While at the Hughenden Info Centre we asked about a Gorge we had read about which is 80klm north of town. It is reputedly Queenslands "Grand Canyon". Porcupine Gorge is in the Porcupine National Park for which we had to book and pay at the Info Centre. NP's provide about 20 campsites offering BBQ tables and toilets. The sites are spread out through bushland, very quiet and private.

The road to the Gorge is now all bitumen, and after about 20klm from town it begins a long climb to the plateau above the gorge. Along the way are several historic sites and lookouts, some of which we visited to break the journey. By about midday we had settled into out site, made some wraps for lunch, packed the backpacks and headed to the track down to the Gorge.

The track down is about 3klm, and it was repeatedly pointed out, by some with short legs, that there is only one way back and it's all uphill. Whinger! The track is pretty steep in places but has steps most of the time. Once in the gorge the light wind on the plateau dropped and the sunny day became very warm. After about 40 minutes we hit the bottom and came to sandstone platforms of many colours, sculptured as only nature can.
 

We explored the gorge in one direction (Evi's not sure which, not good in that arena) walking for about 90 minutes till we were blocked by scrub and water. It was pretty hot so we stopped several times next to crystal pools with many different colours reflected from the bottom. It was one of the most relaxing afternoons in a relaxing trip. Roscoe stripped and had a swim, the water wasn't too cold...such a pretty sight! 
 
The walk back to the plateau did take a little longer, and did work up a sweat earning a well deserved refreshment once we returned to the Lotus Inn! That evening we sat outside under the brightest of cool, clear starry nights and just enjoyed the quiet and view. A quiet scuffle beside Evi's chair notified us of a visitor, and Kangaroo Rat. First there was one, then 2, then 3....the buggers just kept coming. It was delightful.