Visiting Sundown safely
Sundown has three access points, all reached via good gravel roads.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
You can swim, fish and canoe at The Broadwater, but never dive or jump into the water.
Photo credit: Queensland Government.
McAllisters Creek is a secluded spot.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown.
Water plummets over Red Rock Falls after good rains.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
On the Severn River.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown
Getting there and getting around
- Girraween and Sundown National Parks discovery guide
- Southern Inland Queensland parks and forests map
Sundown is 250km (3–4 hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe and 70 km north-west of Tenterfield.
The Broadwater camping area at the southern end of the park can be reached by conventional vehicle from Stanthorpe along 76 km of bitumen road via Texas Road (62km) and the Glenlyon Dam Road (14km), followed by 4km of good gravel road (Permanents Road).
From Tenterfield, 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 turnoff.
A small general store at Glenlyon Dam has the only food and fuel supplies after leaving the New England Highway.
From Ballandean, travel the 16km of gravel via Curr Road and Sundown Road to the park’s eastern boundary (and 4WD entrance). A rough 4WD track leads 20km to camp sites along the Severn River. The drive takes about 2hrs. Towing trailers or campers is not recommended due to the rough, steep and narrow road.
To reach Nundubbermere Falls travel 8km along the Texas Road from Stanthorpe, then 20km along Nundubbermere Road and then a further 4km along Falls Road to the park entrance.
See the Department of Transport and Main Roads website for information about local road conditions and river heights. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Staying safe
To enjoy a safe visit to this area, please be well prepared and use sound judgment.
- Take plenty of drinking water with you—water from creeks and waterholes is not suitable for drinking unless purified. Avoid drinking water from creeks in the vicinity of the old mines.
- Do not jump or dive into any creek or waterhole—they can be shallow and have submerged hazards.
- Secure your food supplies and rubbish from goannas and currawongs.
Walk safely
No matter what type of walk you intend to do, you should always plan ahead. Judge your ability and conditions carefully before setting out, even on short walks. Do not expect to be warned of every possible danger. Learn as much as you can about the terrain and local conditions and make sure that you carry appropriate clothing and reliable gear. Choose walks that suit the capabilities of your entire group. Stay together and keep to the walking tracks.
Most importantly, you should always advise friends and family of your itinerary. Leave a copy of your bushwalking plans with a reliable person before setting out on walks; they have the sole responsibility for contacting police if you are overdue.
If planning a remote walk, advise a ranger of your itinerary before setting out. Camping permits are required for all overnight walks. Book online or by phone. See bush camping for more information.
Whether on a day walk or longer trek, you should plan to finish walking well before dark. If walking in thick forest, it will get dark much earlier, so carry a torch, even if you are on a day walk.
Walkers should ideally carry the following on all remote walks:
- suitable topographic map
- compass
- warm clothing
- appropriate footwear and headgear
- adequate water (treat any water collected from creeks before drinking it)
- extra food and water
- torch or headlamp
- waterproof matches
- first-aid kit
- whistle
- raincoat and waterproof pants
- pocket knife.
When walking, stay together as a group and walk at the pace of the slowest person. Fatigue on long walks raises the risk of accidents and an injury in remote country can become life-threatening.
Walk with one or more friends. At least one member of each party should be an experienced bushwalker and competent at map reading.
Carry a first-aid kit, adequate food and suitable clothing. If walking in a remote area ensure you have a suitable topographic map and compass or GPS.
If you or members of your group become lost or injured, it is critical to keep warm and dry, and drink plenty of water. Try to find a place that is visible from both the air and ground and if possible put on bright clothing. Using a whistle will attract the attention of searching ground crews, and it should be used often.
By planning ahead, you will not only have a memorable trip, but also a safe one.
For more information about staying safe while visiting national parks, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.
In an emergency
In case of an accident or other emergency:
- call Triple Zero (000) or
- from GSM mobile phones if you cannot reach Triple Zero (000), try 112
- if speech or hearing impaired call 106 using a text phone
- advise the location and nature of the emergency
- stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.
The nearest hospital is located at Stanthorpe. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in Sundown National Park.
Before you visit
Essentials to bring
- Be self-sufficient—bring your own food, water and first-aid supplies.
- Bring sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, and raincoat.
- Rubbish bins are not provided. Please bring rubbish bags, and take all recyclables and rubbish with you when you leave. Secure supplies and rubbish from goannas and currawongs.
- Preferably use fuel or gas stoves. If you do wish to use the barbecues provided, please bring your own clean, milled timber. Never collect wood from the bush. Take care with fire, keep your fires below the grate and make sure your fire is out before you leave it, especially during hot or windy conditions.
- Bring your camera and binoculars for viewing wildlife. A torch, preferably with a red filter to protect animals’ eyes, is useful for spotlighting at night.
Opening hours
Sundown National Park is open 24 hours a day.
Permits and fees
To camp in the national park a permit is required and fees apply. Camping fees must be paid before you camp overnight. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. Bookings (e-permits) are required for all long weekends and school holidays.
- Bookings can be made 12 months in advance.
- If you wish to extend your stay, you must re-register.
- Bookings: Book online, over-the-counter or by phone.
Pets
Domestic animals are not permitted in Sundown National Park.
Climate and weather
Situated on the Queensland–New South Wales border, Sundown National Park has more in common with cooler southern climates than with the 'Sunshine State'. In summer, daytime temperatures in Sundown National Park can exceed 40°C. The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit.
For more information see the tourism information links. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Fuel and supplies
Fuel and supplies are available at Stanthorpe and Tenterfield. Limited fuel and supplies are available at Ballandean, Wallangarra and a small general store at Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park.
For more information see the tourism information links.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.