The park was established in 2009 to protect Australia's longest lava tube and the unique fauna and flora found of the area.

[5][6] Prior to the formation of the national park the area was owned by the Collins Family who settled in the region in 1862.

[7] In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Undara Volcanic National Park was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a "Natural attraction".

[8] The park management plan has a focus of protecting the geological values and enhancing visitor service and facilities.

[11][10] The volcanic activity that formed the tubes occurred approximately 190,000 years ago[11][12] and the Undara volcano expelled massive amounts of lava onto the surrounding Atherton Tableland, covering about 1550 square kilometres.

Lava tubes occur up to 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the Undara Crater and up to 5 successive flow units, demarcated by Pahoehoe surfaces, have been identified in the walls of some of the caves.

[13] The Queensland Department of Environment and Science have recognised more than 120 species of bird including the vulnerable Red Goshawk.

[2] Much of the national park is dry savanna woodland but the lava tubes and collapse areas now provide an environment for other vegetation to flourish in the damp interiors.

The lava tubes show up as rich green vine thickets that have strong affinities with Gondwana species.