Porcupine Gorge National Park is known as Australia's Little Canyon. It is about 60km north of Hughenden or 449km west of Townsville, approximately 1 hour drive from Hughenden.
From Hughenden, follow the Kennedy Developmental Road to reach the turn-off to the gorge lookout. The gorge lookout carpark is 1.5km from the turn-off. Access to Porcupine Gorge National Park (including the lookout and camping area) is fully sealed. As you drive, you will see flat woodland of typical Australia eucalyptus and acacia.
Porcupine Gorge has been carved into the landscape by the eroding action of Porcupine Creek, revealing strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years. In the wider section of the gorge, the creek has also created the pyramid, an isolated monolith of multi-coloured sandstone rising from the floor of the gorge, shaped as its name suggests. The towering cliffs of coloured sandstone, pockets of vine forest and deep permanent waterholes along Porcupine Creek contrast strikingly with the savanna plains surrounding Porcupine Gorge.
There are several walking trail to Porcupine Gorge.
Pyramid walking track Starting from the Pyramid camping area the walking track descends to the bottom of the gorge. This 1.2 kms track offers the opportunity to explore the surrounds of the gorge floor and Porcupine Creek. The return journey up to the camping area is back along the same track. This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness as the track has steep sections and steps.
Pyramid lookoutThis walk starts and finishes from the Pyramid day-use area carpark. An easy 400 metres return walk through open woodland leads to the Pyramid lookout. Catch a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and marvel at the park's ancient geology.
Gorge lookout It's located 1.5km from the Kennedy Development Road and 11km from the Pyramid camping area, this short walk (about 200 metres return) starts and finishes from the Gorge lookout carpark. Enjoy sweeping views across the gorge and down into Porcupine Creek and learn about the park's geology.
The gorge is a great place for viewing wildlife, especially birds. So please bring your binoculars. Look out for wallaby and red kangaroos too. This place is home to Yirendali Aboriginal people, so please respect their special place.
