Sundown National Park

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Sundown National Park
IUCN category II (national park)

Walkers in the park
Coordinates 28°52′06″S 151°37′07″E / 28.86833°S 151.61861°E / -28.86833; 151.61861Coordinates: 28°52′06″S 151°37′07″E / 28.86833°S 151.61861°E / -28.86833; 151.61861
Area 160 km2 (61.8 sq mi)
Established 1977
Managing authorities Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Official site Sundown National Park

Sundown is a national park in Queensland, Australia, 198 km southwest of Brisbane. The parks contains spectacular gorge country and a number of peaks higher than 1,000 m.

Landforms

It is the source of the Severn River (Queensland), which is the starting point of the Darling River. The Severn River (Queensland) is a separate river to the New South Wales river of the same name. The river has cut a 10 km long gorge through hard trap rock.[1] Some of the Severn River's tributaries have carved gorges and contain waterfalls.

The area has a complex geological history. Before it was a national park the land was mined for molybdenite, arsenic, tungsten, copper, gold and tin.[1] Disused mines and a treatment plan are contaminated so access in these locations is restricted. Shellfish fossils can be found on the summit of Mount Donaldson which is 1,038 m above sea level. The trap rock which underlays most of the park contains granite intrusions which has caused some fracturing.

Flora and fauna

In the north of the park Stringybark, Yellow Box, Brown Box and Tenterfield Woollybutt are the most common trees.[1] Along the river Red River Gum, River Oak, Tea-tree and Bottlebrush are typically found. Some areas of the park were cleared for grazing the production of fine wool.[2]

At least 150 species of bird have been noted in the park.[2]

Facilities

In the south east of the park at Broadwater campground there are facilities for camping. Bush camping is permitted.[2] Camping permits and fees apply in both cases.

There are a number of short and long walking tracks in the park.

Access

Access to the park is via a turn-off at Mingoola along the Bruxner Highway.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Shilton, Peter (2005). Natural Areas of Queensland. Mount Gravatt, Queensland: Goldpress. pp. 202–205. ISBN 0-9758275-0-2. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "About Sundown". Department of Environment and Resource Management. 9 June 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011. 

External links

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