How did the undara lava tubes form?
How did the undara lava tubes form?
The lava tubes and caves were formed when rivers of lava confined to a valley crusted over and formed a roof. Insulated in its casing of solidified lava, the lava flow carried on for tens of kilometres before draining out, leaving an empty tube of lava.
Where are the undara lava tubes?
North Queensland
Considered some of the largest and longest lava tubes on the planet, the Undara lava tubes, located in Undara Volcanic National Park in North Queensland, have led to the formation of some spectacular underground caves.
How old is the undara lava tubes?
190,000 years ago
The Geology of the Undara Lava Tubes Geologists estimate that the lava tubes were formed 190,000 years ago. The lava flow covered 1550 square kilometres of north Queensland.
Who discovered the undara lava tubes?
Gerry Collins
Pioneering Family North Queensland Legends Gerry Collins, a fourth generation member of this pioneering family, applied to develop a tourist facility to showcase the lava tubes located on his family holding, Rosella Plains Station, in 1987.
Can you see Undara Lava Tubes without a tour?
Access to the lava tubes is only by guided tour. The Kalkani Crater rim is accessible to the public without a tour guide.
How far are the lava tubes from Charters Towers?
How far is it from Charters Towers to Undara Volcanic National Park? The distance between Charters Towers and Undara Volcanic National Park is 263 km.
How do you buy lava tubes?
Directions: Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on US 180 and turn west (left) on FR 245 (at milepost 230). Continue 3 miles to FR171 and turn south 1 mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to Lava River Cave.
How did the Undara lava tubes get formed?
The Undara Lava Tubes were formed when 23 cubic kilometres of lava from one of the many volcanoes spilled out over the land and travelled along a river bed. The tubes were formed when the outer layer formed a crust which protected the still-molten lava which continued to flow as though it was in a tube or a pipe.
How are the Undara lava tubes a Cairns outback experience?
As the top layer quickly cooled and crusted, the fiery magma below continued to flow through the tubes taking it further and further from the volcano and thus creating the present day Undara lava tubes. As the eruption slowed and then stopped, the lava drained out of the tubes leaving a series of long, hollow tunnels.
How long is the Undara Lava Tubes Tour?
The Volcano Valley tour requires a moderate level of fitness as there are some boardwalks, unleveled walking tracks and short uneven climbs. This particular tour visits a rocky bluff and four unique sections of the wondrous Undara lave tubes. It also includes morning and afternoon tea and ideally you should allow four hours to complete this walk.
Why are the walls of the Undara cave smooth?
While in most caves you expect to find stalactites and stalagmites, Undara is unique in that the majority of the tube walls are smooth. This is down to the way the hot magma flowed and cooled through the tubes creating a smooth surface.