Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the breathtaking Porcupine Gorge on a short 200m return walk, perfect for all skill levels with a Grade 2 difficulty. Starting and ending at the Gorge lookout carpark, this easy trail offers stunning views across the gorge and into Porcupine Creek, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about the park's unique geology. Remember to follow all safety advice for an enjoyable bushwalk experience.

Length:

200m

Duration:

30 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 553m

Min elevation: 539m

Total Ascent: 14m

Start: Gorge Lookout Carpark

End: Gorge Lookout Carpark

Porcupine Gorge National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Hughenden

From state capital: 1495km

Latitude: -20.41058341

Longitude: 144.43641901016238

Overview

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Region

3,997 views

Hike overview

The Porcupine Gorge Lookout walk starts and finishes from the Gorge lookout carpark. Enjoy sweeping views across the gorge and down into Porcupine Creek and learn about the parks' geology. Please heed all safety advice.

Image: Charles Atkin

Camping

Camping is available at the Pyramid camping area. All bookings for camp sites must be made online prior to visiting the park, and well in advance during peak season (April to October). Camping permits are required and fees apply.

Tips

The Pyramid camping area has wheelchair-accessible toilets. Some campsites have wheelchair-accessible picnic tables (assistance maybe required). To see which campsites are suitable for wheelchair access, refer to camping in Porcupine Gorge National Park. The Porcupine Gorge lookout is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Trail features

Gallery

Porcupine Gorge Lookout Walk (200m)

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Walk map and GPX file

Porcupine Gorge Lookout Walk (200m)

Total distance: 295 m
Max elevation: 553 m
Min elevation: 539 m
Total climbing: 14 m
Total descent: -14 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Porcupine Gorge National Park.

The Gorge Lookout carpark is located 1.5km from the Kennedy Development Road and 11km from the Pyramid camping area.

Access to Porcupine Gorge National Park (including the lookout and camping area) is fully sealed. From Hughenden, follow the Kennedy Developmental Road north for 60km to reach the turn-off to the Gorge lookout. The Gorge lookout carpark is 1.5km from the Kennedy Developmental Road turn-off.

The turn-off to the Pyramid camping area, day-use area and walking track is a further 11.7km north along the Kennedy Developmental Road. From the turn-off, follow the Mount Emu Road for 4.4km, then turn east and follow the road for 2.4km to reach the Pyramid camping and day-use area.

If travelling beyond the park, further north to Blackbraes National Park or the Lynd Junction, please be aware that the Kennedy Developmental Road is unsealed in some sections. When dry, this road is accessible to all vehicle types with care. Travellers should expect to encounter bulldust, corrugations, exposed rocks, creek crossings, other vehicles, native wildlife, cattle and road trains. After storms the road may be temporarily closed or inaccessible to conventional vehicles and caravans.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Charters Towers, Einasleigh, Ewan, Forsayth, Georgetown, Hughenden, Mareeba, Mount Surprise, Prairie, Richmond, Torrens Creek, Winton

About the region

The impressive Porcupine Gorge National Park extends 25 kilometres along Porcupine Creek, which has carved a breathtaking canyon in its path that reveals strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years. In the wider section of the gorge the eroding action of the creek has also created the Pyramid, an isolated monolith of multicoloured sandstone rising from the floor of the gorge, shaped as its name suggests.

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. The gorge lookout is about 60km north of Hughenden. The Pyramid camping and day-use areas and the Pyramid track are another 11km further north. The Yirendali Aboriginal people welcome you to their traditional country and ask that you respect their special place.

The gorge, with its many permanent waterholes, provides an important refuge for and attracts a wide variety of animals. Some are permanent residents, but others only appear in the dry season. Birds are abundant so remember to bring your binoculars and a camera!

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Porcupine Gorge National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Porcupine Gorge Lookout Walk (200m)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance