Sundown National Park
Sundown National Park | |
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IUCN category II (national park) | |
Walkers in the park | |
Coordinates | 28°52′06″S 151°37′07″E / 28.86833°S 151.61861°ECoordinates: 28°52′06″S 151°37′07″E / 28.86833°S 151.61861°E |
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
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sundown National Park. |
- Sundown National Park - Queensland Holidays, Tourism Queensland
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