Undara and Charters Towers

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Countty near Undara

Some birds at the water trough

Resort's water bore

Resort's dining room

Very tiny orchids

Undara National Park

Enjoying the view

Our guide

"Wish he would hurry with the glasses."

Got my glass!

Bush sunset

Bat exiting cave

Inside lava tube

 

Yesterday, we said farewell to friends and Cairns before heading up the Kuranda Range towards Atherton and the Tablelands.  We thought the 400 metre climb up the range would be as high as we would get, but we ended up climbing to over 1000 metres before arriving at Ravenshoe.  Ravenshoe was when the rolling, green farmlands suddenly became dry savannah and the extent of the World War 2 army camps really became noticeable, with many signs detailing the camp sites for the numerous companies.  After leaving Ravenshoe, the road was excellent, with the long, flat stretches appreciated by the co-pilot.  By the time we reached the Undara Lava Tubes turn-off, the country had become very dry.

Our site in the caravan park at the Undara Resort was very good – a large drive-thru site in a beautiful bush setting.  We had power and bore water connections – and shade, thank goodness.  Once we were away from the coast, the temperature rose, the clouds vanished – as did the humidity.  We decided to do the Sunset Tour which was on offer and set off with a English guide (only been in Australia less than 18 months) and about 16 other guests.  After driving through the bush for about 14 kms, seeing a few kangaroos on the way, we stopped at a small rocky outcrop and invited to join the guide at the top.  He sped away and the rest of us slowly brought up the rear.  The scenery was magnificent, with a number of extinct volcanoes clearly visible.  After standing around for some time, during which our guide didn’t really offer much in the way of information, some of the group started to head back down the hill and our fearless leader suddenly realised we were all sick and tired of just standing on top of a rocky hill.  Onwards and downwards and then back on the bus for a short drive to a picnic table in the middle of the bush.  By this time the sun was setting but no startling panoramas to view the spectacle.  Meanwhile, the guide had unloaded a few cooler bags and out came the bubbles and nibbles, which were much appreciated.  Just after picking up our glasses, we were suddenly told to drink up quick because the bats were starting to appear.  Sculling sparkling wine on an empty stomach late on a hot day and then having to walk through the bush in virtual darkness to a lava tube opening was … an interesting exercise!  We all then sat on some steps and watched the bent wing bats fly out of the cave – literally thousands and thousands.  During the wet season, snakes drape themselves in the branches above the cave opening and catch the bats as they fly past.  We were then taken down into the lava tube, sans torches, with only the guide having a light to lead us down the stops and across the rocky path (remember the bubbles only happened a short time previously!!!) and we then stood in the pitch dark and listened to the bats and were allowed take two photos all at once.  I must admit to using my torch on the way out of the cave: felt my safety was more important that the few remaining bats being a bit upset at some light.  It really was a good tour and would have been even better if the guide had more personality and knowledge.

Rocky bluff

Pedestrians

This river actually had some water

Typical of the countryside

Lunch stop

Inside Stock Exchange Arcade

Charters Towers

Enjoying the 34 degree breeze

World War 2 bunker

We left Undara at 8.00 am this morning – an easy start as we had not unhitched yesterday and someone was awake before 6.00 am.  Unheard of!  I took the first driving shift today, as we didn’t expect single lane bitumen until after we reached Lynd Junction.  Don’t believe 2013 maps – they can be wrong.  The beautiful road suddenly reverted to single lane about 50 kms north of the junction and after nearly 10 kms I asked if Himself would like to drive (he had been sitting up very straight and hanging on grimly for a while).  We changed drivers and about 200 metres around the next bend, back to beautiful road.  We topped up our fuel at Greenvale, just to be sure, and discovered that the brakes on one of the caravan wheels was very hot.  The magnets were disconnected and the brakes had cooled down when we checked at the next stop.  The countryside was very dry and barren, although we did see quite a few cattle.  Also saw a couple of wedge tail eagles – such huge birds which do take a long time to get airborne.  We also saw lots and lots of roadkill, mainly kangaroos but also a couple of pigs and cows.  We did a lot of zigzagging, but still couldn’t always avoid what was on the road; I could probably scrape enough off the front of the caravan to make a couple of kangaroo patties for tea.

We are staying at the Big4 Oasis Caravan Park in Charters Towers and were very pleasantly surprised to be given a small box of chocolates when we checked in.  Evidently, having gold membership status does have some perks!  This is a lovely park in a bush style setting, with large sites and good amenities.  It has been very hot and dry today, so this afternoon, after refuelling, we just had a short visit to the town centre and Towers Hill.