The Undara Volcanic National Park shows, yet again, that just when we think we’ve done every cave experience possible … there’s still, amazingly, more. This time it’s the Undara Lava Tubes, giant caves with marshmallow like ceilings, water logged floors and shadow-like residue marking the walls, created 160,000 years ago when volcanic eruptions sent molten lava spewing along creek and river beds. We also walk the rim of a volcano crater, enjoy a return of the much loved campfire-marshmallow-guitar-combo, and rejoice in the friendliness of the local wildlife, greeting kangaroos as we traipse to the dunnies at dawn and dusk, and welcoming a potaroo (cute little possum-kanga-cross) to our table at night.
 |
| Rikki inside a lava tube arch. |
 |
| Outside the entrance to a lava tube. The tubes are only accesible on guided tours, so we jump aboard a tour bus, a novelty in and of itself for us solo adventurers. Kids take it in turns to ride shotgun with the bus driver. |
 |
| Kids run on ahead into the belly of a lava tube, in their parents' somewhat desperate -and altogether fruitless - attempt to keep their raucous behaviour under control as the rest of the tour group struggle to hear the ranger. |
 |
| Wall markings in a lava cave. Look closely and you'd swear you can see the Jolly Swagman, his jumbuck and the Troopers, one two three. |
 |
| Budgie contemplating his next move. Potaroo contemplating hers. |
 |
| Creating our own little volcano inspired heat. Eruptions invariably come later... in the caravan... |
