Australian Walk
Mossman Gorge in a thriving
J
ust 80 kilometres north of Cairns and 20 minutes from Port Douglas in Northern Queensland, Australia, lies the Mossman Gorge. Nestled in the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, the Mossman Gorge contains the oldest, continuously surviving rainforest on earth. Just one hectare of the 120,000 hectare forest can contain over 30,000 species of plants and animals. Considered by many to be the evolutionary cradle for much of Australia’s plant and wildlife species, the forest has managed to survive for over 135 million years and, with the right protection, is expected to thrive for generations to come. Aboriginies the local indigenous people, Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul), have
12 Walking New Zealand, issue no 291
got into business and operate an eco shuttle bus service from the Mossman Gorge Centre to the start of the track, a distance of 2.5km. The cost is AUD 5.00 return. The first part of the track is a raised metal board walk through the forest and later the walk is over a wooden boardwalk and finally a formed track. There are tracks off the main track to visit the Mossman River, where people love to take a dip in the rock pools. It circular track. has to be pointed out swimming can Be sure to bring hat and sunscreen, be dangerous during wet weather. Al- comfortable walking shoes, light cotton low one and a half hours for the 3km clothing, water bottle, and if you plan a dip in the pools togs and a towel. Above, below left and right; The track World Heritage Rainforest winds its way between lush vegataThe Daintree Region is an area of tion. ancient tropical rainforest containing one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. Spanning 120,000 hectares, the Daintree Rainforest is the largest portion of tropical rainforest in Australia The region contains over 135 million
- 2022
www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
