One of the places I really want to see this time on my way north is Undara Lava Tubes.
I've read all their jargon on their site, but wondered if anyone has any other advise/thoughts on this place.
Gerty Dancer said
11:44 AM Feb 27, 2011
Yes Beth, we enjoyed our stay there. You just have to go with the flow a bit, as its not cheap, and theres huge numbers of tourists there in the "season"
The road in was a bit ordinary though, cant remember how many k's of dirt, but we came from Chillago, and that road was worse. (Chillago is worth seeing too!)
The caravan park area has spots for campfires, which is nice, the amenities were fine and theres a very nice pool. The guided tours into the lave tubes were really interesting, a few spots were a bit tricky, needed to climb over rocks, but its not like being down a cave, you can see daylight most of the time... Wear old comfortable clothes for these, its very dusty! They do a tour to see wildlife in the evenings, we loved that, especially the tiny bats leaving the tubes at dusk.
Theres a big central campfire where they do talks on various subjects of an evening, which was excellent.
You can go off on you own along various marked paths, some amazing scenery.Theres lotsa birdlife in the area, we had our bird-book out each day.
People talk about it being too expensive, and a rip-off.... I've heard the same said of Uluru. Its unique, and worth it.
Beth54 said
11:53 AM Feb 27, 2011
Thanks Gerty. I'm pleased to hear it's worth it. I wondered about that. I don't normally go for those expensive resort type places, but there's no other way to see it.
I hope I go alright with the climbing..I'm a bit unco with things like that.
I'd better get in better shape than I am now!
-- Edited by Beth54 on Sunday 27th of February 2011 11:56:48 AM
Gerty Dancer said
11:57 AM Feb 27, 2011
Dont worry too much Beth, you can choose an easier tube-tour, also the guides were very helpful to the people who struggled a bit.
We balance out our cheap/free camps with specials like that.
Firefly said
12:04 PM Feb 27, 2011
That does sound really pretty guys, one I would love to see.
We do the same as you Gerty, allow ourselves a little splurge each trip. Haven't regretted it yet thats for sure.
Ron and Shirley said
12:22 PM Feb 27, 2011
Totally agree with all of Gerty's comments.
Our "experience" was just before the tourist season in 1999 and thought it was a great place, though a bit expensive.
We took a powered site for three days from memory, and did the 4-hour tour and enjoyed it. We also enjoyed the "happy hours" in the central area near the bar, plus the various talks that they had.
BTW We also came in cross country from Chillagoe. A 4WD book at the time suggested two routes from Chillagoe. Asked a few of the locals at the Servo and they all said no one is silly enough to use those roads except the local farmers. But if you must go across country don't take the Mt Surprise turn off with the Campertrailer. Well it was an interesting trip that did require a bit of 4WD that day.
Beth54 said
12:57 PM Feb 27, 2011
I hadn't thought about which way to go in. I'd be coming from the south, roughly. I'm not worried about dirt roads, but can't do 4WD roads.
My destination is eventually Malanda, for a week or so, then home via the coast.
I have to be home for Nana duty between 25/5 and 8/6, so I could go before or after those dates.
By the way, home is southside of Brisbane.
Beth54 said
01:22 PM Feb 27, 2011
I've just looked into their site a bit further and found it's bitumen all the way! Yay!
Happywanderer said
01:35 PM Feb 27, 2011
Never heard of these lava tubes Beth. Just exactly where are they. Will go do a google I think.
Sorry, I should have thought to put this info up before.
Happywanderer said
01:46 PM Feb 27, 2011
Just been in and had a look. What a magnificent place. Something worth going to have a look at.
Had a bit of a laugh. 20% off to all north Queensland residents because of all the disasters theyve just had. Have to say you are a resident to get the discount. Think its for the accommodation part.
They certainly want the tourists from lower down to come visit don't they?
