This short and simple hike to Porcupine Rocks is a gorgeous introduction to the Snowy Mountain’s Main Range, especially if you make it up there for sunrise.

Highlights

  • Awe-inspiring Snowy Mountains sunrise
  • Walk through fields of alpine wildflowers
  • Alpenglow across the Main Range and Perisher Ski Resort
  • Epic vantage points requiring some fun bouldering

 

Play Amongst Porcupine Rocks

Porcupine Rocks is a granite boulder formation on top of the Ramshead Range a 45 minute hike behind the village of Perisher Ski Resort. Snow gums can be found spotted along the way and the soft babble of Rock Creek fills the air as it runs towards Perisher. 

As you wander the trail toward the alpine meadow you can spot wildflowers everywhere if you’re visiting at the right time of year. It’s not uncommon to spot Swamp and Red-necked wallabies if you’re hiking around dawn.

The trail loosely follows Rock Creek up towards a saddle where through the boggier parts of the walk you can often hear the croaking cacophony of corroboree frogs which are endemic to the Australian Alps. 

The track then takes a left up towards the rock formation. There are a number of vantage points to sit and watch the sunrise from. Most are easily accessible with some requiring a little scrambling or even bouldering. You’re treated with clear views of the Thredbo Valley below, all the way to Lake Jindabyne.

 

 

Behind you is an unmatched vista of Perisher Ski Resort, Mount Twynam, and Kunama Namadgi (Mt Kosi). I’d personally recommend taking a lightweight hiking stove and a thermos of hot coffee to enjoy a sunrise brekky up there while admiring the beauty of these mountains. 

The craggy formations of Porcupine Rocks have excellent bouldering potential. So after you’ve had your sunrise breakfast and hot coffee you could try your luck scrambling or climbing up some of the larger rock formations.

With views of the Thredbo Valley all the way to Lake Jindabyne, Porcupine Rocks makes an epic spot to practice your photography skills as well.

 

Essential Gear

  • Headtorch if going up for sunrise or sunset
  • Warm clothing as temps in the alpine can drop very quickly without warning
  • A waterproof layer
  • Solid sturdy hiking shoes
  • Water
  • Hiking stove, food and coffee for breaky!
  • Fill out a trip intention at the National Parks Office in Jindabyne where you can also rent a PLB for free

How To Get There

Porcupine Rocks is located behind the Perisher Ski Village. Six hours from Sydney and two hours from Canberra.

When you drive up Kosciusko Road and reach the car park of Perisher Ski Resort take a left just after the Man From Snowy River Hotel, onto Porcupine Road. From there the road weaves up through the lodges and you’ll find the car park and trail head right next to the water reservoir.

Skill Level

Intermediate

This walk is rated grade 3 by NSW National Parks due to some short ascents and obstacles obstructing the path. A little hiking or alpine experience will help you but if you’re a beginner going with someone who knows the area you should be fine.

Distance Covered / Time Taken

5.8km return / 1.5-2.5 hours