Porcupine Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

5.6 km Return

214 m

Hard track

Starting at the Perisher Valley Reservoir, this walk heads up through Rock Creek valley to the the panoramic views from Porcupine Rocks. On this walk, you will wander through button grass plains and among groves of snow gums whilst passing some granite tors. From the top of this walk, there are great views down both Perisher Valley and Thredbo River Valley as well as to Mt Duncan.

Next to the water supply looking down Porcupine Track

Walking up the Porcupine track near Perisher Valley Reservoir

Looking down over Perisher Valley Reservoir and valley

Metal grate in sections of the Porcupine Track

Some sections of the Porcupine Track are close the the snow pole line

Crossing the upper reaches of Rock Creek

Signposted intersection partway up Porcupine Track

Just north of Int of Porcupine Trail and Wheatley Link Track

New signposte near the Int of Porcupine Trail and Wheatley Link Track

The older signpost at Int of Porcupine Trail and Wheatley Link Track

Track leading up to the gap at Porcupine Rocks

Track leading up to the eastern summit of Porcupine Rocks

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should be carrying and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.

(0km) End of Water Supply Storage Rd → Int of Porcupine and Link Track

1.1 km

23 mins

58m

-1m Hard track

From the car park at the end of Water Supply Storage Road in Perisher Valley, this walk passes the 'Porcupine Track' sign[1] and crosses Rock Creek using the metal bridge. The walk then turns right and follows the next 'Porcupine Track' sign[2] towards the pump house[3]. At the pump house, this walk follows the narrow track on the other side of the building[4] and heads left, up past the reservoir[5]. Soon the track bends right and heads up the hill through the open grassland[6] following the line of snow poles. About 300m from the pump house, the track follows the first in a series of metal (erosion control) grates[7]. About 650m after this, the walk crosses Rock Creek again on a flat timber bridge then, 60m later, comes to a signposted three-way intersection with Porcupine Link Track (on your left)[8].

(1km) Int of Porcupine and Link Track → Int of Porcupine Trail and Wheatley Link Track

1.3 km

31 mins

109m

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Porcupine Trail' sign[9] along the track and over the gentle rise heading south-west up the main wide valley. This track heads over a series of metal grates, leading through a few groves of dead snow gums to find a large and fairly flat saddle with a signposted intersection (with the 'Wheatley Link Track' on your right). The intersection is just past the new sign and before the older timber sign.

(2km) Int of Porcupine Trail and Wheatley Link Track → Porcupine Saddle

320 m

8 mins

25m

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Porcupine' trail signs[10][11] north-west over the top of the saddle and towards the large rocky pinnacle[12]. The track soon begins to steepen through a rocky area and, just after passing a large rocky outcrop[13] (on your left), the track leads up to a three-way intersection beside the gap[14] (on your left) between the two main peaks[15].

(3km) Porcupine Saddle → Porcupine Rocks

30 m

1 mins

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track uphill[16] (away from the gap). The track soon bends left, then the walk scrambles over the rocks to find the pinnacle of Porcupine Rocks[17]. Be aware that these rocks can shift and may be slippery - do not climb beyond your capabilities.

Porcupine Rocks

The Porcupine Rocks are a large granite outcrop on the ridge, south of Perisher Valley. There are two main peaks[18][19], and a rock scramble[20] leads to the top of the southern peak, providing fantastic views of Perisher Valley[21], Mt Duncan[22], Thredbo River Valley[23] and Bullocks Flat. The gap between the two summits provides some shade and protection from the wind. An amazing place to visit - allow time to just relax and enjoy this place. The summit can be slippery and icy, and there is a shear drop and other hazards. Much care is required.

Maps for the Porcupine Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Porcupine Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Porcupine Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.6 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 2.5km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 350m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 2.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 350m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

2.5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 320m has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (30m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 2.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 350m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.8km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

2.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 320m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (30m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Porcupine Walk walk.

