Mossman Gorge is a spiritual place in Far North Queensland, which offers a remarkable glimpse into an ancient landscape.
Only a 20 minute drive from your Port Douglas accommodation, Mossman Gorge is one of the most popular tourist sites of the region. Swimming in the natural rock pools, is a favourite activity enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
The Mossman Gorge section of the Daintree National Park is 565km2 (56,500 ha) and its traditional owners are the Kuku Yalanji people. Despite its size, there is no need to feel overwhelmed, Mossman Gorge is very accessible and most of the scenic features are effortlessly viewed.
You can enjoy a ½ day tour with Daintree Discovery Tours, or visit Mossman Gorge as part of a full day tour to the Daintree with Tony’s Tropical Tours or Reef and Rainforest Connections.
There are two loop tracks through the rainforest canopy, both of which are of an easy grade to walk.
The first walk is the Mossman River Circuit Track, which is 400mts and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It starts at the entrance and meanders beside the Mossman River and returns through the lush forest.
It is worth continuing on for another five minutes or so to take in the Mossman River Lookout, and some of the newer viewing platforms which provide the best photo opportunities.
The second Rainforest Circuit Track is 2.7 km and takes approximately an hour to complete. It extends deeper into the rainforest and takes in the suspension bridge over Rex Creek, as well as Manjal Dimbi and Wurumbu Creek. The loop track is well signed and provides information about the flora and fauna as you go.
The walking track at Mossman Gorge is well maintained and appropriate footwear is advised. For a real appreciation of the flora and fauna a guided tour through Mossman Gorge is highly recommended.
At Mossman Gorge you step into the southern part of the Wet Tropics Daintree Rainforest and enter the living green museum that has been World Heritage Listed since 1988. The Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park was declared in 1967, however its incredible natural beauty was formed over millions of years.
The moisture propelled in from the ocean is confined by the granite mountain ranges that surround Mossman Gorge. This provides the regular abundance of rainfall to nourish the rainforest and in due course flow into the Mossman River.
From the steep inland ranges, the Mossman River cuts through to the low lying seaside land and ultimately out to the Coral Sea between Newell and Cooya Beach.
Over time great granite boulders have been flushed down from the natural cathedral of inaccessible slopes, into the subsequent valley and have been made smooth by the constant flow of the sparkling cool water.
Mossman Gorge is a magical place which arouses your senses, the air is so clean you will not be able to stop yourself from inhaling deeply and often.
The dense canopy is made up of Strangler Fig trees and flourishing epiphytes. There are also huge Mahoganies and even the odd Red Cedar which was referred to as “red gold” by the timber cutters of 1870. More than 100 species of trees, shrubs and vines have been identified at Mossman Gorge, with fig trees and their flying buttresses being one of the most popular attractions.
Mossman Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have an office on site. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
