valley, backpacker hostels and budget accommodation can be found almost anywhere in the Mackay region. From the small family operated businesses to the larger youth hostel establishments, each form of budget accommodation prides itself on the comfort and cleanliness of the entire building.

In Mackay budget accommodation the features and services may vary, but can include air-conditioned rooms, communal kitchen and lounge area with TV, games room, internet connections, luggage lockers and Laundromat. It can be expected that all linen is changed every day and beds re-made. Plus, all staff members are friendly, helpful and readily willing to share valuable local knowledge to enhance any travellers visit to Mackay.

Platypus Bush Camp
Gorge Rd Finch,
Hatton Queensland Australia 4756
Bookings: +617 4958 3204

Larrikin Lodge Backpackers
32 Peel St,
Mackay Queensland
Australia 4740
Freecall: 1800 611 953 (within Australia)
Phone +61 7 4951 3728 (from Overseas)