Porcupine Gorge National Park

Queensland Parks says the Yirendali people welcome you to their traditional country and ask that you respect their special place.

About the park

• Size: Queensland Parks says the national park covers 5,410 hectares of savanna plains, extending for more than 25 km along Porcupine Creek.
• The gorge: it has deep, permanent waterholes and towering cliffs of coloured sandstone. The cliffs reveal strata of sedimentary rock hundreds of millions of years old.
• The Pyramid: in the wider section of the gorge, the creek has carved an isolated multicoloured sandstone monolith that rises from the gorge floor, shaped as its name suggests.
• History: the park was gazetted in 1970. It's managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Getting there

• Queensland Parks says the Gorge lookout is about 60 km north of Hughenden. It's about 1.5 km off the Kennedy Developmental Road.
• The Pyramid camping area, the day-use area and the Pyramid walking track are about 11 km further north.
• The park is listed as accessible by conventional vehicle.

Check QLDTraffic and Queensland Parks alerts before you go, especially in or after the wet season. See wet season and road closures.

Walks

Queensland Parks lists these walks:

The Pyramid walking track needs a reasonable level of fitness. The terrain is uneven, with steep sections and steps. Carry enough water, wear sun protection and sturdy ankle-supporting footwear, take frequent breaks, and walk in the cooler parts of the day.

Camping

• Camping is at the Pyramid camping area. Queensland Parks lists tent, caravan, camper trailer, campervan and motorhome camping.
• All bookings must be made before you visit, well in advance during peak season, April to October.
• Camping permits are required, and fees apply. Book online through Queensland Parks.
• Facilities include toilets and picnic tables, some sheltered. The day-use area has wheelchair-accessible toilets (assistance may be required).

Hughenden has motels and caravan parks if you'd rather stay in town.

Campfires

Campfires are only permitted in the fire rings provided, and not when fire bans or Queensland Parks fire prohibitions are in place. Bring clean, pest-free firewood, such as untreated mill off-cuts. Collecting firewood in the park is prohibited. Queensland Parks recommends fuel or gas stoves.

Wildlife

The gorge's permanent waterholes are an important refuge for wildlife. Some animals live here all year, while others only appear in the dry season. Queensland Parks says birds are abundant, and flocks of red-tailed black cockatoos are often seen in the woodlands around the gorge. Bring binoculars. See birdwatching.

Caring for the park

Queensland Parks asks visitors to:

• Leave everything as you find it. Plants, animals, geological features and cultural sites are all protected.
• Never contaminate water. Wash yourself and your utensils at least 50 m from waterways, and don't use soap, detergent or shampoo in or near the creek or waterholes.
• Use the toilets provided. Never empty portable toilets into park toilets. Use approved disposal points at Hughenden or Charters Towers.
• Take your rubbish with you. No bins are provided.
• Clean your vehicle and gear before you arrive, to stop the spread of weeds and pests.
• Leave pets at home. Domestic animals aren't permitted.
• Don't feed wildlife.
• Leave your drone at home. Drones are prohibited in the camping area and strongly discouraged throughout the park.

When to visit

Peak season is April to October, when days are warm and nights cool. In summer, heat and storms can make walking hard and affect roads. See outback weather by month.

Tourism information

For local information, Queensland Parks suggests the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden (37 Gray Street, phone 07 4741 2970), the Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre and Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond.

Combine with

• Hughenden
• The Dinosaur Trail
• Richmond
• The outback Queensland road trip