Porcupine walk
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Porcupine walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
5.7km return
Time
1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Porcupine walk is in the Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there from Jindabyne:
- Drive 33km along Kosciuszko Road to Perisher Valley.
- After 400m take the first left after the Man from Snowy River Hotel.
- Then take the first right and follow the road until you reach the gravel carpark at the Perisher Valley Reservoir.
Winter road access
Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass from June to October long weekends.
All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:
- Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
- Guthega Road
- Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin
Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- Snow chains required after snow
Parking
Parking is available at the reservoir carpark.
Facilities
The nearest public toilet facilities are located 850m away, at the NSW National Parks Perisher Office building, on Kosciuszko Road (generally not open on weekends in summer).
Facilities in the Perisher Skitube building may be open in summer. You'll also find rubbish bins, tables, and vending machines selling water and snacks in these buildings.
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
- In winter you can snowshoe on the dedicated snowshoe track, or cross-country ski on the marked Porcupine cross-country ski trail.
- Walking is not recommended in winter when this track is snowbound.
Prohibited
Camping
Cycling
Bicycles, including fat bikes or snow bikes, are not permitted on this walking track.
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Snowy Region Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6450 5600
- srvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627
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
Visitor centre
-
Snowy Region Visitor Centre
49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627 - 8.30am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6450 5600