Sundown National Park Southern Queensland Country

Discover secluded waterholes when you head off the beaten track and bush camp in Sundown National Park. Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown

Sundown National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness on the Queensland–New South Wales border. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government

Sundown remote bush camp

Experience a challenging remote getaway, with magnificent views, peaceful waterholes, dramatic gorges and blissful nights spent under a canopy of stars.

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Walk-in

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Walking
  • Cultural and historic sites
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

Always check

Head out on foot for a bush camping adventure and experience Sundown National Park’s rugged, secluded landscape at its finest.

Explore up and down the river, or tackle challenging multi-day hikes up side creeks, into gorges and up formidable ranges, stopping to pitch a tent at one of the many remote camp sites.

Marvel at steep-sided gorges peppered with king orchids, river red gums and bottlebrush growing along the river, and wildflowers blossoming in spring.

Return to camp as dusk rolls in and watch for visiting wallaroos, grey kangaroos, red-necked and swamp wallabies, and the arrival of marsupial mice, gliders and possums with the stars.

Getting there and getting around

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. Walkers can start their hikes from any of the park's three access points. Refer to detailed topographical maps and guide books for details of walking routes.

Broadwater camping area

  • You can access remote walks beginning from this camping area, located at the southern end of the park, and accessible by conventional vehicle.
  • From Stanthorpe, travel along 76km of bitumen road via Texas Road (62km) and Glenlyon Dam Road (14km), followed by 4km of good gravel road (Permanents Road).
  • Alternatively, from Tenterfield in New South Wales, travel north 5km along the New England Highway then west along the Bruxner Highway 52km to Mingoola. Turn right and travel 12km to the park turn-off.

North-eastern section

  • This remote section of the park is 16km from Ballandean, via unsealed Curr Road and Sundown Road. From the park boundary (and 4WD entrance) a rough track leads 20km to camp sites along the Severn River. The drive takes about 2hrs.

Nundubbermere Falls

  • To access remote camps in this section, travel 8km along Texas Road from Stanthorpe, then 20km along Nundubbermere Road and a further 4km along Falls Road to the park entrance.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Sundown bush camping is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Location: Throughout the park.

Access: Walk-in only.

Number of sites: No allocated sites. Maximum group size is eight people.

Suitable for: Tent camping only.

Campsite surface: Earth/grass.

Facilities: No facilities.

Open fires: Allowed (except when fire bans apply) but fuel or gas stoves recommended.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags (no bins provided), fuel or gas stove, insect repellent, warm clothing and bedding, first-aid kit, compass and topographic map. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: Book online. Book up to 12 months in advance.

Mobile phone coverage: Limited.

Please note: bushwalkers should leave their route details with the ranger but should also advise a friend or family member of their whereabouts and expected return time.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Sundown safely and camp with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts