Sundown National Park Southern Queensland Country

From Red Rock Gorge lookout, gaze across a dynamic deep gorge with high cliffs stained by red lichen. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Sundown National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness on the Queensland–New South Wales border. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government

Red Rock Gorge lookout track

Gaze across a deep gorge with cliffs stained red by lichen, and the rugged ranges stretching out to the south.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
500m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 15min walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Bicycle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Starting from the Red Rock Gorge camping area, this short walk climbs to a lookout with spectacular views across the Queensland and New South Wales border. Marvel at the vivid red hues of the rock surface as sunlight dances on Red Rock Gorge’s granite cliffs.

Delight in glimpses of peregrine falcons and other birds of prey soaring along the cliffs of the gorge. Listen out for the refreshing sound of water tumbling over Red Rock falls, and in winter, the fluid calls of lyrebirds sheltering in the dry rainforest far below.

Enjoy the picturesque show of granite-belt wildflowers during spring, including the distinctive blooms of the sago flower.

Getting there and getting around

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.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Red Rock Gorge lookout track is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Sundown safely and Walk with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts