• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

More Dirt Less Bitumen

Australian Offroad Adventure Travel

  • HOME
  • DRIVES/DESTINATIONS
    • QUEENSLAND
    • WESTERN AUSTRALIA
    • SOUTH AUSTRALIA
    • NORTHERN TERRITORY
    • NEW SOUTH WALES
  • PLANNING/TIPS
    • 4×4 / VEHICLE
    • CAMPING
    • PACKING / FOOD
    • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • REVIEWS
    • PRODUCTS
    • PLACES
    • CAMPSITES
    • 4×4 TRACKS
    • TOURS
  • ABOUT US
    • CONTACT US
    • WORK WITH US
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » DARLING DOWNS AND SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND » SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK

SUNDOWN NATIONAL PARK

Matt Williams · April 14, 2020 · 10 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
Aerial view of Sundown National Park and the Severn River
Aerial view of Sundown National Park and the Severn River


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.

This post may contain links to products and services we recommend and make a commission from.
For further information please read our disclosure and disclaimer

Table of Contents

  • Sundown National Park Camping
    • The Broadwater Camping Area
    • Nundubbermere Falls Camping Area
    • Red Rock Gorge Camping Area
    • Burrows Waterhole Camping Area
    • Reedy Waterhole Camping Area
    • Bush Camping
  • JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
  • How to get to Sundown National Park
  • Sundown National Park 4WD Tracks
    • 4WD Track to Rat’s Castle
    • 4WD Short Cut to Red Rock Gorge
  • Other things to do at Sundown National Park
    • Birdwatching and Animal Spotting at Sundown National Park
    • Swimming at Sundown National Park
    • Fishing at Sundown National Park
    • Hiking at Sundown National Park
    • Mountain Biking at Sundown National Park
  • Sundown National Park Weather
  • Closest Supply Points to Sundown National Park
  • Tourist Information
  • Maps Used
  • JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
  • OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE…
    • Burrum Coast National Park
    • Mount Mee 4WD

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
Exposed rock face along the Severn River
Exposed rock face along the Severn River can be seen on the Way to Rat’s Castle

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
Kangaroo at Burrows Waterhole - Sundown National Park
One of the friendly locals at Burrows Waterhole

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
☞ Check out our Essential Camping Checklist here…

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

* indicates required

How to get to Sundown National Park

4wd Tracks marked on Sundown National Park Map
Access to the 4WD tracks in Sundown National Parks via the
entrance in the north-east of the 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.

Old sign as you pass Ballandean Station

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.”

Sundown National Park - High Clearance 4WD Only
One of our favourite signs!

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.

Waring and danger signs at the abandoned mines
The old mining areas of Sundown National Park have been fenced off and warning signs erected

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.

Tracks are rough, rocky and slow going. Take your time and allow at least two hours to get from the park entrance to Burrows Waterhole

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.

Sundown National Park - Burrows Waterhole Campsite
Campsite at Burrows Waterhole

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.

Sundown National Park - Crossing the Severn River
Crossing the Severn River

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.

4WD on rutted track in Sundown National Park
Making our way along one of the rutted tracks

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.

Sign showing way and how far to Red Rock Gorge Lookout
Follow the signs to Red Rock Gorge Lookout

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.

☞ Check out our Essential 4WD Checklist here…

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.

Different animals found in Sundown National Park
A range of different animals found in Sundown National Park

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.

Reflections on Burrows Waterhole at dawn
Burrows Waterhole provides a great place for a swim or a paddle

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.

Panorama of Red Rock Gorge from the Lookout
Red Rock Gorge as seen from the Lookout

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

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

* indicates required

OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE…

Aerial view of the camping area at Kinkuna Burrum Coast National Park

Burrum Coast National Park

The Burrum Coast National Park is located to the south of Bundaberg and consists of four sections: Kinkuna…

Creek crossing of Lacey's Creek on Lacey's Creek Road

Mount Mee 4WD

If you live in Brisbane and are looking for the ultimate day trip that includes some awesome 4WD tracks, then look no further than Mount Mee…

Check out
More Dirt Less Bitumen
on Social Media

Facebook

FOLLOW

YouTube

SUBSCRIBE

Instagram

FOLLOW
  • Share
  • Tweet

Filed Under: DARLING DOWNS AND SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND, QUEENSLAND

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Samantha Karen says

    June 22, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    Looks so beautfiul. I think the animals here are amazing, would love to see them living and roaming in their natural habitat. Exept the reptiles … maybe those can stay away!

  2. Matt Williams says

    June 23, 2020 at 5:53 am

    Cheers, Samantha. It truly is a beautiful place and the variety of wildlife roaming around is incredible. Even the reptiles!

  3. Suzanne Jones says

    June 23, 2020 at 6:28 am

    What a great name for a national park. I love that there are so many activities. I especially love seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. That 4WD short-cut look a bit hairy!

  4. Matt Williams says

    June 23, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    With so much to do Suzanne, you can easily spend a week in the park. The 4WD track isn’t too bad 😉

  5. Laura Pedlar says

    June 25, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    This a great resource for anyone wanting to camp in this area. There are some useful tips and things to look out for. The 4WD tracks look fun!

  6. Tania Muthusamy says

    June 25, 2020 at 11:15 pm

    Sundown National Park looks like very rugged terrain and would require some experienced 4WDriving. But the rewards sound amazing. I would especially love the bird watching, with 150 species of birds in the park.

  7. Matt Williams says

    June 26, 2020 at 5:08 am

    Thanks Laura. The camping and 4WDriving in the park are fantastic.

  8. Matt Williams says

    June 26, 2020 at 5:10 am

    Hi Tania, the park sure is rugged, but that adds to its beauty and the extra adventure required to get you there. Definitely remember your binoculars for your visit!

  9. Joanne says

    June 26, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    Sundowne National Park is gorgeous! I worked in one of Canada’s National Parks as a student and love it. Each parks has such unique characteristics. I’d love to visit Sundowne and see some of the local animals. The 4WD trek looks amazing too!

  10. Matt Williams says

    June 27, 2020 at 5:46 am

    Hi Joanne, you are certainly right about each National Park having their own unique characteristics. We would both love to visit Canada one day and I am sure that would include quite a few visits to the wonderful National Parks. Which one did you work in?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Matt and Marianne at the Birdsville Hotel
Matt and Marianne at Birdsville

Hi there, we’re Matt and Marianne and we are all about MORE DIRT LESS BITUMEN. Get to know us better….

LATEST ADVENTURES

  • WITHEREN HEIGHTS BUSH RETREAT | THE BEST OF SCENIC RIM CAMPING
  • PATRIOT X3 | IN-DEPTH PATRIOT CAMPERS X3 REVIEW
  • FORWARD FOLD CAMPER TRAILER | SWAG CAMPER TRAILERS V2 KAKADU REVIEW
  • MARVEL CARAVANS | MARVEL THUNDERSTORM MARK II REVIEW
  • ZONE RV BASE | ZB-20.6 BASE SERIES REVIEW

© More Dirt Less Bitumen All rights reserved