Page 78 - Port Douglas Magazine 33

adventure.

mossman gorge
- 4km loop
- 1.5-2hrs
- easy
Set within the Daintree National Park - aka the oldest continuously surviving
rainforest in the world - the Mossman Gorge portion of this majestic World Heritage
Site feels almost spiritual.
The Baral Marrjanga Track is accessible via the Mossman Gorge Centre, run by the
region’s traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people. It’s a pleasant, no-dramas walk
through a very mossy rainforest (although interestingly, that’s not how the area

got its name!) passing an impressive catalogue of trees via a relatively at dirt path.
To get here, head right out of Port Dougie on the Cook Highway and in about
15 minutes you’ll reach Mossman High Street. Just after Woollies, take a left onto
Johnston Road and continue to Mossman Gorge Road, then follow the signs to the
Centre where you’ll park up.
At the gift shop, buy your return shuttle bus ticket which takes you to the start of the
track ($12.65 per adult). There’s an Aboriginal settlement before the Gorge so it’s
advised not to walk through it, and because the road, used by access buses, is tight.
Alternatively, you’ll get the shuttle bus for free by taking a Ngadiku Dreamtime
Walk led by local Kuku Yalanji people. They’ll take you along private tracks telling
you stories and legends from their culture, as well as showing you traditions.
After taking the shuttle bus to the start of the track there’s a map showing you the “
route. You’ll start on an elevated walkway that runs parallel with the river and soon Set within the Daintree National Park
there’ll be a path leading down to it. Feel free to take a refreshing dip! Otherwise,
there’s plenty of other opportunities along the track. ... the Mossman Gorge portion of this
Then walk over the Rex suspension bridge and you’ll come to a dirt track which is majestic World Heritage Site feels
the start of the 2k circuit.
Enjoy this leisurely path and keep your eyes peeled for a Boyd’s Forest Dragon and almost spiritual.
other endemic wildlife. It’s an easy walk but a favourite. Enjoy.

78 tourismportdouglas.com.au