National Parks
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.
Camping is available at the Pyramid camping ground, 74km north of Hughenden. Camping Permits are required and fees apply. Campers should bring their own drinking water as the water supply is unreliable.
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. There are twenty-two numbered sites, including nine e-permit sites (online booking) and thirteen self-registration sites. Campsites are suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers, small and large motor homes and large groups.
White Mountains National Park is characterised by white sandstone formations and complex gorge systems and covers 108,000ha of rugged terrain. For much of the year this vast area is an arid landscape but during the wet season it becomes a catchment for streams, eventually feeding into Lake Eyre in South Australia.
White Mountains encompasses a total of fourteen different regional ecosystems. During winter and early spring the park is transformed as native plants of all shapes, sizes and colour bloom across the landscape. Included are golden-orange, cream and red Grevilleas, Wattles of all shades of yellow, white clustered flowers of Ironbark and ground dwelling plants in shades of purple, white, yellow and red. The Park is also home to a variety of fauna.
White Mountains National Park is very remote and undeveloped and is only suitable for well-equipped, experienced bushwalkers. Before bushwalking you must contact the Ranger at Hughenden or Charters Towers and complete a Remote Bushwalking Form with details of your proposed trip plan and emergency contact details.
Camp Site Bookings: Can be done online (click here) or by telephoning 13 13 04. Bookings can also be made in person at the QPWS Reef and National Parks Information Centre in Townsville. There is no self registration at this camp area.
White Mountains National Park is 80km north-east of Hughenden and 140km south-west of Charters Towers. Visitor access at the south-eastern section of the park is from the Flinders Highway at Burra Range Lookout, where it crosses the Great Dividing Range.
A remote park with flat plains criss-crossed by watercourses, grasslands and open Eucalypt, Acacia and Melaleuca woodlands. Access by conventional vehicle is with care, 4WD is recommended. Access is unsuitable for caravans. There is no access in wet weather. Contact the Ranger or Police at Aramac or Torrens Creek for advice on road conditions. The Park is 85km south of Torrens Creek. Obtain Ranger advice on places to camp. Telephone: (07) 4741 7374
To preserve such unique areas, please refrain from interfering with native animals, plants and their surroundings. Do not feed the animals. Leave pets and firearms outside the park. Take rubbish with you when you leave. Fires are prohibited – fuel stove only. Do not pollute creeks or lakes with soap, shampoos, detergents or human waste. For your own safety, wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sturdy footwear and carry a First-Aid kit with you. Always check road conditions before travelling, as weather circumstances change.
Camping Fees
$5.15 per person per night
$20.60 per family per night. A family includes two parents with three or more children between the ages of 5-17 years.
Children under the age of five are free.
Bookings
Internet Visit http://www.epa.qld.gov and follow the instructions. Here you can find camping ground details, sites that are available and pay by credit card.
Telephone: 13 13 04 between 8.00am and 6.00pm weekdays and have your credit card ready for payment.
OR
Self Registration
Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Telephone: (07) 4741 1113 HUGHENDEN or
Telephone: (07) 4787 3388 CHARTERS TOWERS
Before going on your trip:
Always re-visit http://www.derm.qld.gov.au l(and follow the links) or call a QPWS Information Centre before departure to ensure that the park is open to visitors. Fire and flood can affect park conditions and may prevent access. Remember your booking number – this is needed to register your campsite once you arrive at the camping ground. 
