The Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Walk is an authentic and engaging learning experience with our First Nations community at the gateway to the world’s oldest rainforest. 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Kuku Yalanji Nation, the traditional land of the Kuku Yalanji people who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Support an Aboriginal-run ecotourism organisation that cares for country and community, and provides employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians across the state
  • Walk down to the sacred waters of Mossman Gorge (and swim after the tour, if it’s safe!)
  • Munch on some freshly cooked damper
  • Meander through the gateway to the Daintree

Actively Engage in First Nations Storytelling

Indigenous history and storytelling knowledge are not often transferred in books or films, it’s passed down by word of mouth. It’s not accessible in the way digital natives understand ‘accessible information’. 

The beautiful part of this form of storytelling means total immersion: in place, in smell, in voice. Activating the senses allows you to truly engage in the experience and enjoy a multifaceted and visceral learning experience. 

 

 

This 45-minute tour through the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest will have you stopping and staring at seemingly non-descript plants that, you’ll quickly learn, can either heal you or seriously injure you.

As you squat by the river and scrunch leaves in your hand, feel red ochre between your fingertips. As your guide hands over a plant to smell or taste, you’ll soon be overwhelmed by just how much there is to learn about our rainforests from a culture that has been here for tens and thousands of years. 

The Dreamtime Walks take paths that can only be accessed on a guided tour, they’re a must to truly connect to Mossman Gorge.

The vision for the Mossman Gorge Centre came from Traditional Owner and Elder of the Kuku Yalanji community Roy Gibson. The Indigenous voice remains at its core, and respect must be given. 

 

 

It’s tempting to walk up the hill and out to Mossman Gorge on your own, however, the Centre asks that you respect the Elders and community members who live close by and take the shuttle bus. 

When you’re done, your guide will treat you to some fresh damper and a cup of tea. Be sure to stick around by the river afterwards. You can jump in for a swim (check the current first!), have a picnic by the water or take yourself on one of many of the self-guided boardwalk tours through the rainforest. 

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

Essential Gear

  • Shoes comfortable to walk in
  • Mosquito repellent if you’re midge and mosquito-prone

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

Just under an hour and a half drive from Cairns, your ticket to this experience will cover the short bus ride up the hill and the hour guided walk through the rainforest.

Skill Level

Beginner and child friendly

Distance Covered

For the 45-60 minute walk on the Indigenous Tour you’re meandering through a rainforest path with very light undulations for about 800m

 

Photography by @mitch.cox