Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Porcupine Gorge National Park in Queensland with the Pyramid Walking Track. This challenging 2.4km return hike, close to the township of Porcupine, starts and ends at the Pyramid Camping Area and is classified as a Grade 4 trail. Expect a steep descent to the bottom of the gorge, delightful exploration around Porcupine Creek, and a heart-pumping return climb. Remember to bring plenty of water, don sun protection and wear sturdy shoes.

Length:

2.4km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 641m

Min elevation: 500m

Total Ascent: 165m

Start: Pyramid Camping Area

End: Pyramid Camping Area

Porcupine Gorge National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Porcupine

From state capital: 1655km

Latitude: -20.34598498

Longitude: 144.4606662

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

5,878 views

Hike overview

Starting from the Pyramid camping area the Pyramid Walking Track descends steeply to the bottom Porcupine Gorge. Take 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. Take your time and allow for frequent breaks to admire the landscape. Carry adequate drinking water, wear sun protection and sturdy ankle-supporting footwear. This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness as the track has steep sections and steps. Please heed all safety advice.

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

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Walk map and GPX file
Pyramid Walking Track (2.4km)

Total distance: 3140 m
Max elevation: 641 m
Min elevation: 500 m
Total climbing: 165 m
Total descent: -165 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Porcupine Gorge National Park.

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 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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
Pyramid Walking Track (2.4km)

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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