Mossman Gorge walk - Daintree Rainforest - Queensland - Australia

Mossman Gorge, located in Queensland, Australia, is a stunning natural attraction within the Daintree National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics. Situated about 77 km north of Cairns and 20 km from Port Douglas, it’s a lush tropical rainforest known for its crystal-clear waters, granite boulders, and rich Indigenous heritage. The area spans 56,000 hectares and is a significant cultural site for the Kuku Yalanji people, who have lived there for over 50,000 years.[](https://queenslandtravelguide.com.au/...)[](https://visitportdouglas.com.au/port-...)

Key Features and Activities:
**Natural Beauty**: The Mossman River flows through the gorge, creating refreshing swimming holes surrounded by dense rainforest and towering mountains. Popular spots include the main swimming hole and quieter pools along the Rainforest Circuit.[](https://www.torntackies.com/mossman-g...)
**Walking Trails**:
**River Circuit Track (400m, 10 min)**: An easy boardwalk trail with lookouts over the Mossman River.
**Rainforest Circuit Track (2.4 km, ~1 hr)**: A scenic loop through lush rainforest, crossing the Rex Creek suspension bridge with views of Mount Demi and Warrmbu Creek.[](https://www.torntackies.com/mossman-g...)[](https://www.daintreeinfo.com/info/mos...)
*Baral Marrjanga (270m)* and **Lower River Track (300m)**: Short, easy walks offering river and mountain views.[](https://queenslandtravelguide.com.au/...)
**Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks**: Guided by Kuku Yalanji guides, these 1.5-hour tours include a traditional smoking ceremony, bush food and medicine insights, and cultural stories, ending with bush tea and damper. Departures at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 3 pm daily.[](https://www.daintreeinfo.com/info/mos...)
**Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre**: The gateway to the gorge, offering an art gallery, gift shop, and Mayi Café with locally sourced food. A shuttle bus ($14/adult, $7/child, $35/family) runs every 15 minutes from 8 am to 5 pm to the gorge entrance, as walking the 2 km from the centre is discouraged.[](https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/)[](https://www.torntackies.com/mossman-g...)
**Other Activities**: River drift snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and cultural beach walks are available for unique experiences.[](https://visitportdouglas.com.au/port-...)
**Wildlife**: Spot Boyd’s forest dragons, Ulysses butterflies, and diverse birdlife.[](https://www.visitportdouglasdaintree....)

Getting There:
**By Car**: From Cairns (75 min via Captain Cook Highway) or Port Douglas (20 min via Mossman Gorge Rd). Ample free parking at the Cultural Centre.[](https://queenslandtravelguide.com.au/...)
**Tours**: Day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas often include stops at Cape Tribulation or Daintree River cruises.[](https://queenslandtravelguide.com.au/...)
**Shuttle**: Required from the Cultural Centre to the gorge entrance to respect sacred Kuku Yalanji land.[](https://www.torntackies.com/mossman-g...)

Practical Information:
**Opening Hours**: Cultural Centre is open 8 am–6 pm (closed Christmas Day); the gorge itself is accessible 24/7, but check for alerts.[](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/d...)
**Entry Fees**: Shuttle bus fees apply; no separate gorge entry fee. As of 2023, adult entry to the Cultural Centre was AUD 13.50, children (5–15) AUD 6.75, with family passes available.[](https://visitdaintree.com.au/places-t...)
**Best Time to Visit**: Dry season (May–October) for pleasant weather and ideal hiking/swimming conditions. Arrive early to avoid crowds.[](https://visitportdouglas.com.au/port-...)
**Safety**: Stick to marked trails, avoid swimming during strong currents (no lifeguards), and use insect repellent. Swimming is not officially recommended due to unpredictable conditions.[](https://www.torntackies.com/mossman-g...)[](https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/plan-...)
**Accessibility**: The Cultural Centre is wheelchair-accessible, but trails may not be.[](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/d...)
**What to Bring**: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for local crafts.[](https://visitportdouglas.com.au/port-...)[](https://www.daintreeinfo.com/info/mos...)

Cultural Significance:
Mossman Gorge is a sacred site for the Kuku Yalanji, who share their Dreamtime stories, traditional plant uses, and sustainable practices through guided tours. The Cultural Centre showcases their art, crafts, and history, fostering respect for their deep connection to the land.[]