Beth54 said
02:00 PM Feb 27, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Just been in and had a look. What a magnificent place. Something worth going to have a look at. Had a bit of a laugh. 20% off to all north Queensland residents because of all the disasters theyve just had. Have to say you are a resident to get the discount. Think its for the accommodation part. They certainly want the tourists from lower down to come visit don't they?
As if anyone who suffered with the cyclone would be interested in it anyway!
They even have discounts for going in the 'green season'. It'd be as hot as hell and you'd likely get rained in!
Yes, it does sound fantastic. I did actually get there several years ago, but we didn't realize you had to book ahead. We were on our way back from Cape York and just decided to go there. There were no camping spots left, but we could have had one of the train carriages...the ex refused to pay the cost. We'd camped the whole time we were away, so I would have been happy for a bit of luxury.
Anyway, this time I'm determined to see it. As long as I do the rest of the trip on a budget, I don't mind the cost of the tour. I'd still camp though.
glassies said
02:13 PM Feb 27, 2011
me too ive been looking at that place for years now, wanted to go years ago but didnt make it, hubby and i were just in cairns which is not far from it but because we were
in a hire car and had already paid for accom in cairns we didnt think it was worth driving all that way just for the day, i see they have a train to stay in too, and to go on
that would be pretty cool as well.
i figured the price thing would be a good hike ,typical rip of merchants ,same as up at mossman gorge now , we didnt go this trip as the guy who hired the car to us
said you can now no longer drive near the gorge at all to park, you have to park in a special car park near the mission before the gorge and a bus takes you to the gorge
(with a fee of course)
Strangely enough the story we got was hilarious ,they apparently were doing work out there on the road etc, one of the days they wanted to move this particular rock
it was not a huge rock of any sort, but some indigenous person said nope that rock is sacred, so the job site was held up for 3 months costing thousands of dollars and
one day a person that was on site kicked the so called rock and said what this rock, and it rolled over it turned out it had been bought there for backfilling when they
were doing work once before on that particular part of mossman.
amazing hey :)
Beth54 said
02:28 PM Feb 27, 2011
That is funny, but not surprising.
I've been to Mossman Gorge, and no way would I pay to go there now. At the risk of sounding racist, that would be the indigenous people..like we had to pay to cross the Palmer River on the Cape.
On that particular trip, we'd also been to Parranella Park, which at the time cost about $10. That was all man made and an amazing place to visit. Yet Undara was around $39 at the time, it's natural and you pay such a high price because you have to go on the tour. You can't just go through it by your own steam.
Yes, it's a rip-off, but I'm prepared to pay, because I want to see it.
Happywanderer said
02:41 PM Feb 27, 2011
Theres another place near GinGin just out of Bundaberg that could be of interest. The Mystery Craters. 35 all in one location. Haven't been to them yet but will when I get up there. I've just found the paperwork from last trip. Picnic Areas--- Kiosk----- Coin collection-----Antique machinery--------- Rock and Fossil display -----------Fairy garden------- Misty lake.
Open 9 - 5 daily. Address Gingin Highway, Bundaberg. Phone number 07 41577291
Edit: Forgot to mention over 25 million years old, set in a tropical paradise.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 27th of February 2011 02:42:54 PM
Beth54 said
03:09 PM Feb 27, 2011
Yep, been there too. Must be about 20 years ago, I think.
bill12 said
03:51 PM Feb 27, 2011
I was there last year , and thoroughly enjoyed it. As of OCT. last year a guided trip, about 2hrs was $45. The road in was all bitumen and the facilities, while a bit expensive ,were good.Its in some hilly country between Georgetown and the Lynd juction, but the scenery when you get down in the caves in spectaculer. It was 41c when I was there ,but 22c in the caverns. Another place you should look at is Cobold gorge, Which is an oasis in the Gulf savanna.Take plenty of fuel and food , as is expensive on the road. I have a long range tank in my hilux, and buy in the major towns , such as Townsville or Charters towers. Try it , you won,t regret it.
Wow! Thank you from us too Bill! Hadnt even heard of Cobbold Gorge, to think we were so close...
