• You may spot kangaroos hopping down to The Broadwater for a drink. Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
• Look for waterbirds, like white-faced herons, at The Broadwater. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• The river at The Broadwater is wide and has a gently-sloping bank making it ideal for canoeing and swimming. Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
• Enjoy creek scenery set against a backdrop of imposing mountain ranges at The Broadwater. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• A trip to Sundown National Park isn't complete without a visit to The Broadwater. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• The Broadwater is a beautiful, serene place where you can swim, canoe, fish or simply relax. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government

Filled by the waters of the Severn River, this large, permanent waterhole is an idyllic place to spend the day.

Explore gently-sloping banks and a wide stretch of glassy water by canoe or kayak, or take respite from the heat with a refreshing swim. Cast a line into the water to catch yellow-belly, Murray cod or eel-tailed catfish.

Watch as black ducks, cormorants, yellow-billed spoonbills and nankeen night-herons dip into the water. Lie back and listen to the mournful calls of fan-tailed cuckoos in the trees.

If you're feeling energetic, several walks leading upstream start from The Broadwater camping area.

Getting there and getting around

The Broadwater is in Sundown National Park, 250km (3–4hrs drive) south-west of Brisbane via Stanthorpe, and 70km north-west of Tenterfield.

• The Broadwater is located near the southern entrance to the park.
• Access roads to The Broadwater 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 southern park entrance, drive about 1.5km. An information hut is located at the eastern end of The Broadwater camping area.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Broadwater 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.