Trail summary
Hike overview
Red Rock Gorge lookout in Sundown National Park gives spectacular views over Red Rock Gorge. As you traverse the Red Rock hiking trail, watch for peregrine falcons soaring out from cliff faces and enjoy the show of granite belt wildflowers in spring. Access to the Red Rock Gorge lookout track is via a seven kilometre Four Wheel Drive (4WD) track beginning at Sundown's north-eastern entrance.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 955 m
Min elevation: 911 m
Total climbing: 44 m
Total descent: -44 m
Getting there
Red Rock Gorge lookout 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.
The rough and narrow access track to the North-eastern section is unsealed and suitable only for high-clearance 4WDs. Travel 16km from Ballandean, via unsealed Curr Road and Sundown Road to the park's north-eastern entrance. Drive 7km along the narrow, rough 4WD track to Red Rock Gorge camping area and the start of the lookout track. The drive takes about 40mins (or 2.5hrs to walk). Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
Suggest an edit
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Weather
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.