Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a moderate 2km return hike at Permanent Waterhole, nestled in Sundown National Park. Ideal for bird watching, the trail offers a chance to spot ducks, herons, cormorants, and azure kingfishers along the Severn River, and eastern grey kangaroos grazing near Broadwater camping area. Despite its short length, this trail guarantees an adventure-packed experience even in the driest of times.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 416m

Min elevation: 403m

Total Ascent: 36m

Start: Broadwater camping area

End: Broadwater camping area

Sundown National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Sundown

From state capital: 299km

Latitude: -28.91544259

Longitude: 151.58642649650577

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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.

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.

Walk 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

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Sundown National Park.

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.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Applethorpe, Ballandean, Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Pozieres, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Texas, Thulimbah, Wallangarra, Warwick

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Sundown National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Permanent Waterhole Track (2km)