The drainage divide created by the Great Dividing Range runs from north to south near the eastern boundary of the locality. As a consequence, the terrain in the locality is mountainous with the following named peaks (from north to south):
Numerous creeks rise in this area flowing into valleys west towards inland Queensland where they eventually become tributaries of the Flinders River which flows through the Gulf Country to the Gulf of Carpentaria. In contrast, the South Gregory River rises to the east of the divide and flows eventually into the Burdekin River which enters the Coral Sea at Upstart Bay, east of Ayr.[22]
The locality was named and bounded on 23 February 2001.[2] The name is believed to derive from the appearance of the spiky leaves of the spinifex bushes in the area. In particular the Triodia scariosa is commonly known in Australia as "porcupine grass".[23]
Demographics
In the 2016 census, Porcupine had a population of 49 people.[24]
In the 2021 census, Porcupine had a population of 39 people.[1]
Education
There are no schools in Porcupine. The nearest government primary and secondary schools are Hughenden State School and Hughenden State High School, both in neighbouring Hughenden to the south-west. However, these schools would only be within range of a daily commute for the southern part of Porcupine. Options for students living further north in Porcupine would be distance education and boarding school.[22]
Attractions
Within the Porcupine Gorge National Park, there are two lookouts:
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