Heading inland (from Port Douglas) will bring you to the town of Mossman. Mossman is nothing like Port Douglas, in fact, it’s a tiny little non-descript place with arguably not a great deal going for it. However, what it does have is the Mossman Gorge…and after a short trip out of town, you soon find out exactly why this place is worth a visit! 😎
The Mossman Gorge
Part of the Daintree National Park, the Mossman Gorge is quite a stunning location, to say the least. Arriving at the MGCC – the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre – one can buy a ticket for entry, consult the trail map, and/or stop for refreshments before heading onward; the centre has a gift shop, restaurant and bathroom facilities all in one conveniently accessible location.
Drivers, please note that the MGCC has its own parking facilities that are totally free of charge 😎
The gorge itself is a little distance from the MGCC, so when it’s time to head out, and with a ticket in hand, one exits on the opposite side of the gift shop to await the short bus ride that follows. The bus runs back and forth pretty much all day and is a hop-on/hop-off affair, so there’s never that long to wait 😁
Mossman River
The Mossman River and its various tributaries lie at the heart of the Mossman Gorge, with the steep slopes of the rainforest rising above the main watercourse and its tributaries. Where the bus drops you, it’s a short trek along the walkway to the “Beach” – essentially a freshwater lagoon (of sorts) – and I highly recommend you make that your first stop! With the humidity high at this time of year, you’ll be glad of the refreshing pre-cursor before journeying on!
A word of caution: the water here is free-flowing, and the current can be a lot stronger than it looks. Whilst it’s more sandy than pebbly, there are big boulders in the water as well as some fairly hefty chunks underfoot. So just take it easy; as it says in the message on the bus…whilst your surroundings can be inviting, they can also be life-threatening! 😳
Rainforest Walk
Invigorated by my refreshing dip, it was time to head off across the swing bridge and start the 2 km or so walk through the rainforest, visiting the various stops en route.
From personal experience, I’d recommend wearing walking boots/shoes whilst doing this trail. I was wearing open-toed walking sandals, and at one point a spiky vine-like thing that had grown across the path, ripped in between my big and middle toes bringing me to an abrupt halt and some minor medical attention! Having antiseptic wet wipes in my daysack was a godsend, I can tell you!
I came across the vicious vine again during my walk through Daintree. However, this time, I was much better prepared! 😎
Creeks
Along the way, you’ll see signs for the various creeks, which are well worth taking the time to go and see. Unlike the “Beach”, however, most of these are too dangerous to go swim in.
Wildlife
All the time, you are aware of the wildlife around you, from the sounds of the birds to the sounds of the numerous other creatures and insects. Occasionally, though, you might happen upon a fellow like this who’ll just be basking in the warmth of the day 😁
Informative Signs
Along the way, you’ll also discover lots of information boards that will tell you more about the specific things growing here. It’s worth taking the time to read these as they give you a marvellous insight into the sheer variety of species, even in such a small section of rainforest.
Heading back to Thala
The whole Mossman experience took around three hours or so – including another “Beach” dip after completing the rainforest walk and the bus ride back to the MGCC. So by the time I found myself back at the carpark, it was nearing 5 pm. As I was driving back past Port Douglas, I decided to have an early-ish dinner at the Mexican restaurant that can be found off Macrossan Street (near where it meets Owen). My recommendation here: get the Nachos…but, trust me, they are not for sharing! 😉
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