Mossman Gorge National Park
The Mossman Gorge is a part of the vast ancient territory of the Australian Aborigines known as the Kuku Yalanji people. It is truly a sight to behold as this area boasts of a beautiful picnic area surrounded by lush rainforest and crystal clear river. Near the park's entrance is the Aboriginal Community who also conduct guided tours in the rainforest.
Speaking of guided tours, these are usually conducted by using two walking tracks that are connected to each other – a 400m short track for an excellent view over the Mossman River and a 2.7km trail through the rainforest. The shorter track or the river track, as it is commonly called by the locals, is a 10-minute walking trail that starts from the parking area and leads to the Mossman Riverbank. Tourists can opt to extend their walk by walking further to the rainforest track through the Rex Creek suspension bridge and the Manjal Dimbi lookout. On the other hand, the rainforest trail is a 2.7km (1 hour) loop track. Walkers can access it from the river track through a hanging bridge over Rex Creek. Enthusiasts of Aboriginal culture will surely delight in seeing actual artifacts and evidences of how the Kuku Yalanji people use the plants and trees as their food, utensils and medicine. In addition, this track provides an excellent view of Manjal Dimbi and the Wurumbu Creek.
Animals and Wildlife
In addition to the clean river and green rainforest, the Mossman Gorge is also the habitat of exotic and endangered animals. That is the reason this wonderful tourist attraction is truly close to nature. Many animals are found either lurking inside the rainforest or wandering on the roadsides and the picnic areas especially during summers. The Buff-breasted Paradise Kingsfishers, Australian Brush Turkeys and Chicken-sized Orange-footed Scrubfowl are often seen on the roadside while the rainforest is the home of the Tree-kangaroos, Musky Rat-kangaroos and the rare Boyd's Forest Dragon. Other animals spotted in the area or seen straying around the picnic area are the Little Shrike-trush, Grey Whistler, Yellow-Spotted Honeyeater, Yellow-breasted Boatbill and Grey Fantail birds.
Camping and Hiking
Aside from learning about Aboriginal culture and looking at the park's diverse plant and animal life, visitors can also hike along and through the rainforest. The park also provides hiking trails inside the forest to prevent visitors from getting lost or getting too close to potentially dangerous areas like swamps and marshes where crocodiles are fond of lurking. However, as long as visitors explore areas along the trail and not wander far from it, there is no need to worry. If hiking alone is not one's idea of fun, the park also offers group hikes wherein a trained guide will accompany hikers to instruct and teach them about the park's biota. Camping is also allowed within the park. However, it is advised that campers seek a permit from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Office which is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Since the park does not hold responsibility for the campers' safety apart from giving warnings and instructions on the safe and restricted camping grounds, it is important to let the legal office in on camping plans.
Lastly, as part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Mossman Gorge is serious in conserving the beauty of the area and preserving the habitat. As such, it is advised that tourists do not use soaps in or near the river and avoid throwing their garbage in the sidewalks. In addition, tourists must also obey the signs in the area and avoid taking detours to ensure safety.
The Mossman Gorge is truly an exotic paradise -- with its clear blue waters that flow over huge boulders in the Mossman River and the lush rainforest that surround the riverbank and the mountainsides. This is one site you can't afford to miss.
