On my (Sarah) return trip from Mt Isa, I was keen to explore a new route and not drive the returning 12 hours on the same route as I had taken to get there. In my trip planning, I came across Porcupine Gorge mentioned numerous times across travel websites. After being convinced my Mazda would handle the dirt roads that lay ahead after visiting Porcupine Gorge, I decided to check it out.
Located approximately 70km from Hughenden Porcupine Gorge is nestled amongst 5410 hectares of land and extends 25km along Porcupine Creek. The creek has carved a canyon made of sedimentary rocks, and erosion over thousands of years has created the shape of its namesake.
Porcupine Gorge is also home to the Porcupine Gorge challenge, an approximately 8 km trail race held each year in June. Turn it into a family affair with race distances available to kids and walkers too!
The first stop you should make is to the Porcupine Gorge Lookout which provides impressive views over the gorge. It is simply breathtaking how something so significant could be located literally in the middle of nowhere. Putting a halt on international travel has given me such an appreciation for just how many unique and awe-inspiring landscapes there are in our own backyard. Park your car in the car park and then follow the signs a short way down a footpath to a built-up viewing platform where you will be granted un-obstructed views of the gorge. Access to this lookout is suitable for people of all abilities, including wheelchair. There are no toilets here but plenty of bushes!
Once you spend ample time snapping pics of the gorge from every angle, continue by car a further 10km until you enter the Porcupine Gorge National Park Camping area. You need to pre-book camping spots, keeping in mind there is no reception in the National Park. I originally planned on camping here, but I just ended up running too tight on time and didn’t want to be arriving in the national park after dark, so I camped in Hughenden for the night at the Allen Terry Caravan Park. There are toilets at the National Park but no showers and plenty of tables and shelters.
What you need to know:
Park your car at the day use section and follow the signs down to the start of the track.
It's a well formed path, however it is rocky and uneven so care should be taken.
The track is mostly downhill, so you know what that will mean-it's all uphill on the return! The walk is only about 2.4km return and allow about an hour.
The track is well marked and would be incredibly difficult to get lost even for someone who is navigationally challenged like me!
Once you reach the base of the walk you can explore the gorge and splash around in the cooling water. This area is known for its wildlife so if you are an avid bird watcher make sure you bring some binoculars.
In my honest opinion, the Porcupine Gorge lookout gives you more bang for your buck in regards to views. For very little effort and walking distance, the lookout is incredible. The walk down to the base of the gorge is lovely but gives nowhere near the perspective of the gorge as the lookout does. In short, if you are camping at the National Park then I would do the walk but if I had to choose or were tight on time then I would pick the lookout hands down.
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