Porcupine Rocks

Panoramic Main Range Views from Perisher Valley

Walking trail: Grade 3 | 5.7km return hike | 1.5 - 2.5 hours return 

Terrain: Formed dirt track interspersed with raised metal mesh steps, timber boardwalks, and a short, steep rock scramble at the summit pinnacle.

Best Time to Visit: November to April for summer bushwalking and blooming alpine wildflowers. From June to October, the trail transforms into a snowbound wonderland ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

If you are looking to escape the crowds on Mount Kosciuszko but still want to experience the breathtaking, raw beauty of the Snowy Mountains alpine zone, the Porcupine Walk is an absolute must for your travel itinerary.

Starting from the Perisher Valley reservoir carpark, this rewarding day hike follows the peaceful waters of Rock Creek before climbing steadily into the clouds. Your destination? Porcupine Rocks—an ancient, dramatic outcrop of massive granite boulders perched high on the Ramshead Range, offering unmatched, 360-degree panoramic views over the Thredbo River Valley, Bullocks Flat, and the snow-capped peaks of the Main Range.

Highlights of the Porcupine Trail

• The Dramatic Granite Tors: The final reward of the hike is exploring the massive, weathered granite structures known as Porcupine Rocks. They make the perfect natural vantage point for photography or enjoying a rugged alpine picnic with the most spectacular 360 degree views.
• Summer Wildflower Blooms: If you visit during the warmer months (especially early summer), the alpine meadows burst into colour with golden paper daisies, purple flowering heath, and bright yellow billy buttons.
• Sub-Alpine Wildlife & Wilderness: Wander through beautiful, twisted groves of hardy snow gums and open button grass plains. Keep your eyes peeled for red-necked wallabies grazing at dawn, and listen for the calls of rare frogs around the sub-alpine wetlands.  

Getting There & Essential Tips

• Location: The trailhead begins at the gravel carpark at the end of Water Supply Storage Road in Perisher Valley, just a short 33km drive from Jindabyne along Kosciuszko Road.
• National Park Fees: Kosciuszko National Park vehicle entry fees apply (with a winter surcharge operating between the June and October long weekends).
• Weather Watch: The alpine environment is highly unpredictable. Even in mid-summer, temperatures can plummet rapidly, and high winds or sudden rain can roll in. Always pack windproof layers, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.

Add the Porcupine Walk to your Aussie Bucket List today and stand on top of the Snowy Mountains!

Activities

• Hiking
• Photography
• Picnic

Facilities

• Lookouts
• Walking trail
• Carpark