Rugged and remote are two words that sum up Sundown National Park beautifully. Sundown National Park is a wild and mountainous area of steep gorges and sharp peaks, some of which rise more than 1000m above sea level. Despite its relatively small size of just over 11000 hectares, this is one national park that sure packs a lot in.

Sundown National Park Camping

There are five camping areas located within the park, with two of these able to be accessed by conventional vehicle. These are The Broadwater, located in the west of the park, and Nundubbermere Falls, located in the north of the park.

Red Rock Gorge, Burrows Waterhole and Reedy Waterhole are accessed via the north-east of the park, and can only be reached with a 4WD.

The Broadwater Camping Area

• Fifteen individual sites on the banks of the Severn River
• Suitable for tent based camping, camper trailers and small caravans
• Small BBQ’s, pit toilets and bush showers are provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish
• Starting place for several walks within the park

Nundubbermere Falls Camping Area

• Semi-shaded open area with defined sites
• Suitable for tent based camping
• No facilities provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish

Red Rock Gorge Camping Area

• 4WD vehicle only
• Small, open area with a maximum capacity of 10 people
• Suitable for tent based camping and camper trailers
• Pit toilet provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish

Burrows Waterhole Camping Area

• 4WD vehicle only
• Large, open area on the banks of the Severn River 
• Suitable for tent based camping and camper trailers
• Pit toilets provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish

Reedy Waterhole Camping Area

• 4WD vehicle only
• Large, open area on the banks of the Severn River
• Suitable for tent based camping and camper trailers
• No facilities provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish

Bush Camping

• Available all throughout the park
• Walk-in only
• Tent based camping only
• No facilities provided
• Rubbish bins are not provided – remove all rubbish

How to get to Sundown National Park

While there are three entry points to the park, this article will only focus on the entry to the north-east of the park. This is the entry point for four-wheel-drive vehicles to access Red Rock Gorge, Reedy Waterhole and Burrows Waterhole.

Sundown National Park is located approximately 250km to the south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe on Queensland‘s Granite Belt. From Stanthorpe, it is a further 20km south to Ballandean along the New England Highway, before a right-hand turn towards Sundown National Park.

It’s a short drive to the park boundary through Ballandean Station, which shares a border with Sundown National Park and remains a working cattle property. Stick to the main road through the property and leave gates as you find them.

It’s here where you will find one of our favourite signs. The one that says “4WD ONLY.”

On entering the park, there’s the self-registration hut. If you haven’t already booked online, you will need to fill out your details and get your camping permit. Camping was a princely $6.65/night for an adult.

Sundown National Park 4WD Tracks

Near the park entrance, you’ll find another of our favourite signs that says, “High-clearance four-wheel drive only.”

On the main track, there is a T-junction to Red Rock Gorge on the right. Continuing on, you can have your head in the clouds, as you climb to over 1000m in elevation. On the right, you can catch a glimpse of the old Sundown Mine in the valley below.

Although a track is shown on the map, access is no longer allowed due to the presence of exposed mine shafts and dangerous arsenic levels. This, along with the nearby Beecroft Mine, has been fenced off from the public.

A few kilometres further along, is the turn off for Reedy Waterhole, which is another kilometre from the junction past old stockyard ruins. These remains provide a window to the past when much of Sundown was cleared for grazing and fine wool production in the late 1800s. Reedy Waterhole provides a large, open area for camping, but no facilities.

Back on the main track, you haven’t got far to go until you come to another junction and the track down to the Severn River and Burrows Waterhole. Arriving at a camp area where the only thing you see are big trees, a flowing river, shady campsites and about a dozen kangaroos is sure to put a smile on your face.

It was time to set up camp, and it wasn’t hard to find a great little spot for our swag next to the river.

4WD Track to Rat’s Castle

One of the more difficult 4WD tracks in the park is the one to Rat’s Castle. High clearance and low range are definitely required. No sooner do you start on your way to Rat’s Castle, then you are greeted with a large sign. This sign warns you of the possibility that serious injury or death may occur from a vehicle rollover. 

