We visited the Lions Den Hotel on our way out of Cooktown. It has changed very little from when we were here 10 years ago, they have added a new Beer Garden Verandah all made of wooden slabs, lovely place to sit for a cool drink. The old pub has not changed it still boasts a Lion out front and inside is still quite unique.
We decided to drive down to Atherton to visit Kevs cousin Bruce, always great to catch up with family. We stopped overnight on the way at Rifle Creek free camp, its a great camp but there were so many people there at this time of year.
Kev and I did stop at the Innot Hot Springs but the owner did not want any advertising so we moved on toward the Undara Volcanic National Park.
An overnight stop at Pinnarendi Station was on our list. They have large drive through sites in a bushland setting and a community fire at night. The Brick Oven Cafe is open for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner if you wish. Their famous pizza is on every Wednesday and Saturday nights. Very friendly hosts.
The Undara Lava Tubes.
Tagging along on a guided tour we found that this is one of the longest Lava Tube systems in the world at 160 kms long. Here they have beautiful Turn of the Century restored Railway carriages which are set along the original Cobb & Co Coach Road. Accomodation in these are available, aswell as Pioneer Huts, Tent Village, Powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites. The tour operators are trained very well and can answer any questions you have. 
From there we took the Ootan Road north towards Chillagoe. Stopping on the way at Sandy Tate River for a camp overnight. Lovely rock pools to cool off in.
Chillagoe – Mungana Caves National Park was spectacular. We had our own guided tour of the famous Trezkinn Cave. Lots of steps up to the cave entrance where the view overlooks the Town and the Smelter Stacks. Lots more steps down onto the steel catwalk that encircles this wonderland of limestone stalagmites and stalactites, Cave Coral, Drapes and the Chandelier. I love caves and this was an awesome experience. A must do.
These are some of the best caves in the country.
From the cave you can walk to the Balancing Rock, how these rocks stay balancing is amazing.
