Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Porcupine walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Porcupine walk is a short, family-friendly walking track at Perisher in Kosciuszko National Park. Spot wildflowers as you climb to Porcupine Rocks for breathtaking views of the Thredbo Valley and Main Range.

Where
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
5.7km return
Time suggested
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

Porcupine walk is open to walkers in summer and for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

What to
bring
Hat, drinking water, sunscreen, snacks, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, clothes for all weather conditions, topographic map, gps, compass
Please note
  • In winter, this track is blanketed in snow and forms part of the popular Perisher Range cross-country ski trails. You can also snowshoe along Rock Creek.
  • Please take extreme care if you choose to climb Porcupine Rocks. Rocks can shift and may be slippery, and there’s a sheer drop.
  • Guided flower and photo tours often run in summer.
  • Check the weather before you set out as walking tracks can close in poor weather. This track is exposed so be prepared for high UV and changeable conditions.

Set out along this moderate walk from the Perisher Valley reservoir carpark, a short detour from Kosciuszko Road.

The formed walking track follows Rock Creek before steadily climbing through open woodland to around 1900m - the beginning of the alpine zone. As you get higher, wet heath and alpine mint bush give way to hardy snowgrass, snow gums and rock boulders.   

Continue straight at the junctions with Link track and Wheatley Link track and follow the Porcupine walk signs uphill to a broad gap. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Main Range. The track bends left and scrambles over rocks to reach the large outcrop of granite boulders on the ridge, known as Porcupine Rocks. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views to Thredbo River Valley and Bullocks Flat below and back to Perisher and the Main Range. 

Come in early summer to enjoy seasonal wildflowers like yellow paper daisies, billy buttons, or purple flowering heath along the early section of the walk.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Things to do:

Rock Creek snowshoe track

Swap your skis for snowshoes to explore the winter wonderland of Perisher ski resort at your own pace, along scenic Rock Creek in Kosciuszko National Park.

Try shoeshoeing Perisher's Rock Creek in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (36)

Tours (21)

Camping and accommodation (2)

School excursions (2)