Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge Review

Just 5 km (3 mi) out of town are the spectacular waterfalls and river that tumble through sheer-walled Mossman Gorge. Ice-cold water flows here year-round, and there are several boulder-studded, croc-free swimming holes. (Swimming in the river itself is hazardous, crocs or no, due to swift currents, slippery rocks, and flash flooding.) There's a suspension bridge across the Mossman River and a 2½-km (1½-mi) rain-forest walking track. Keep your eyes peeled for tree and musky rat-kangaroos, Boyd's water dragons, scrub fowl, turtles, and big, bright butterflies—and try to avoid stinging vines (plants with serrated-edge, heart-shaped leaves, found at rain-forest edges). If you intend hiking beyond the river and rain-forest circuits, inform one of the appropriate authorities: Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (infoderm.qld.gov.au), Cairns and Tropical North Visitor Information Centre (07/4051-3588; infottnq.org.au) or the area's local guardians, Kuku Yalanji Dreaming (toursyalanji.com.au).