Undara QLD

Today we left the lush rainforest behind and headed south-west crossing the Atherton Tablelands and joining the legendary Savannah Way into the dusty outback that Far North Queensland hides beyond its coastline.

Our first stop on route was Mareeba and the famous Coffee Works (purely for research purposes, of course 😉) where coffee and chocolate collide in what can only be described as my kind of factory. Actually it was a bit overrated, but I admit the coffee was good.

We also passed through Ravenshoe, proudly holding the title of Queensland’s highest town at around 930m above sea level. The difference in temperature was noticeable at a refreshing 21 degrees.

Unfortunately, a relaxing soak at the nearby Innot Hot Springs wasn’t possible as the campsite was fully booked. From what we could see (and judging by the tourist brochure), it looked worth a visit. Definitely one for the list if we ever make it back this way.

As we headed further inland, I was surprised to see so many termite mounds. I hadn’t associated them with North Queensland, but as it turns out termites thrive across almost the entire state 😐

After making it to Undara and checking in at the Discovery Resort, we headed back out to explore Kalkani Crater, an extinct volcanic cone within the Undara Volcanic National Park. Apparently it dates back approximately 190,000 years.

We completed part of the crater rim walk before returning in time for happy hour and sunset drinks at the resort – enjoyed from the relative comfort of a refurbished railway carriage! Feeling adventurous, we also tried an Iron Pot cocktail (an ode to the construction crew who in 1870 built the local telegraph line) described as being “born where fire meets dust and stories linger in the air – for long nights under the outback sky”. Bring it on I say!Read more