Trail Fast Facts

Permanent Waterhole Track is a 2km, grade 3 hike in Sundown National Park, Queensland. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.

Length: 2km

Duration: 1.25 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Broadwater camping area

End: Broadwater camping area

Location: Sundown National Park

State: Queensland

Nearby town: Sundown

From state capital: 299km

Latitude: -28.91544259

Longitude: 151.58642649650577

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

Permanent Waterhole is an easy walk upstream from the Broadwater camping area in Sundown National Park. As its name suggests, this waterhole on the Severn River is permanent even in the driest of times and is ideal for bird watching in early morning or late afternoon. See ducks, herons, cormorants and tiny azure kingfishers along the river. Watch eastern grey kangaroos browsing on the grassy flats around The Broadwater and camping area.

Map and GPX file

Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)

Total distance: 1765 m
Max elevation: 416 m
Min elevation: 403 m
Total climbing: 36 m
Total descent: -35 m

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Getting there

Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)

Permanent Waterhole track is in Sundown National Park, 250km (34hrs 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.

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Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Sundown National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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.

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.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)