Mossman

Introducing Mossman

Shadowed by Mt Demi, this quiet town is the eye of the surrounding tourist storm. Day-trippers staying in Cairns and Port Douglas come to snap a Kodak moment of the gorge, but you shouldn’t miss the stand of 80-year-old rain trees behind the rail tracks. The Kuku-Yalanji people are the traditional owners of the stunning Mossman Gorge. There are some crystal-clear swimming holes, which can be treacherous after heavy rain, and a superb 2.4km walking trail.

Mossman QPWS (4098 2188; www.epa.qld.gov.au; Demi View Plaza, 1 Front St; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri), near the main turn-off to the gorge, has maps and information.

Excellent walks are led by Aboriginal guides and run by Kuku-Yalanji Dreamtime Walks (4098 2595; www.yalanji.com.au; adult/child/family $25/14.50/65; ar 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm Mon-Sat). It also offers two-hour night fish-spearing tours (maximum three people; $150) at 7.30pm, and informative beach walks departing at 9.30am and 1.30pm (adult/child $75/45). Transfers from Port Douglas are available ($25 per person).

Perhaps more appropriately called the nude cockatoo, part of the White Cockatoo (4098 2222; www.thewhitecockatoo.com; 9 Alchera Dr; s & d cabins $80-120; ) operates as a nudist resort from 1 October to 1 May, and nude tours of the Reef and Daintree can also be arranged. Its spacious self-contained timber cabins can sleep up to five.

Mossman Gorge B&B (4098 2497; www.bnbnq.com.au/mossgorge; Lot 15, Gorge View Cres; s $80-90, d $95-115; ) is a stunning B&B set on the upper floor of a timber home with a lavish balcony from which to view the national park. Mosquito netting is draped over the beds and the guest lounge is enticing. Rates include a huge breakfast of muffins, croissants and fruits.

For frozen yogurt, wraps and toasted sandwiches try Tropical Boost (4098 1089; 10 Front St; dishes $7-9; breakfast & lunch Mon-Sat). Visit Goodies Cafe (4098 1118; 33 Front St; mains around $10; breakfast & lunch) for a health-fest of homemade meals from organic produce.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009