The Undara volcano created huge amounts of lava that formed rivers of molten rock. As the outer layer cooled the molten inner layer continued to flow. It ended its fiery period about 190,000 years ago. Others in this area were active as recent as 10,000 years ago.
The Aboriginal word Undara means “long way,” perhaps a reference to the long rivers of rock. Undara has the world’s longest known lava flow, ending 160km from its volcanic source.
Near sunset we climb to the top of a granite outcrop above the Undara Lava Lodge and look out over the flat plains towards the Undara volcano. Rather than a mountain, its rim rises only 20m above the surrounding area, making it difficult to see above the gum trees.
How some 23 cubic km of molten rock spread out from that depression across the surrounding plains defies logic.
