Frequently asked questions

Porcupine Gorge can be accessed in a two-wheel drive as the road out to the Gorge is bitumen all the way. Sometimes in the wet season, creeks on the road out to the Gorge can flood cutting the road access to the north. The creeks generally go down quickly, but if you are unsure you can check the local road reports.

It is thought that the Gorge received its name due to the spear grass in the area (much like spikes on an echidna) and/or because there are a lot of echidnas in the area.

For our southern visitors, you will probably be happy to swim in our cooler months. You generally won’t see locals in the water until the summer months.  For a quick cool off you can head down to our purpose-built Recreational Lake right in town. It has several areas for swimming and who doesn’t love jumping off a dock. We also have an Aquatic Centre which is open in the summer months from September – April.

For those who are after a nature based swim, Porcupine Gorge has a permanent spring fed swimming hole at the base of the Pyramid.

Your pooches are welcome in Hughenden but please be aware that the Flinders Shire coordinates a wild dog (1080 poison) baiting program biannually throughout the Shire. A number of tourist routes journey through private property and we ask that you please respect this and be aware that baits may be close to roads. Dogs are not permitted in National Parks in Queensland and there are no dog’s kennels in Hughenden. However, we have dog minders, groomers and one dog friendly caravan park.

There is free bush camping on the side of the Flinders River on the corner of Uhr and Flynn Street. There are also free sites available at the Hughenden RV Park for fully self-contained vehicles only. The RV Park is located on the outskirts of the Hughenden Showgrounds. RV’s can complete the self-registration forms located at the RV Park. Alternatively, the Prairie Creek Hotel will let you stay if you buy a cold drink from the bar. Please call the staff at the Flinders Discovery Centre for more information (07) 4741 2970.

Average Rainfall 505.1mm (19 Inches)

Average Winter Min – 9.6degrees

Average Summer Max – 35 degrees

Our Outback summers are very hot however they are a dry heat and most find this more bearable than the humidity on the coast. We do get some cracker storms during summer and road closures can occur. Our visitors are reminded to remain vigilant and be aware of conditions to ensure their safety. Road conditions can change quickly. Our “wet season” goes from November to March.

From April to October is what is known as “dry season” and more manageable temperature occur during these months. Because of this reason, we see most of our visitors during this time.

We have five fuel stations in Hughenden that carry unleaded and diesel, two of these have 98% octane and United on the Flinders Highway has LP Gas.

We have two bottle shops in Hughenden.

• Great Western Hotel – 14 Brodie Street
• Royal Hotel Resort – 21 Moran street
• Exchange Hotel – Flinders Hwy, Torrens Creek

Remember you’re in the Outback now and we love our weekends free so we can take part in all the great activities and events happening. Generally, most businesses are only open from 9am to 12pm on Saturday mornings and are closed for the remainder of the weekend.  You will find Soureys and Foodworks are open 7 days a week, along with the service stations.

• Sacred Heart Parish
  • Address: 24 Mowbray Street
  • Service Time: Saturday 6:30pm
• St Thomas Anglican Church
  • Address: Corner of Resolution and Hardwicke Street
  • Service Time: every 2nd Sunday of the month 9am , every 4th Saturday of the month 2pm -visiting Minister (subject to change)
• Uniting Church
  • Address: Corner of Stansfield and Resolution Streets
  • Service Time: Sunday 9am
• Jehovah’s Witness
  • Address: Corner of Alyss and Churchill Streets
  • Service Times: Wednesday 7:30pm and Sunday 2:30pm

When travelling in the Flinders Shire, the only mobile phone coverage we have access to is the Telstra Next G network. Our closest neighbours which have Optus coverage is Cloncurry travelling west, Longreach travelling south and Charters Towers travelling east. Coverage outside of these areas is usually within a 20km radius.

Public phones are available and free to use Locations of Public Payphones are –

• 11 Gray Street, Hughenden near FT Foodworks (Accepts coin and card)
• 61 Brodie Street, Hughenden near Australia Post (Accepts coin and card)
• 1 Resolution Street, Hughenden at the Railway Station (Accepts coin and card)
• Flinders Highway, Hughenden opposite the Hughenden Hospital (Accepts coin and card)
• 37 Savage Street, Prairie near Prairie Park (Card only)
• 10 Russell Street, Torrens Creek (Card only)
• Winton Road, Stamford near Roadhouse (Accepts coin and card)

We may be in the bush, but we certainly have access to television and radio stations.

In December 2013 we will only be able to access digital television and receive all of the major free to air channels. Some accommodation houses and hotels do provide Austar for the customers. So don’t fret, chances are you won’t miss your favourite sporting team play!

• ABC Local Radio – 1485 AM
• ABC Radio National – 107.5AM
• ABC Triple J – QLD 105.9FM
• 4GC – 765AM
• SBS – 104.3FM
• Tourist Radio – 88.0FM
• West FM- 102.7FM