Day 31 – Cairns to Undarra Lava Tubes (Thurs May 24^th)

We were on the road by 8am, and it was another showery day in Cairns. Our journey this morning took us up the Gilies Range from Gordonvale to the Atherton Tablelands. We stopped at the cute little town of Yungaburra for a coffee at the whistle stop cafe, which has heaps of character. Unfortunately Damon’s cappuccino wasn’t up to standard, but my Mocha was ok. We had lunch here last year, and the food was awesome, so just unlucky today with the coffee.

Coming into Atherton we grabbed a bargain bag of Avo’s for $2 on the side of the road, they’re perfect too!

After ringing Main Roads and finding out the Burke Development Road was still closed, we turned left and headed along the Herbeton Range to Ravenshoe, which is the highest town in Qld. It was like driving through clouds, with misty rain and clouds all around. We now know why this area is called the Misty Mountains!

On the rolling hills before you come to Ravenshoe, are these impressive wind turbines which generate green energy for this area.

The info centre at Ravenshoe is fantastic! Very informative with great displays, and well set out. The lady here was extremely friendly and helpful.

Lunch was at Innot Hot Springs, about 20km out of town along the Savannah Way. The springs were a warm welcome to such a chilly day up here. Although I burnt my foot, the edges of the springs are a lot hotter than in the middle. Ouch!

Innot Hot Springs

The road into Undara Lodge

We arrived at Undara Lodge in the Undara National Park by 2pm, set up camp, took the kids for a swim and had a wander around the resort. Some of the accomodation here is in old original train carriages, so too is the bar and bistro area. You can dine inside these train carriages.

This carriage has been turned into an Info centre

We have booked ourselves for a tour in the morning of the Lava Tubes, which we are looking forward to.

Unpowered camp sites are $22/night for 2 adults, our kids were free.

Here is the link for the resort and lava tube tours

www.undara.com.au

There are a heap of Kangaroos here, all around the camp sites and lodge.

We had a quick fire in the arvo, there isn’t a lot of firewood around, you can buy it at the resort for $9 though. 

Luckily the kids got to toast some marshmellows before it started to spit with rain, and our fire went out.

Damon and I enjoyed a night cap of Port, and were happy to see the night filled with stars. We could be in for a sunny day tomorrow, fingers crossed!