Mossman Gorge

Traffic lights would come in handy or a police officer directing buses and cars at the gorge. We thought that there may have been an accident but we ended up in a bit of a traffic jam. Cars were bumper to bumper with some drivers trying to leave and others searching for a park. We were lucky to drive to the beginning of the walk and secure a park. It meant less walking for me.


Walking into the gorge, there’s a feeling of peace with the skyward-reaching rainforest trees touching shoulders as they seek any available sunlight. The dark under-storey is damp with different varieties of bright green moss creeping along large boulders, rocks and branches.


The ‘old backward walking down the stairs technique’ was put to very good use – there are a lot of them! There are substantial concrete footings that will support pylons for a future boardwalk that will enable wheelchair access to this awesome place.


The fast-running river dodges quite large boulders that have tumbled through this gorge over time. At other times, the river spills over smaller rocks creating calm, deep, crystal clear pools. Whilst there are numerous signs about the danger of swimming at the gorge, they are largely ignored by many visitors, who come prepared with bathers and towels. It must be freezing but it did look inviting.


I really, really like this place! I prefer it to the Discovery Centre; possibly because it looks more natural and you can just enjoy the environment without being disturbed by signs or audio. I hope it doesn’t change too much after the boardwalk is built.


Leaving the gorge was a bit like dodgem cars but John’s driving skills came to the fore and he managed to navigate his way around buses, cars and pedestrians without incident.