Off Roading in Queensland: Sundown National Park

There are some awesome places to explore in Queensland, but it's vital to follow the local rules. Not everywhere allows towed caravans. A lot of the time, it’s for the protection of the land, nature and you, so it’s in your best interest to do a little research before arriving at your dream camping destination.

So, let’s have a look at Sundown National Park. Right on the border of Queensland and New South Wales, these inland areas are a haven for off roaders. It’s just a 3-to-4-hour drive from Brisbane, making it the perfect weekend road trip.

Much of the park is along the Severn River, which means beautiful waterside views. But what are the camping rules for this area?

Towing at Sundown National Park

Not everyone takes a caravan or trailer to Sundown National Park, but it is totally fine to take one to the main campsite. The road can be quite rocky and narrow with loose and larger stones. It can get especially difficult during wet weather, where the risk of slipping increases.

So, take the tracks slowly and let some air out of your tyres to help reduce the chances of damage. Make sure you know the correct caravan tyre pressure before you set off. Due to the challenging nature of these tracks, you’ll need a reliable and tough off road caravan. Towing can be tricky enough, so make sure that your camper or caravan is built to handle the terrain. If you are in the market for a one, there are some great caravans for sale in Brisbane.

There are some areas where the off-road tracks get pretty intense. You won’t be allowed to take your caravan to places like Red Rock Gorge, Reedy Waterhole and Burrows Waterhole, but it is still enjoyable for those who want to do some rough 4WDing.

Camping at Sundown National Park

Sundown National Park is ideal for those who like to camp off the grid – no glampers here!

At all camping sites at Sundown National Park, you need to display a camping permit and booking number at your campsite. It’s also a good idea to consult with rangers about the trip you are planning so that you are informed and safe for the duration of your stay. It’s important to be prepared before you visit.

If you want to camp in your caravan, your only option at Sundown National Park is the Broadwater Camping Area. Being next to a waterhole, you can go swimming, kayaking and fishing! There are also some gorgeous walking tracks, both short and long, as well as lots of wildlife to spot.

Because you’re not allowed generators or campfires, barbecues are available, but you need to bring your own wood. But you should still bring a camping stove (fuel or gas is fine). Make sure that you bring adequate drinking water too.

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed pets at the campsite. If you prefer to travel with your furry friends, there are campsites that allow pets in Queensland.

You can camp in tents at Red Rock Gorge, Burrows Waterhole, Reedy Waterhole, Nundubbermere Falls and Sundown Remote Bush Camp, but you’ll need a high clearance 4WD to get to them. The first two campsites have non-flushable pit toilets, but if you stay at any of the others you will need to take a portable toilet or bury waste properly. Don’t let travelling with your caravan stop you from exploring though. If you love remote camping, you can always leave the caravan at Broadwater Camping Area for a couple days and head on down to one of the other off-grid campsites.