Porcupine Gorge National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Looking like an oasis in the dry, flat plains north of Hughenden, Porcupine Gorge National Park features towering sandstone cliffs and a ribbon of greenery lining Porcupine Creek. Over millions of years this stream, which changes from a string of pools in winter to a cascade in the wet season, has eroded the surrounding basalt-capped sandstone into the deep gorge we see today. It has also carved sculptures and potholes in the natural rock, the most famous of which is the Pyramid, an isolated monolith of multicoloured sandstone rising from the floor of the gorge. The park is dominated by eucalypt woodlands but the creek is lined with she-oaks and paperbarks. The creek is both an important bird habitat and a wildlife refuge in the dry season, especially for wallaroos and rock-wallabies. Birdlife drawn to the water includes currawongs, red-winged parrots, Pacifi c black ducks, black bitterns and honeyeaters.Gorge Lookout is a good viewpoint and picnic area. You can walk down into the gorge (2.4 km return, 1½ hours, medium difficulty) from Pyramid campground. As this is a remote, undeveloped park, you must advise the ranger before embarking on any longer bushwalks. Campers should be self-sufficient and bring all supplies and water with them. To ensure a site during holiday periods you will need to book several weeks in advance. The nearby town of Hughenden has caravan, motel and hotel accommodation. The best time to visit this national park is in the cooler months of the year, as the summers can be extremely hot. A 4WD vehicle is recommended in wet weather.

Fact file

Camping

Pyramid Lookout; permit and fees apply

Location and access

385 km west of Townsville; 61 km north of Hughenden via Kennedy Developmental Rd

Park Information

• NQIS (07) 3227 8185
• QPWS Charters Towers
• (07) 4787 3388
• QPWS Hughenden (07) 4741 1113
• QPWS Townsville (07) 4722 5224

Size

5410 ha

Where to Stay

Hughenden (07) 4741 1021


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• Campsites

Campsites

Pyramid Campground

Over time, Porcupine Creek has carved sculptures and potholes in the natural rock, the most famous of which is the Pyramid, an isolated monolith of multicoloured sandstone rising from the floor of the gorge. The Pyramid... Find out more

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Remote bush camping

Self-sufficient campers can seek out the park’s remote walk-in bush-camping areas. The southern boundary of the park is about 45 km north of Hughenden, with the gorge lookout another 15 km further north.... Find out more

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