A Local’s Guide to Sundown National Park

Want to go remote with zero distractions and the chance of not seeing anyone else? On the Queensland/New South Wales border lies Sundown National Park, a rugged wilderness of spectacular steep-sided gorges, sharp ridges and peaks rising more than 1000m. Sundown National Park is an adventure junkie’s paradise, with a range of challenging walks, as well as campsites and fishing holes only accessible via four wheel drive tracks.

Walking Trails at Sundown National Park

Lace up your walking boots because the best way to truly see Sundown National Park is by foot. The park offers a variety of walks ranging from maintained walking tracks which need basic fitness and footwear, to more remote walks and hikes which require a high level of fitness, sound navigational skills and self-reliance.

If you’re looking to challenge yourself with a half-day adventure at Sundown National Park, try following the creek from Burrows Waterhole to Rats Castle or into Ooline Creek. Keep your camera at the ready for brush-tailed rock-wallabies hiding among rocks near Nundubbermere Falls. For a short walk, venture on the Red Rock Gorge lookout track (pictured above) which leaves from the Red Rock Gorge camping area. The Red Rock camping area provides breathtaking views of the deep gorge with cliffs stained red by lichen. It’s even more incredible after rain when the Red Rock Falls are running. Discover more Sundown National Park walking tracks.

4WD tracks at Sundown National Park

Rugged Countryside in Sundown National Park

With plenty of 4WD tracks, steep climbs and descents, Sundown National Park is a 4WD paradise. While you can access parts of Sundown National Park with a conventional vehicle, to have a true wilderness adventure here you’ll need a 4WD. Bounce down the steep and narrow 4WD track which leads from the Sundown National Park’s northeastern entrance to Red Rock Gorge, Reedy Waterhole and Burrows Waterhole on the Severn River. Keep in mind there’s no road or track through the park between Burrows Waterhole and The Broadwater. For more info on four-wheel driving at Sundown National Park check out this post from Unsealed 4×4.

Sundown National Park Camping

There is no such thing as glamping at Sundown, just good old-fashioned camping. Sundown National Park camping offers an authentic and grounded camping experience, so you won’t find any flushing toilets or caravans in sight. There are five main camping areas with The Broadwater accessible by conventional vehicle. If you really want to go remote, bush camping is permitted in all areas of the park. All camping spots, except Red Rock camping area, are on the Severn River, perfect for a refreshing dip after setting up.

If going into the wild to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life is your cup of tea, then Sundown National Park camping will be the getaway you’re looking for. Keep in mind that it’s very cold at night in winter and can be wet during the summer, so be sure to pack the appropriate camping gear depending on the time of year.

As with all Queensland National Parks, camping permits are required for all nights spent in the park. Read more on Camping at Sundown National Park.

Other things to do at Sundown National Park

Fishing at Sundown National Park

The Severn River offers plenty of great spots to cast a line off the bank, with Cod most regularly caught. Only line fishing is permitted in waterholes along the Severn River and fisheries regulations apply.

Swimming and Kayaking at Sundown National Park

With all Sundown National Park camping spots that sit along the Severn River (except Red Rock camping area), there are plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip. For an adventure to the best swimming hole, start at The Broadwater camping area at the park’s south entrance and follow the walking track from the information hut to ‘Permanent Waterhole’. As the name implies, this waterhole is permanent, meaning that even in the driest of times the waterhole remains and is about 5m deep. At dawn or dusk keep your eyes out for platypuses surfacing as they feed.

Mountain bike riding and cycling at Sundown National Park

For keen mountain bikers with experience in remote terrain, you can ride the 4WD access road through Sundown National Park but make sure to watch out for vehicles that are also using this steep and narrow road.

Wildlife at Sundown National Park

Birdwatchers rejoice! There are over 150 species you can spot a Sundown National Park, including some seasonal visitors. You’ll also see plenty of Eastern Grey kangaroos on the grassy flats at The Broadwater, particularly in the late afternoon or early morning. Red-necked wallabies, swamp wallabies and wallaroos also call this National Park their home and are known to make an appearance at dawn and dusk. The once common brush-tailed rock-wallaby now survives only in the northern end of the park, tread carefully and you might spot one as you wander. Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife at a distance so as too not spook them. Should you plan to do some wildlife spotting in early morning or late ate night, make sure to pack a torch, preferably with a red filter to protect animals’ eyes. Read more about the Sundown National Park wildlife.

How to get to Sundown National Park from Brisbane

Sundown National Park is 250 kilometres (3–4hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe, and 70km north-west of Tenterfield. There are three entry points to Sundown National Park, with each leading to a different section of the park. No 4WD? No worries! Enter via The Broadwater camping area at the southern end of the park. The two other entry points, via Sundown Road in the northeast and Nundubbermere Road in the north, are only accessible via 4WD.

How to get to Sundown National Park

Sundown National Park is 250km (3–4hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe, and 70km north-west of Tenterfield. It has three entry points—each leading to a different section of the park. No 4WD? No worries! Enter via the Broadwater camping area at the southern end of the park. The two other entry points, via Sundown Road in the north east and Nundubbermere Road in the north, are only accessible via 4WD.

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While You’re Here

Make a weekend of it by checking out these other things to do in the area:

National Park lover? Make sure you check out Girraween or Main Range National Park as well.
If you’re travelling to Sundown from Brisbane you’ll drive right through Stanthorpe. Here’s a local’s guide on spending 24 hours there.
Travelling in Spring or Summer? Here’s our top 7 must visit waterholes to check out.
If you have the kids in tow, make sure you check out these 20 family activities in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

A Local’s Guide to Sundown National Park

Walking Trails at Sundown National Park

4WD tracks at Sundown National Park

Sundown National Park Camping