Western circuit
Leave the river for higher ground to take in expansive views over the valley and spot colourful woodland birds.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 4.5km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 1.5hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
Journey facilities
- Walking
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![Check the rocks along the Western circuit for sunbaking skinks.]()
Check the rocks along the Western circuit for sunbaking skinks.
Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
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![Leave the river for higher ground on the Western circuit.]()
Leave the river for higher ground on the Western circuit.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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![Enjoy beautiful views of Sundown National Park on the Western circuit.]()
Enjoy beautiful views of Sundown National Park on the Western circuit.
Photo credit: © Ben Blanche
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![Look for turquoise parrots on the open flats along the Western circuit.]()
Look for turquoise parrots on the open flats along the Western circuit.
Photo credit: © Robert Ashdown
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![Climb up to the westen boundary and into the main valley of the park on the Western circuit.]()
Climb up to the westen boundary and into the main valley of the park on the Western circuit.
Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
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![Follow the kangaroos on the Western circuit.]()
Follow the kangaroos on the Western circuit.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Take a journey away from the river flats into high open ground on this scenic bushwalk. Delight in spying spiny-cheeked, yellow-faced and fuscous honeyeaters, as well as golden whistlers feeding in the flats near The Broadwater camping area.
Climb the ridge on the western boundary and enjoy sweeping vistas to the south and west from the bench seat provided. Keep your eyes peeled for the vivid plumage of turquoise parrots and diamond firetails flitting through the scrub.
Travel back past steep-sided hills, through ironbark woodland and broad open grasslands where grey kangaroos graze.
Getting there and getting around
The Western circuit is in Sundown National Park, 250km (3–4hrs 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 to The Broadwater camping area is suitable for conventional vehicle.
- 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
- The Western circuit branches off the Permanent Waterhole track, 20m from the trail head.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Western circuit 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.