Wheatley Circuit

7.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This snowshoe walk follows a winter-only route. From Perisher Valley, you walk up along the Kosciuszko Rd to a gap, just past the last ski lift. Here you leave the road to follow the snow pole line up along the Wheatley Link among the snow gums and crossing some open plains. This link leads up to a

Total climbing: 251m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Porcupine Walk walk.

Rock Creek Snowshoe Trail

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This well signposted, winter-only snowshoe walk is a great way to get into snowshoeing for the first time. Starting from Perisher Village, this walk soon leaves the main road to follow a series of snow poles up a gully and around a small hill. There are some interesting information signs to help y

Total climbing: 84m

Moderate track

Mount Piper Trail

5.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This winter-only snowshoe walk starts from the Smiggins Centre and follows a snow pole line and cross-country ski trail to Perisher Valley. Starting along the road, you soon follow a snow pole line up and behind Mt Piper. There are some wide vistas over Perisher Creek Valley along sections of this

Total climbing: 167m

Hard track

Bullock's track - via Bullock's Hut

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk explores some of the history and beauty along the Thredbo River around Bullocks Flat. Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campsite, you will follow the clearly signposted Bullocks Track though the scattering of snow gums and granite boulders to Bullocks Hut, before returning to the campsit

Total climbing: 110m

Moderate track

Bullock's Track via Muzzlewood Flat

4.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant circuit walk explores some lovely sections of the Thredbo River, as well as some snow gum forests, granite boulder outcrops and a series of frost hollows. Much of the first half of this walk follows the Thredbo River passing some inviting grassy areas where you can sit and enjoy the wa

Total climbing: 102m

Moderate track

Bullocks Hut

1.5 km Return, 30 mins

On this walk, you will explore a historic section of the Thredbo River around Bullocks Flat. Starting at the ski tube car park, this walk follows the signposted track under the rail bridge to the historic Bullocks Hut. There is an optional side trip across the Thredbo River to explore some rusty rui

Total climbing: 22m

Moderate track

Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam

17.4 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts at Guthega and explores the area east of Blue Lake. The walk heads to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox, and then crosses the famous Snowy River at the suspension bridge. The walk then winds up the long ridge to the top of Little Twynam and down to Blue La

Total climbing: 1120m

Experienced only

Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo, visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Mt Twynam, Lake Albina and Mt Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets.

Total climbing: 1364m

Experienced only

Guthega to Charlotte Pass

15.2 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the wonderful alpine country between Guthega village and Charlotte Pass at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. Starting with views of Guthega Dam, the walk visits Illawong Lodge and crosses the Snowy River suspension bridge before climbing up to Mt Twynam. Once on the Main Range track, you

Total climbing: 908m

Experienced only

Illawong Walk

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 45 mins

From Guthega village, this walk leads you over Blue Cow Creek and alongside the Snowy River to Illawong Lodge and the suspension bridge. You will be using a narrow, unsignposted but generally clear track. A flying fox is in place over Blue Cow Creek, however a more modern bridge offers a safer path

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track

Guthega to Mt Twynam

14.8 km Return, 6 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts from Guthega and makes its way along the Snowy River to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox. From the lodge, the walk crosses the suspension bridge and begins the climb up the ridge past Pounds Creek Flats to the top of Mt Twynam. From here, there is an optional si

Total climbing: 913m

Experienced only

Guthega to Snowy River Suspension Bridge

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This enjoyable walk starts from Guthega and mostly follows the famous Snowy River, to reach the cable suspension bridge. Before reaching the bridge, the walk crosses the Blue Cow Creek at the flying fox, and winds through the snow gums and the open plains.

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track

Main Range Circuit from Guthega

45 km Circuit, 4 Days

This four day walk explores the Kosciuszko National Park, covering many of the key features of the park between Guthega and Rawson Pass. Some of the more popular sights you will visit are the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Lake Albina, a couple of great alpine huts and the two highest peaks in Australia

Total climbing: 2317m

Experienced only