Undara Volcanic National Park

Undara Volcanic National Park is a natural wonder located in the Shire of Etheridge, Queensland, Australia.

Established in 2009, the national park spans an area of approximately 61,500 hectares. It is situated 437 km northwest of Townsville and 275 km southwest of Cairns. The ideal travel timing is from April to August, during the cooler, drier months.

The National Park is 58 kilometres by road from the small town of Mount Surprise. The park is easily accessible from the Gulf Developmental Road, and visitors can reach it in just under five and a half hours from Cairns. The climate at the park is monsoonal, which generally is hot and humid. Over October to late March, it can be very damp.

The world Undara means 'a long way' in aboriginal, and the Ewamian (pronounced your-amin) Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the national park. European people grazed cattle in this area before it was declared a national park. By 1891, the lava tubes were well recognised but had only occasional visitor visits. Guided tours commenced in 1989. The Collins Family settled into the area in 1862 and created the infrastructure that now is known as 'The Undara Experience.' After the park's creation, the family got a special business lease to continue their tourist operation. In 2009, Undara Volcanic National Park became an official Q150 Icon of Queensland for its Natural attraction, as part of the Q150 celebrations. The management plan of the park aims to protect the geological values and enhance visitor service and facilities.

Undara Volcanic National Park lies within the Cenozoic McB