Porcupine Gorge National Park Outback Queensland

Photo credit: John Augusteyn © Queensland Government

Visiting Porcupine Gorge safely

    Sheltered picnic table Pyramid day-use area.

    Sheltered picnic table Pyramid day-use area.

    Photo credit: Queensland Government

    Getting there and getting around

    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.

    Contact the Flinders Shire Council to enquire about local road conditions.

    Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads for road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    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.

    Staying safe

    • Keep to designated roads and tracks. Ensure that vehicles and trailers are in sound mechanical order. Drive according to the road conditions and your vehicle’s capabilities.
    • Plan for emergencies. Carry adequate food, first-aid equipment, fuel and basic vehicle repair equipment in case of unexpected delays or breakdown.
    • Carry at least one form of communication equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone coverage is not available
    • Watch your step on escarpments and stay clear of cliff edges and steep rock faces—serious injury or death may result from a fall.
    • Keep to the walking tracks at all times. Heed all safety and warning advice.
    • Avoid walking in the heat of the day. Do not underestimate the intensity of the heat on the walking tracks — heat radiates off the sandstone and from the hot sun above, significantly increasing daytime temperatures.
    • Never jump or dive into water. It may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
    • Wear protective clothing. Put on a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear, not thongs.
    • Carry and drink adequate water. Treat all water collected from creeks and rivers.

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    In an emergency

    For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

    We highly recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting a national park or forest. Download the Triple Zero emergency app to help identify your location. Important: if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone.

    Before you visit

    Essentials to bring

    To enjoy your time in this park, remember to bring:

    • drinking water, sufficient for your stay.
    • a fuel or gas stove for cooking is preferrable.
    • a first-aid kit and communication equipment.
    • food storage containers.
    • sunscreen, at hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes.
    • sturdy rubbish bags to take your waste with you.
    • warm clothes for the chilly winter months, temperatures in the gorge are noticeably cooler than on the surrounding plains.

    Opening hours

    Porcupine Gorge National Park is open 24 hours a day. The park may be closed at times due to management activities or adverse weather conditions.

    See park alerts for the latest information on national park access, closures and conditions.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

    Other permits and fees

    Various activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, professional photography and the sale of photographs or vision of the park. See Permits and fees for further information.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Porcupine Gorge National Park.

    Climate and weather

    The hottest months in the park are October to March, when the average maximum temperature is often above 35°C. In the cooler months, June to August, the average maximum is 25°C and the minimum drops to about 10°C. However, temperatures in Porcupine Gorge are generally lower and visitors should bring warm clothing, particularly in winter. Most rain falls in the summer months, December to April, with little rain in winter.

    Fuel and supplies

    Fuel and supplies are available at Hughenden (79km).

    For more information see the tourism information links.

    • There are currently no park alerts for this park.