Known as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon” with its cool, clear, flowing creek, towering cliffs of vibrantly coloured sandstone and comparatively dense vegetation provides a striking contrast to the sparsely wooded, dry flat plains which surround it. This impressive canyon reveals strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years of geological history.
Hughenden is the access point for the Porcupine Gorge National Park – a canyon hidden away about an hours drive north. The road passes through flat woodlands of typical Australian Eucalypts and Acacias and gives no hint of the existence of the Gorge until one reaches it. The Gorge has been carved by Porcupine Creek out of a basalt lava-flow giving off the beautiful soft colours of the walls towering 150 metres over the water. The Gorge can be appreciated from two distinct areas. The first point is a lookout giving a view deep into the Gorge below. There is no access to the base of the Gorge from this point. The second point is a National Park campsite where basic facilities are provided. From this point there is a walking track that takes visitors to the bottom of the Gorge where the Pyramid formation can be viewed. There is also a swimming hole at the base of the Pyramid.
The camping ground is situated in the upper level of the Gorge; the camping ground is the starting point for the 1.2 kilometre walking track which leads down into the Gorge.
Camping is available at the Pyramid campground, 74km north of Hughenden. Camping permits are required and fees apply. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as the water supply is unreliable. Camp Site Bookings: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au (and follow the links), by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or The Flinders Discovery Centre is an agent for National Park bookings. During holiday periods, you will need to book several weeks in advance. Please note there is no self registration available at Porcupine Gorge National Park.