Ron and Shirley said
05:01 PM Feb 27, 2011
We also did Cobbold Gorge after Undarra on our 1999 trip. We were fortunate that along with one other couple we were the only ones staying there at the time and the Terry Family certainly made us feel at home. We would go to the bar for "Happy Hour" and they would chat about their past in the area and plans for the future of the Gorge as a tourist spot.
The Camp area etc was very basic back then compared to what appears on the website now. Each day we were there we had to remember to fire up the Donkey for hot showers that night.
A truly amazing place and experience as you glide along the narrow gorge. We felt it was the highlight of our trip which later included Lawn Hill.
Well worth the detour off the Savannah Way.
HeadnHome said
06:20 PM Feb 27, 2011
Also on my to do list, drove past turn off a few times just haven't got there yet
Stayed at Cobbold Gorge and enjoyed my stay, it was my first solo trip a few years
ago, I tented it just me and the dog.. I done the gorge tour, and one of the workers kids
looked after Pebbles for me while I done that, very friendly and great place to visit.
jimricho said
07:19 PM Feb 27, 2011
I can endorse all the comments about both the Lava Tubes and Cobbold Gorge. I "did" both (with friends) in 2004 and had a really nice campsite at Cobbold Gorge. Amenities are fine with hot water supplied from a donkey boiler, also a bar/eatery as I recall but it is remote so don't expect any bargains.
If still available a helicopter flight at Cobbold Gorge is worth the money to get an appreciation of how rugged the country is around there. They allow campfires but you'll need to take in some wood as I recall. There is fossicking for agates at nearby (surprise, surprise!) Agate Creek.
Some of the roads are unsealed but this is an example of where you occasionally need to leave the comfort zone of the blacktop to see the best this country has to offer.
Beth54 said
07:30 PM Feb 27, 2011
A friend has just told me they've been to Cobbold Gorge and reckons the road is too rough for Lucy and Gypsy. I must admit, it was a female friend who is a bit of the squib. So not sure whether to take her word for it.
I'm not a squib about dirt roads, but I need to be sensible.
???
Happywanderer said
08:24 PM Feb 27, 2011
It depends how well Lucy and Gypsy travel on dirt roads.
My yellow Hyundai that I sold at the beginning of the year, I drove out to billabong ranch here at Echuca last year as my grandaughter was here and going horse riding.
It shook the car to bits, thought my teeth were going to fall out (so to speak) Had no intentions of going down that road again while owning that car. It weas rough. I'm sure different cars, different experiences.
wendyv said
08:40 PM Feb 27, 2011
Re the Cobbold Gorge road - roughness may depend on when the grader was last over it. Always better to check it out close to when you want to travel, rather than just write it off.
When we visited the Undara Lava tubes, we were staying at Bedrock Village Caravan park, at Mount Surprise, which is a great caravan park. Last time we were there, they were running tours to the lava tubes - and to Cobbold Gorge - themselves. So that may be another way to see Cobbold Gorge, which is really worth seeing; quite a unique place.
Beth54 said
08:57 PM Feb 27, 2011
Even though they're both low, I've taken them both over dirt roads before without much of a problem. I've had a good deal of experience with dirt roads. It's the corrugations, which are hard to avoid, that do the damage.
And yes, when was the last time the grader was over it.
I guess the best way is to check with local police or such before attempting it. They may even have that knowledge at Undara when I get there.
jimricho said
09:01 PM Feb 27, 2011
It's amazing how "citified" we are in the land of the great outdoors. (yes, I know Australia is one of the most urbanised countries on the planet).
In the 60s and 70s I regularly drove on unsealed corrugated roads in an Austin Lancer and later a Morris Major. If one didn't one didn't go anywhere. Some of the small modern cars today with zilch ground clearance and stupid low profile tyres would find a speed hump in a shopping mall car park a challenge. There are however plenty of 2wd sedans/wagons that should not have a problem with roads such as Cobbold Gorge.
(Don't start me on run-flat and emergency only spare wheels!)
I'm not normally into nostalgia and maybe a bit off topic so I'd better leave off now I think!
Beth54 said
09:09 PM Feb 27, 2011
jimricho wrote:
It's amazing how "citified" we are in the land of the great outdoors. (yes, I know Australia is one of the most urbanised countries on the planet).
In the 60s and 70s I regularly drove on unsealed corrugated roads in an Austin Lancer and later a Morris Major. If one didn't one didn't go anywhere. Some of the small modern cars today with zilch ground clearance and stupid low profile tyres would find a speed hump in a shopping mall car park a challenge. There are however plenty of 2wd sedans/wagons that should not have a problem with roads such as Cobbold Gorge.
(Don't start me on run-flat and emergency only spare wheels!)
I'm not normally into nostalgia and maybe a bit off topic so I'd better leave off now I think!
That's okay Jim, I know exactly what you mean. When I was looking to buy a car 2 years ago, I was trying to find a 2lt, 4 cylinder, non-4WD with good clearance...I couldn't find one!
And I certainly would never buy a car that had one of those silly little spares.
I never worried too much about bad roads in the early days, as I only ever had old bombs.
Cruising Granny said
09:27 PM Feb 27, 2011
The Savannahlander Motor Rail will take you from Cairns, over the Tablelands to Forsyth. It's a 4 day trip - 2 up, 2 down.
Travellers stay in a range of accommodation from the local characteristic pub, motel or caravan park cabins at Chillagoe, Forsyth and Mt. Surprise.
A bus will take you to the station from where you get to the Cobold Gorge. One of the station staff drives the 4WD bus and electric boat in the gorge. First thing in the day it's the most peaceful, interesting and colourful experience.
On day 3 you stay at Mt. Surprise, either in the pub, the van park or at the lava tubes accommodation, taking the bus to the lava tubes.
The "train" drivers give very interesting commentary. The motor rail only runs in the dry season because the railway usually gets washed out and damaged in the wet.
Much of the rail is not laid on ballast and sleepers are just lying on the dirt. It's the lightest possible rail steel in narrow guage, and is subject to movement in the heat, adding to the "character" of the journey.
There are several different options and prices, depending on your comfort level.
Of course you can do all this in your own vehicle, but I wouldn't try it in the "green" wet season, as this region is subject to flooding, road damage and land slides.
Safe and happy travels.
(No, I'm not on commission. I just enjoyed the trip)
sandsmere said
07:21 AM Feb 28, 2011
We stayed at Undarra overnight , and did the lava tubes tour in 2003 or 2004 , on a Sids Trek for Kids Great place . Don't know about costs etc. , as it was all catered for . Meals were very good .
Sids Treks and Variety Bashes are a great way to see the country . You go to places way off the beaten tracks . Not cheap these days though with fuel prices and vehicle regulations .
I've read all their jargon on their site, but wondered if anyone has any other advise/thoughts on this place.
The road in was a bit ordinary though, cant remember how many k's of dirt, but we came from Chillago, and that road was worse. (Chillago is worth seeing too!)
The caravan park area has spots for campfires, which is nice, the amenities were fine and theres a very nice pool.
The guided tours into the lave tubes were really interesting, a few spots were a bit tricky, needed to climb over rocks, but its not like being down a cave, you can see daylight most of the time... Wear old comfortable clothes for these, its very dusty! They do a tour to see wildlife in the evenings, we loved that, especially the tiny bats leaving the tubes at dusk.
Theres a big central campfire where they do talks on various subjects of an evening, which was excellent.
You can go off on you own along various marked paths, some amazing scenery.Theres lotsa birdlife in the area, we had our bird-book out each day.
People talk about it being too expensive, and a rip-off.... I've heard the same said of Uluru. Its unique, and worth it.
I hope I go alright with the climbing..I'm a bit unco with things like that.
I'd better get in better shape than I am now!
-- Edited by Beth54 on Sunday 27th of February 2011 11:56:48 AM
We do the same as you Gerty, allow ourselves a little splurge each trip. Haven't regretted it yet thats for sure.
