DAY TWO: 3 days with the Family – Townsville to Hughenden a road trip to remember.

This article is part two of a three part series for please see here for part one and part three here.

Day two in Hughenden: Early Breakfast, gorgeous Gorges, get arty & take in the sunset.

Up at ‘em, it’s another big day of adventure and sightseeing. First up you’ll need your energy so an early breakfast at Holdens Bakery is on the menu. Holdens bakery is a family-owned and operated bakery, you’ll find delicious pies, sweet treats, great coffee and cold drinks here that’ll have your mouth watering. We know that every small country town is proud of its bakery but seriously you have to try Holdens. Our recommendation is the beef, bacon and cheese pie and maybe grab an apple turnover for later. For day two we will be heading to Porcupine Gorge so, make sure you have plenty of water we highly recommend packing a lunch and a few snacks (also bring your swimmers!). If you’ve arrived and found yourself in need of some groceries, Hughenden has plenty of options; Hughenden SPAR, Hughenden Foodworks, Souri’s and our Local Butcher Flinder’s Butcher (if you have a hankering for the best steak in Queensland – this one is a must).

Water-ready, lunch packed and snacks good to go? It’s time to drive north along the Kennedy Developmental Road. The road is fully sealed to Porcupine Gorge and you’ll drive around 60km to reach the turn-off to the Gorge lookout – an easy 45-minute drive. 

Porcupine Gorge can be appreciated from two distinct areas. The first point is a lookout giving a view deep into the Gorge below. There is no access to the base of the Gorge from this point. The second is the Pyramid Camping Area within the National Park. From here a walking track will take you to the base of the Gorge where the Pyramid formation is a prominent feature. Intermittent water holes line the base of the Gorge, a perfect place for a cool swim – trust u, bring your swimmers. If you’re keen on an overnight stay here – camping sites can be either booked online or by phone through Queensland National Parks or at the Flinders Discovery Centre.

Water-ready, lunch packed and snacks good to go? It’s time to drive north along the Kennedy Developmental Road. The road is fully sealed to Porcupine Gorge and you’ll drive around 60km to reach the turn-off to the Gorge lookout – an easy 45-minute drive. 

Porcupine Gorge can be appreciated from two distinct areas. The first point is a lookout giving a view deep into the Gorge below. There is no access to the base of the Gorge from this point. The second is the Pyramid Camping Area within the National Park. From here a walking track will take you to the base of the Gorge where the Pyramid formation is a prominent feature. Intermittent water holes line the base of the Gorge, a perfect place for a cool swim – trust u, bring your swimmers. If you’re keen on an overnight stay here – camping sites can be either booked online or by phone through Queensland National Parks or at the Flinders Discovery Centre.

Feeling peckish, after your hike and swim? It’s time to eat. If you made it back out of the Gorge grab a seat at the shaded picnic areas or if you’ve found yourself lounging on the rocks after your swim (easily done) maybe it’s time for an impromptu picnic. 

The day is getting on by now. Head back to Hughenden and explore some art and history

You may be surprised to learn that Hughenden is actually a haven for outback artists. In our region, you can explore sculpture trails mired in the town’s rich history, larger-than-life silo & tank murals and even hidden street art. If you’re not sure where to go make sure to drop into the Flinders Discovery Centre and learn where to head. Our advice bring a camera as you explore, interact and snap; 

That’s a bit of driving and some exploring for sure – still got energy? We have one more activity for the day and it’s a cracker. 

Book a tour for a Mount Walker sunset: What better way to take in a big sky sunset than some drinks and nibbles at Mt Walker? The view is nothing shy of amazing and the aspect allows for 180-degree views over the Hughenden landscape. The sunset is stunning, a rich tapestry of colours and hues. The tour provides a Ploughman’s Platter and BYO drinks if you want without having to drive home later. Be sure to pack your camera for this tour. (Duration 1 hour)

Book Here – https://www.visithughenden.com.au/sunset-tours/ 

What a day right?! Hopefully, the ploughman’s platter has served as an appetiser and your hunger is in full flight. Head to the Great Western order some tasty pub grub and wash it down with an icy cold drink. The Great Western offers guests a relaxing atmosphere and is a bit of a local’s haunt, expect to find a myriad of people; farmers, shearers, backpackers, mechanics, teachers and travellers – this sleepy town plays host to people from all walks of life and all over the world. Take your time, enjoy your meal and relax – you’re earned it.

Ready for day three? Keep reading – here.

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