Sundown National Park Southern Queensland Country

The Permanent Waterhole track is a gently sloping walk leading upstream along Ooline Creek. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

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

Permanent Waterhole track

Take in the serene beauty at this waterhole, where deep reflective water gives way to lichen-encrusted rocks and sculptured hills blanketed by forest.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
2km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1hr walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Venture upstream on this gently-sloping track to picturesque Permanent Waterhole on Ooline Creek. As its name suggests, this waterhole is always present, even in the driest of times.

Escape the dry surrounding mountain ranges to swim in the 5m deep water—the perfect retreat on a hot day. Keep watch for tiny azure kingfishers near the mouth of Ooline Creek. Look for ripples on the surface at dawn or dusk as platypus feed on crayfish and small fish.

Let the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush enchant you. Listen to honeyeaters snacking in the colourful bottlebrush along the creek and wallabies lapping at the cool waters.

Getting there and getting around

Permanent Waterhole track is in Sundown National Park, 250km (3–4hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe, and 70km north-west of Tenterfield.

  • The track begins at The Broadwater camping area at the southern end of the park.
  • Access roads to The Broadwater camping area are suitable for conventional vehicles.
  • From Stanthorpe drive along 76km of bitumen road via Texas Road (62km) and Glenlyon Dam Road (14km), followed by 4km of good gravel road (Permanents Road) to the park entrance.
  • 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.
  • From the park entrance, drive about 1.5km to The Broadwater camping area.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Permanent Waterhole track is open 24 hours a day.

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

Visiting safely

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