Port Douglas - 2019 - Mossman Gorge

On the Saturday we drove the 22 km from Port Douglas north to Mossman Gorge. Cars are parked at the Visitor Centre and then a bus takes visitors to the entrance of the walk to the gorge.

Mossman Gorge

The walk to the gorge itself is not long or arduous but we decided to then go on the two kilometre circuit walk that we had done before. We knew that there were a couple of difficult sections but I had managed to complete the walk previously.

So we set off. The weather was fine but rain was forecast. Fortunately we did wear wet weather gear.

The terrain was more challenging than I remembered, but with Robin's help and patience we completed the circuit. Towards the end the of the walk the rain had started though there was some protection from the trees. However, realistically, I suspect that this was the last time that I will attempt this walk.

Back at the Mossman Gorge Centre we ordered a drink and damper which was really a scone but quite tasty.

Port Douglas - Mossman Gorge

Whever we go to Port Douglas we also visit Mossman Gorge, approximately 20 kilometres north west of Port Douglas.

Firstly you drive to the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre from where you take a shuttle bus to the gorge.

It is then a short walk to a suspension bridge where there is a good view of the water tumbing over the rocks, provided that not too many people, primarily children, are also crossing the bridge.

On the other side is a long circuitous walk through the rainforest.

 A wide variety of vegetation can be seen on the walk.

Creeping plants grow on trees.

Moss and lichens grow on rocks, trees and old logs.

Fungi can also grows on trees and logs.

Plants grow on other plants.

Trees develop a variety of root systems.

Large vines also entwine themselves around the trunks of trees.

A great place to explore.

We had lunch at the Mayi Cafe at the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre where I had a delicious roast vegetable sandwich. We did confuse the staff, however, when I asked for a cup of hot water!

After lunch we looked at art works in the gallery and purchased items from gift shop before returning to Port Douglas.

Port Douglas 2013 - Mossman Gorge and Daintree Village

Mossman Gorge was Monday’s destination. We drove to the information centre where we got on the bus that took us to the gorge.

Since our last visit, a boardwalk has been built to reach the gorge making the area more accessible for most people. 

The walk then continues to the suspension bridge and once over the bridge walkers can take the circuit walk through the rainforest for more than 2 km. 

The path on the circuit walk can be a challenge at times but it is well worth the effort. The walk takes you through many different types of vegetation – trees, vines, ferns, fungi and variety of tree roots.

We could hear a variety of bird life in the trees and had a small lizard wander across the path but most of the rainforest wildlife was sensibly hiding, however near one of the pools a number of brush turkeys were fossicking through the dirt in the bush.

The highlight was the sighting of a large, blue, Ulysses butterfly capping off an enjoyable couple of hours walking through the rainforest.

A quiet afternoon followed including a swim in the pool. 

Another 11 km walk along the beach started Tuesday. The wind had died down so there were many more people walking, jogging and cycling along the beach. 

The yoga class had been and gone. The tide was lower than the previous walk so there was more sand visible. 

At the end of the beach we walked out on to the exposed sea bed with the furrows created by the waves and the perforations in the sand caused by the crabs.

There were no kite surfers this morning but towards the end of the walk two hang gliders passed overhead.

In the afternoon we drove north through Mossman, a town surrounded by sugar cane farms, to Daintree Village, a small group of buildings by the Daintree River. A small market is held in a tin shed and we purchased a stone pendant from one of the stalls. 

We ate a sandwich from the Big Barramundi Garden and then visited the Timber Gallery next door.

As well as having a variety of wooden items for sale the gallery had a collection of wood working tools on the walls as well as photos and posters about the history of timber getting in the region.

We then walked down to the river. 

 

The scenery is magnificent. Some years ago we took the cruise down the river to view the scenery and wildlife, including, of course, crocodiles. This time we just admired the view and returned back to the village. 

 There are only a few shops but we purchased a present for our grand-daughter before visiting Eliza’s Gallery where we found a turtle to add to our collection and a lily pad plate. Daintree Village is an interesting place to visit.

After a big breakfast on Wednesday morning we went for a walk around the town. Later we drove to the far end of the beach and as it was low tide we went for a walk across the sand banks and exposed sea bed. 

It was the first time I had paddled in the sea for a long time and enjoyed the experience.

We also revisited the Wednesday market later in the day.

Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge in the Daintree rain forest is approximately a 15 minute drive north of Port Douglas. Cars can be parked near the Visitor Centre and then a shuttle bus takes visitors to the beginning of the walking trails through the rain forest.

Small fish can be seen swimming in the pools

and a variety of tropical vegetation is on show along the banks of the gorge.

Aboriginal guides provide conducted tours of the rain forest pointing out the different plants,

including those to avoid,

but also recounting the significance of the area to Aboriginal people.

This is a special part of Australia.