• Waterbirds, like ducks, enjoy the permanent waterhole at The Broadwater camping area. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Share your camp site with kangaroos at The Broadwater camping area. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• Pitch your tent, camper trailer or caravan at The Broadwater camping area and don't forget your kayak! Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• Pit toilets and cold showers are provided at The Broadwater camping area. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• Visitors to The Broadwater camping area can boil their own water in the donkey heater provided. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• Camp on the banks of the Severn River at The Broadwater camping area. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government
• Camp beside The Broadwater waterhole and enjoy swimming and canoeing. Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government

Set on the grassy northern bank of the Severn River, Broadwater camping area is the perfect holiday destination for visitors seeking tranquillity. Featuring private sites and a separate area for large groups, you can pick a camp site to suit you.

Keen eyes may spot colourful turquoise parrots and eastern grey kangaroos feeding across the open grassy flats near the camping area.

Take a scenic stroll along the river, or head to The Broadwater to cast a line or dip a paddle in the cool water. On a hot day, there is nothing better than a swim in this refreshing waterhole.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, venture to nearby Permanent Waterhole, Ooline Creek or on the Western circuit.

Getting there and getting around

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

• The Broadwater camping area is at the southern entrance to the park and can be reached by conventional vehicle.
• From Stanthorpe, travel along 76km of bitumen road via Texas Road (62km) and Glenlyon Dam Road (14km), followed by 4km of good gravel road (Permanents Road).
• Alternatively, 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.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Broadwater camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check in to your camp after 2pm and check out by 11am on the day of departure.

Camping area features

Individual sites on the bank of the Severn River. Read about the park’s vegetation, geology and bushwalking at the information shelter.

Location: About 1km east of the park headquarters.

Access: The camping area can be reached by conventional vehicle via a narrow track. Access is not suitable for vehicles over 5 tonne.

Number of sites: Fifteen numbered sites of varying size exist in The Broadwater camping area with one large group area suitable for groups of 15–30 people.

Suitable for: Tent camping beside your car; caravans (less than 4m); camper trailers; small motorhomes; large groups. Note: site sizes and entrance widths vary.

Surface: Earth/grass.

Facilities: Small barbecues, pit toilets, bush showers with donkey heater (boil your own water), water at headquarters. Rubbish bins are not provided—remove all your rubbish. There are no powered sites.

Open fires: Permitted in QPWS barbecues only (except when fire bans or prohibitions apply). Fires should not be left unattended. Fuel stoves are recommended. Bring your own cleaned, milled firewood if you want to use the barbecues. Never collect wood from the bush. All barbecue ashes need to be disposed of appropriately (wet down and take to waste transfer station). Ash must not be dumped in the camping area or bush.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags (no bins are provided), insect repellent, container to carry water from headquarters (treat before drinking), fuel or gas stove, warm clothing and warm bedding. Bring your own clean, milled firewood if you want to use the barbecues as firewood is not provided. Never collect wood from the bush. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: Book online. Book up to 12 months in advance.

Mobile phone coverage: Limited.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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