Hughenden & Porcupine Gorge

Had a day in Hughenden and discovered this outback town has more to offer than you’d expect. The street art around town is surprisingly good quality - murals celebrating local history and the area’s dinosaur heritage that give the main street some real character.

But the main attraction is Porcupine Gorge, about 60 kilometres north of town. This spectacular gorge was carved over millions of years by the Flinders River cutting through ancient sandstone and volcanic rock layers. The result is a dramatic red rock chasm that drops away into green pools and permanent water - a proper oasis in the outback landscape.

The star attraction is the Pyramid, a distinctive rock formation that rises from the gorge floor like something out of the American Southwest. There are several hiking options around the area, ranging from easy walks along the rim to more challenging descents into the gorge itself.

The rim walk gives you spectacular views down into the gorge and across to the Pyramid formation. It’s relatively easy going and well worth doing for the panoramic views. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the track down into the gorge is steeper but rewards you with close-up views of the rock formations and access to the permanent pools. A swim in the gorge is highly recommended.

The geology here tells the story of ancient seas, volcanic activity, and millions of years of erosion. Standing on the rim looking across that landscape, you get a real sense of deep time and the forces that shaped this country.

Pack plenty of water and sun protection - it’s proper outback country out there. But if you’re passing through Hughenden, Porcupine Gorge is definitely worth the detour to see some of inland Queensland’s most dramatic scenery.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Read more