The Broadwater camping area

The Broadwater camping area is the accessible base at the southern end of Sundown National Park. Its 15 numbered sites sit on the grassy northern bank of the Severn River, with a separate group area for 15–30 people. It is a practical choice for campers who want river access and walking without committing to Sundown’s rough interior 4WD tracks.

Sites and who they suit#

The individual sites vary in size and entrance width. Queensland Parks lists them for tents beside the car, camper trailers, caravans under 4m and small motorhomes; the access is not suitable for vehicles over 5 tonnes. The surface is earth and grass, and the group area is separate from the numbered sites.

This is one campground where choosing a site number matters. A long or wide setup can be awkward behind the timber barriers even when the vehicle itself is within the stated limits. Check the current description in the Queensland Parks booking service before paying.

Getting there#

From Stanthorpe, QPWS directs visitors along 62km of Stanthorpe–Texas Road and 14km of Glenlyon Dam Road, followed by 4km of good gravel on Permanents Road. The final campground track is narrow but is described as suitable for conventional vehicles. The alternative approach is from Tenterfield via the New England Highway, Bruxner Way and Glenlyon Dam Road.

The official campground page has the current route and vehicle limits. Download directions before leaving town because reception at camp is limited.

Allow extra time for the final narrow section instead of treating the distance as normal highway driving. Arriving in daylight also makes the barrier-defined entrances easier to assess before manoeuvring a trailer or small motorhome.

Facilities and supplies#

Facilities are deliberately basic: pit toilets, small QPWS barbecues and bush-shower cubicles with a donkey heater. You must heat the shower water yourself. There are no powered sites, generators are prohibited and rubbish bins are not provided.

Water is available at park headquarters about 1km before the campground. Bring a container and treat the water before drinking. Also pack drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, warm bedding and a fuel stove. If you intend to use the barbecues, bring clean milled firewood; collecting timber in the park is illegal.

River, walks and current conditions#

The Severn River setting gives easy access to The Broadwater for paddling, fishing or a swim when conditions are suitable. Longer walks leave from the area toward Permanent Waterhole, Ooline Creek and the Western circuit. Check the Sundown park alerts before relying on a track, waterhole or fire facility.

As checked on 26 September 2026, a park-wide fire prohibition runs from 22 September to 13 October 2026. During that period, do not plan on the campground barbecues or any open fire; carry an appropriate fuel stove and follow the live alert.

River levels and water quality are not guaranteed. Bring drinking water even when the headquarters supply is operating, and avoid treating the waterhole as a substitute for current swimming or flood advice.

What campers say#

Public Broadwater-specific reports are limited, so treat these as individual observations rather than a broad consensus.

• A detailed National Park Odyssey stay report found some barrier-defined sites tight for long or wide rigs and noted the open group sites are farther from the amenities.
• The same account reported bright night skies, kangaroos around camp and only weak Telstra reception—useful context, but reception can change.
• A small set of Sundown National Park reviews mentions camping at The Broadwater, but the evidence is too sparse to claim consistent amenity or crowd patterns.

Booking checklist#

Book before arrival, display your booking number, and use the site dimensions rather than the campground name alone to judge fit. Recheck the official page, weather, river conditions and fire alert shortly before departure. If your preferred site is unavailable, a CampWatch alert can watch for a cancellation.