Lava caves to hot springs

We have left Cobbold Gorge behind, another tortuous drive down the terrible road to Forsayth. Little did we know of the roads ahead. Forsayth must have something going for it as it rates a police station and there is one little pub. We followed the signs to Einasleigh and hit more dirt, a little rougher than before but pressed on. We stopped to look at Copperfield Gorge which is located opposite the Einasleigh Hotel. It seems to be a lava flow that has split in two, quite beautiful with black rock and green water.

With directions from the publican, we were on our way to Mt.Surprise. Little did we know that the surprise was the road - a bush track for 45k that was masquerading as a main road. If we thought the Cobbald road was bad, this was 5 times worse. All I can say is thank goodness for a strong van and the 4WD, not a road for standard car or van.

Arriving in Mt.Surprise for lunch time was spent cleaning out the fridge of all the spilt, broken and splattered contents. We will have to work out a different system me thinks. A little further on and arrived at Undara with a booking for the tour tomorrow.

Undara is well laid out with bush settings and is only one of two places to tour the lava tubes from. It originally was part of a large cattle station until part was sold off to the parks and gardens to create a National Park and therefore protect and control access to the tubes. A very informative guide Chris (a very laconic laid back Aussie who has travelled all over the out back), took us through what are huge underground caves where lava flowed in enormous quantities at great temperatures, cooling on the outside to form roofs. Very impressive and BIG! We also learnt very quickly that Queensland does not have Boab trees but they have Bottle trees and they are not related - we were all put in our place.........

Bottle Tree

Lunch at Undara and then eastwards along the Kennedy hwy, much nicer road than we have travelled lately and then an evening stop at the Innot Hot Springs. This is the actual name of the place,funny little van park but with pools of hot thermal bubbling water. Very relaxing. There is a small river where the hot springs come out as well so you can scrape a hole in the sand and have your own private soak. We were warned that in some places the water is over 80 degrees and so can actually scald you.