Our "experience" was just before the tourist season in 1999 and thought it was a great place, though a bit expensive.
We took a powered site for three days from memory, and did the 4-hour tour and enjoyed it.
We also enjoyed the "happy hours" in the central area near the bar, plus the various talks that they had.
BTW We also came in cross country from Chillagoe. A 4WD book at the time suggested two routes from Chillagoe. Asked a few of the locals at the Servo and they all said no one is silly enough to use those roads except the local farmers. But if you must go across country don't take the Mt Surprise turn off with the Campertrailer. Well it was an interesting trip that did require a bit of 4WD that day.
My destination is eventually Malanda, for a week or so, then home via the coast.
I have to be home for Nana duty between 25/5 and 8/6, so I could go before or after those dates.
By the way, home is southside of Brisbane.
Sorry, I should have thought to put this info up before.
They even have discounts for going in the 'green season'. It'd be as hot as hell and you'd likely get rained in!
Yes, it does sound fantastic. I did actually get there several years ago, but we didn't realize you had to book ahead. We were on our way back from Cape York and just decided to go there. There were no camping spots left, but we could have had one of the train carriages...the ex refused to pay the cost. We'd camped the whole time we were away, so I would have been happy for a bit of luxury.
Anyway, this time I'm determined to see it. As long as I do the rest of the trip on a budget, I don't mind the cost of the tour. I'd still camp though.
I've been to Mossman Gorge, and no way would I pay to go there now. At the risk of sounding racist, that would be the indigenous people..like we had to pay to cross the Palmer River on the Cape.
On that particular trip, we'd also been to Parranella Park, which at the time cost about $10. That was all man made and an amazing place to visit. Yet Undara was around $39 at the time, it's natural and you pay such a high price because you have to go on the tour. You can't just go through it by your own steam.
Yes, it's a rip-off, but I'm prepared to pay, because I want to see it.
The Mystery Craters. 35 all in one location. Haven't been to them yet but will when I get up there.
I've just found the paperwork from last trip.
Picnic Areas--- Kiosk----- Coin collection-----Antique machinery--------- Rock and Fossil display -----------Fairy garden------- Misty lake.
Open 9 - 5 daily. Address Gingin Highway, Bundaberg. Phone number 07 41577291
Edit: Forgot to mention over 25 million years old, set in a tropical paradise.
-- Edited by Happywanderer on Sunday 27th of February 2011 02:42:54 PM
Yep, been there too. Must be about 20 years ago, I think.
Thanks Bill. That looks awesome too!
We were fortunate that along with one other couple we were the only ones staying there at the time and the Terry Family certainly made us feel at home. We would go to the bar for "Happy Hour" and they would chat about their past in the area and plans for the future of the Gorge as a tourist spot.
The Camp area etc was very basic back then compared to what appears on the website now. Each day we were there we had to remember to fire up the Donkey for hot showers that night.
A truly amazing place and experience as you glide along the narrow gorge. We felt it was the highlight of our trip which later included Lawn Hill.
Well worth the detour off the Savannah Way.
I'm not a squib about dirt roads, but I need to be sensible.
???
Even though they're both low, I've taken them both over dirt roads before without much of a problem. I've had a good deal of experience with dirt roads. It's the corrugations, which are hard to avoid, that do the damage.
And yes, when was the last time the grader was over it.
I guess the best way is to check with local police or such before attempting it. They may even have that knowledge at Undara when I get there.
That's okay Jim, I know exactly what you mean. When I was looking to buy a car 2 years ago, I was trying to find a 2lt, 4 cylinder, non-4WD with good clearance...I couldn't find one!
And I certainly would never buy a car that had one of those silly little spares.
I never worried too much about bad roads in the early days, as I only ever had old bombs.
Great place . Don't know about costs etc. , as it was all catered for . Meals were very good .
Sids Treks and Variety Bashes are a great way to see the country .
You go to places way off the beaten tracks .
Not cheap these days though with fuel prices and vehicle regulations .