Time to jump out and walk this one. Just remember too – what goes down, must come back up. This is the way back out to the camp area. There are a few options for the descent, with big wombat holes, loose rocks and slippery clay being a feature of all of them. Choose the best one for you, and if you have the luxury, use a spotter for extra safety.

Several water crossing’s are also encountered on the way to Rat’s Castle. As always, it’s best to walk these crossings, (even if the water is freezing!) as there are some nice diff-destroying rocks lurking just below the surface.

For those feeling energetic, a short scramble to the top of Rat’s Castle is well worth the effort and will afford you a stunning view of the Severn River as it snakes its way through the valley below.

4WD Short Cut to Red Rock Gorge

For those looking for another challenge when exiting the park, take the left hand track just after Beecroft Mine.

This is a great little track that’s got all the right ingredients: steep, rough, narrow, rocky and rutted. If you’re visiting after rain, there’s even a little gully and water crossing to tackle. I rejoined the main track just to the south of the Red Rock Gorge camping area.

A 200m walk to the lookout rewards you with stunning views of the sheer red granite wall rising over 100m above the valley floor below. The campground is only small, but does have a composting toilet.

Back on the main track, another unmaintained track on the left is well worth investigating. This track crisscrosses a rocky creek, straddles nasty ruts and winds its way through tight eucalyptus scrub, before running along a fenceline and rejoining the main track.

Other things to do at Sundown National Park

Birdwatching and Animal Spotting at Sundown National Park

When you visit Sundown, don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars! With over 150 recorded species of birds in the park, Sundown is a birdwatchers paradise.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot Eastern Grey kangaroos around Burrows and Reedy Waterhole camping areas. There’s also a chance you’ll spot wild deer roaming through the park.

Head out at night with a powerful torch for a bit of spotlighting for possums, gliders and owls.

Swimming at Sundown National Park

There’s nothing better than after a hard day on the hiking trails then having a refreshing splash in a crisp mountain stream. With all camping areas except for Red Rock Gorge located on the Severn River, you’re in luck. Summer temperatures can reach the low 40s, so remember the kayak or inner tube for hours of fun for everyone.

Fishing at Sundown National Park

For those that don’t mind wetting a line, or drowning a worm, the Severn River offers plenty of spots to try your luck. Cod and yellow belly are the two species regularly prised from some of the deeper waterholes. Red claw have been caught here, so don’t forget to bring your opera house pots. Just remember to follow all relevant regulations.

Hiking at Sundown National Park

No visit to Sundown is complete without lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails.

There are a variety of walks available throughout the park. These range from a 500m return trek via a well-maintained path to Red Rock Gorge Lookout, to multi-day hikes that require sound navigational skills and a high level of fitness.

Mountain Biking at Sundown National Park

If the hiking trails aren’t enough, bring your mountain bike and ride the 4WD tracks throughout the park. These steep and rocky trails will put your skills to the the ultimate test. Just keep an eye out for oncoming vehicles.

Sundown National Park Weather

Summer can be hot and humid with temperatures reaching the low 40s, and thunderstorms are also likely. Lucky there is the river for a swim to cool off!

Winter can get pretty cold (even by southern standards) with heavy frosts and sub-zero temperatures likely.

Autumn and Spring will give you warm days to explore and cool nights just perfect for a campfire.

Closest Supply Points to Sundown National Park

Stanthorpe

Tenterfield

Tourist Information

Stanthorpe

Tenterfield

Maps Used

I used the HEMA MAPS Girraween, Bald Rock and Sundown National Parks Map, the South East Queensland Map and the HX-1 Hema Navigator GPS unit

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Matt. I camp, four-wheel drive, explore the outdoors and get paid to take photos.
I’m happiest when I’m doing all four at once.
Occasionally, I’ll even tap out a couple of words on my keyboard.

Learn More

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