Undara - Savannah Wilderness Adventure

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Marg and Rob have just spent a few days at Undara, and will certainly visit again in the future. The savannah wilderness is such an interesting environment with great seasonal variations affecting the grasslands, birdlife and wildlife in general. If you haven't added Undara to your bucket list yet, then look through the photos and make a booking for 2013.

Undara could be seen as remote, but the access roads right to the lodge are main sealed highways, and very well formed roads. The attached pictures tell the story better than I can write, but behind the pictures is a very dedicated team of eco tourist operators who go out of their way to assist in every way they can.

There is a great variety of accomadation or camping sites for every type of camper. We visited at the end of the season so had plenty of space. If you visit in July you may find 300 other people here loving this bush camp setting.

For us we found enjoyment in the wildlife coming from the bush and walking through the park, the morning bird chorus always starts the day with a smile, the eco tours with both the botanical and geological history of this very unique area being well explained, and best of all, the wild life sunset tour. See the photos.

Oh, the food and accommodation is great too. See Undara Central Station, the 100 year old railway carriages (built in Ipswich for the Brisbane Ipswich line) now converted to great accomodation in the wilderness.

There are numerous self guided bush walks on well laid out paths - something for everyone. Visiting the lava tubes is by way of guided tours only. I heard a guest complain about this, but had they thought a little about the extensive area and huge numbers of tubes, many rarely visited, there is a serious risk of getting lost. Unlike lava tubes we have seen in other counties, these tubes are shallow fall tubes reaching for probably 100 kilometers or more. So, enjoy the guided tours, take your camera and tripod for a wonderful experience.

One test of quality for an organisation is how well they manage emergencies. A visitor set off a sky rocket that created a bush fire. The staff had it undercontrol in hours keeping everyone and their property safe. The staff are also well trained for other emergencies such as medical and manage patients until ambos or helicopter arrives. This type of emergency arose while we were in the park and we witnessed how well they managed the patient which ultimately brought about a great outcome. Remote they may be, but more importantly, very caring and well managed.

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Photos

Undara Central Station - Food Station
Why is no one here? Because they were all out enjoying the park. We had just arrived and having a free coffee.

Dinner Menu at Undara Central
The menu is unique and a chance to try genuine Aussie outback tucker.

Undara Dinner
Our visit was just before the park closes for the wet season - Mid Nov Feb. At peak, over 300 guests enjoy Undara Central

Undara - Archway Tour 01
Access to the Lava Tubes is via small areas where the roof has collapsed. These sink holes crerate a different botanical environment, so instead of savannah trees, there is a remanant rain forest - green and lush.

Undar - Archway Tour 03
The aboriginal tribes people didn't venture into these caves, so here the artwork is all chemical and quite varied based on the various minerals deposited as the lava flowed.

Comments

[Ps Stevo]

Looks like a nice spot - we hope to make it there next year! Mary presently updating camps 6 - needs a long holiday!