Sundown National Park

Sundown is a national park in Queensland, Australia, 198 km south west of Brisbane. The park contains spectacular gorge country and a number of peaks higher than 1,000 m.

Sundown National Park
Queensland
IUCN category II (national park)
Walkers in the park
Sundown National Park
Coordinates28°52′06″S 151°37′07″E
Established1977
Area160 km2 (61.8 sq mi)
Managing authoritiesQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service
WebsiteSundown National Park
See alsoProtected areas of Queensland

Landforms

It is the source of the Severn River, which is the starting point of the Darling River. This Severn River is a separate river from the New South Wales river of the same name. The river has cut a 10 km long gorge through hard trap rock.[1] Some of the Severn River's tributaries have carved gorges and contain waterfalls.

The area has a complex geological history. Before it was a national park the land was mined for molybdenite, arsenic, tungsten, copper, gold and tin.[1] Disused mines are contaminated so access in these locations is restricted. Shellfish fossils can be found on the summit of Mount Donaldson which is 1,038 m above sea level. The trap rock which underlays most of the park contains granite intrusions which has caused some fracturing.

Flora and fauna

In the north of the park stringybark, yellow box, brown box and Tenterfield woollybutt are the most common trees.[1] Along the river red river gum, river oak, tea-tree and bottlebrush are typically found. Some areas of the park were cleared for grazing and the production of wool.[2]

At least 150 species of bird have been noted in the park, including the northernmost population of superb lyrebirds.[2] The park is also home to the most northerly population of wombats along with nearby Girraween National Park. Tiger quolls and platypus are other species that may also be found.[2]

Facilities

In the south east of the park at Broadwater campground there are facilities for camping. Bush camping is permitted.[2] Camping permits and fees apply in both cases. There are a number of short and long walking tracks in the park.

Western Section

Access to the park from New South Wales is via a turn-off into Mingoola Station Road at the Mingoola School, along the Bruxner Highway.[1] Then turn right into Glenyon Dam Road and then another right into Permanents Road, which promptly enters the park. This section is the most developed with the Broadwater Camping Area providing toilets, boil-your-own hot showers (boiler on site), short walking tracks, sheltered tables and taps with river and rain water provided at the ranger station. this section is easily accessible for 2WD and motorhomes/caravans/campertrailers under 5 meters.

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See also

References
  1. Shilton, Peter (2005). Natural Areas of Queensland. Mount Gravatt, Queensland: Goldpress. pp. 202–205. ISBN 0-9758275-0-2.
  2. "About Sundown". Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
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