Burrows Waterhole to Rats Castle Track is an 8km, grade 5 return hike located in Sundown National Park, Queensland. The hike should take around 3 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Embark on a memorable riverside walk, through beautiful woodlands to magnificent valley views from the rocky outcrop of Rats Castle. Venture through stands of silver-leaved ironbark and white cypress pine on this scenic walk starting at Burrows Waterhole camping area. Meander downstream along the Severn River to Sundown Creek then climb the steep, rocky track up the distinctive granite outcrop known as Rats Castle. Marvel at spectacular views of the river valley from this vantage point. Don't rush€”take some time at the picturesque Severn River and its creeks. Bring your bathers and take a refreshing dip in some of the waterholes. If you've brought your rod along, why not have a go at catching yourself some dinner!
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 514 m
Min elevation: 446 m
Total climbing: 241 m
Total descent: -241 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Burrows Waterhole to Rats Castle track is in Sundown National Park, 250km (3€“4hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe, and 70km north-west of Tenterfield. The track is in the remote north-eastern section of the park, accessible via rough unsealed roads from Ballandean. A high-clearance 4WD is required. Travel 16km from Ballandean, via unsealed Curr Road and Sundown Road to the park's north-eastern entrance. Drive 20km west along the narrow, rough 4WD track through the hills to Burrows Waterhole camping area and the start of the track.
About the region
Sundown National Park, is a rugged wilderness area with spectacular steep-sided gorges, sharp ridges and peaks of over 1,000m that rise above the Severn River. The vegetation is mainly woodland consisting of box, ironbark and cypress trees, river red gums and river oaks along the river, stringybark and yellow box trees dominate forest in some high eastern areas and pockets of dry vine scrub are found in sheltered gorges. More than 150 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it the perfect location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The Sundown area has a history of early selection and subdivision in the late 1800s, followed by extensive clearing for grazing and fine wool production. Tin, copper and arsenic were also mined in the area from the 1870s. Pastoral relics and old surface diggings remain.
Sundown is a great place to get away from it all. Visitors must be self-sufficient as few facilities are provided.
Find out more here.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.