We had decided at the start of our trip back to Cairns that we would stop at the Undara Lava Tubes for a couple of days. This was a spot that we always wanted to visit whilst living in Cairns but, you guessed it, never got around to. Well, there was no work to get in the road this time, so stop we did. What a brilliant place!!
We arrive on Wednesday afternoon in time to set up the caravan and then head out on a “Wildlife at Sunset” tour with another couple and our guides, Paul and Chris. Whilst some of the wildlife was a bit hard to spot due to the long grass, we did see numerous kangaroos, wallaroos, wallabies and birds. The sunset looking out over the plains and the volcano craters was spectacular and we savoured the ever-changing colours with sparkling wine and local cheese.
After dark we headed off to the bat cave to see thousands and thousands of micro bats. We were also lucky enough to catch a brief glimpse of a python moving into position at the caves mouth to try and catch a flying snack. Then it was back to the lodge for a beer!! At around 2030 we headed out again with Paul for a freebie guided night bush walk. The animals were definitely keeping their heads down this time as not one was seen. That’s life in the wild for you and it makes it a real privilege and spectacular sight if you do spot some in their natural habitat. Hey, if you want to guarantee seeing animals then go to a zoo. We’d rather do it our way.
On Thursd
ay we headed off in the morning to explore the lava tubes with our guide Chris. What an awesome experience and graphic illustration of nature’s power. These tubes were literally bored out by molten lava and extend for about 126km, although only limited sections are accessible. It was made even more special as we happened to be there at a time when the tubes were filled w
ith water after a really good wet season. They reckon that the tubes only fill to this level every 20 years or so. So, as there were no Japanese whalers about it was time for a swim. Sheila decided against diving in as there was no hot lava to bring the water up to a bath-like temperature. I decided that it was a once in a lifetime moment not to be missed and as it was early enough not to put the other people off their lunch, in I went. Lovely! The water I meant, not me!
On Thursd
ay we headed off in the morning to explore the lava tubes with our guide Chris. What an awesome experience and graphic illustration of nature’s power. These tubes were literally bored out by molten lava and extend for about 126km, although only limited sections are accessible. It was made even more special as we happened to be there at a time when the tubes were filled w
ith water after a really good wet season. They reckon that the tubes only fill to this level every 20 years or so. So, as there were no Japanese whalers about it was time for a swim. Sheila decided against diving in as there was no hot lava to bring the water up to a bath-like temperature. I decided that it was a once in a lifetime moment not to be missed and as it was early enough not to put the other people off their lunch, in I went. Lovely! The water I meant, not me!After our return to the lodge, we headed out on one of the many self-guided bush walks on the reserve. We chose the Pioneer’s Trail, which led to an isolated old shack with a creek bubbling past. Now, this water was warm so before I knew it Sheila was straight in it. We sauntered back in time to enjoy a cold beer at the bar. We treated ourselves to dinner in the restaurant that night which was most enjoyable and a fitting end to our Undara experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment