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.
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.
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.
Total distance: 3140 m
Max elevation: 641 m
Min elevation: 500 m
Total climbing: 165 m
Total descent: -165 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Charters Towers, Einasleigh, Ewan, Forsayth, Georgetown, Hughenden, Mareeba, Mount Surprise, Prairie, Richmond, Torrens Creek, Winton
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!
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