Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole, All you need to know!
The incredible Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole is located in Tropical North Queensland. It borders both the Mount Lewis National Park and the Daintree National Park and part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage listed area.
Based on this, you can imagine the rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife, and flora are all absolutely amazing and something not to be missed. The area contains steep ranges, rugged forests, and continual rainfall. This is a tourist must-see location with a cultural centre and hiking trails.
In todays blog, we will explore area, along with a brief overview of the Walking trails. Along with answering your questions on how to get there, cost, the Cultural Centre, and ways to book guided tours.
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Where is the Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole & Map?
Mossman Gorge is located 6 minutes’ drive from the small town of Mossman, 25 minutes from Port Douglas, and 1.5 hours north of Cairns. Is it easy enough to visit with your own vehicle and plenty of parking? However, it’s sometimes better on a group tour and exploring more in the area.
Note: To help find your way around, please click here for the Area Map. This will show you where the Visitor Information centre is, compared to the Swimming hole, River Lookout, and the walking trails.
Is there a Cost/Entry fee?
What’s interesting is the Visitor centre is located about 800 metres away from the heart of the Gorge and walking trails. Unfortunately, this road is blocked by boom gates from 730am to 6pm every day, and you cannot drive yourself.
Therefore you have two choices for getting there:
- Firstly, you can park at the Cultural Centre and walk 800 metres (one way) to the starting point for free.
- Or secondly – pay for the Shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes and takes you into the heart of the Gorge.
➡ Compare prices for Tours from Port Douglas or Cairns HERE with Get You Guide. Or Find more options HERE with Viator.
Walking in yourself for free?
If you’re taking the walking option, keep in mind there is extra walking involved into the swimming hole and the walking trails. This might not be ideal for those with small children. Also, the road has no footpath or pedestrian access and is a very skinny path. Therefore it’s recommended to always take the Shuttle Bus.
Once you make your way down to the Shuttle stop point, it’s only a short walk to the swimming Hole. This is located along the River Circuit walking Trail and is only 400 metres long.
Take the Shuttle Bus?
The Public Shuttle bus runs from 8am to 5.30pm and will take you from the Mossman Visitor centre to the heart of the gorge or bus stop Area. Prices for this Shuttle bus Service are as below:
- Adults – $14.50
- Child – $7.25 (5 to 15 inclusive)
- Infant – Free
- Family Pass – $36.25 (2 adults, 2 children)
Are there Organised Day Tours?
Organised tours are worth it or alternatively, from Cairns. This can potentially save you time and hassle, and you also see more around the area.
➡ Compare prices for Tours from Port Douglas or Cairns HERE with Get You Guide, or HERE with Viator.
However, depending on which one you pick, they are more likely to visit the Daintree National Park and maybe a crocodile cruise. Therefore, choose something suitable for your situation and based on your time and budget.
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About the Visitor Centre
The Visitor & Cultural Centre will generally be your starting point for your visit. Because this is where the car parking is and the booking office for the Dreamtime walking tours. You’ll also find all the information and what to do, where to go, and where to catch the bus.
Additionally, you have the souvenir shop, art gallery, and food or drinks at the café. As well as toilets and picnic tables for you to use.
Please click this link to watch my You Tube HERE on a Day trip to the gorge and the Daintree National Park
Is it safe to swim?
Ultimately, YES, it is safe to swim at Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole (most of the time). However, you need to consider the weather, rainfall, and conditions to help decide on the day.
The River Circuit contains the swimming hole that’s relatively calm and suitable for everyone. These pristine waters are absolutely amazing but be prepared for them to be on the chilly side.
Keep in mind that this area can receive enormous rainfall during the summer season and cause fast-moving water over boulders and river rapids. Consequently, you should always stop at the Information centre first to see the daily conditions.
On the other hand, The Mossman River is NOT suitable for swimming, and you can access this section further along the walking track at a lookout point. From here, you can enjoy the views, water rushing over the boulders, and the meditating sounds of the rainforest.
Are there crocodiles?
It’s great to know that your safe from Saltwater Crocodiles (Salties). They are common in this area of tropical North Queensland, and you can see them in other rivers nearby. However, the River or Gorge here is too cold and clear for their ideal conditions.
Walking Trails in the area
Lower River Track
- Distance: 300 Metres
- Grade: Moderate to Easy
The Lower River Track winds in and out along the River and past the main swimming hole area.
Baral Marrjanga
- Distance: 270 Metres
- Grade: Easy
The Baral Marrjanga starts from the Shuttle Bus stop point area and goes to the Mossman River Lookout Point.
Rex Creek Bridge
- Distance: 460 Metres
- Grade: Moderate to Easy
The Rex Creek Bridge track starts by walking through the Baral Marrjanga Track and, via the left, onto another track.
Rainforest Circuit Track
- Distance: 2.4 kilometres return ( about 1 hour)
- Grade: Moderate to Easy
The Rainforest Circuit Track begins where the Rex Creek Bridge ends and continues on a loop track around the rainforest. Along with views of Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi).
Dreamtime Walking Tours
If you want to enhance your experience, get a local indigenous guide from the Kaku Yalanji people! Visit areas of cultural significance, unique places, smoking ceremonies, past shelters, and rainforest streams. All this while hearing incredible stories, learning about their plant use and food sources, and insights into aboriginal life.
Sessions range from about 4 times a day in the morning and afternoon. They can be booked at the Visitor information centre or online before you arrive to avoid disappointment. The price is $86.5 per Adult ticket, but have child and family discounts.
What to pack for your visit?
This area would be no different from any other day trip location from Port Douglas. Therefore, general supplies might be dependent on your circumstances, but I have a suggested list below to start with:
- Hat
- Swimming costume
- Towel
- Water and water bottle
- Snacks
- Money for food or souvenirs or bus
- Thongs or flip-flops
- Closed-in shoes for more extended hiking
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
There are no change rooms, but there are bathrooms at the shuttle bus stop point. It’s best to come already dressed in your swimming costume.
Best Time to Visit?
The swimming and walking trails will be available to visit all year, but refreshing to swim in the summer from December to March. However, summertime and heavy rainfall could cause the water level to rising and potential rapids. Obviously, this won’t be the ideal time, especially for younger children.
Therefore, I suggest the best time to visit would be bordering on the summer season while it’s still warm but with less rainfall. This is around September, October, November, April, and May.
On the other hand, if you’re only visiting to view the Gorge and walking trails and not swimming, this can be done any time of year. Alternatively, the busy periods would be weekends, school holidays, and the mornings. Therefore, early or late afternoons are always your best bet for fewer crowds?
Where to Stay?
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay close by, you can choose between staying in the small town of Mossman or Port Douglas. The options in Mossman are limited; therefore, you might find it more convenient to stay in Port Douglas.
With more options in Port Douglas, there are certainly more things to do in the area and more facilities nearby.
➡ Compare prices for Port Douglas Hotels, on Booking.com HERE
Alternatively, you could be basing yourself or staying in Cairns and it’s certainly possible to day trip from Cairns to Mossman Gorge. As well as having organise tours options available here too.
➡ Check prices and book for Cairns Hotel on Booking.com HERE
Safety in the Area
- Swimming in the Mossman River can be dangerous with strong currents, flash flooding, cold deep water and slippery boulders. Take care at all times!
- Supervise children at all times.
- Don’t via off the allocated walking paths.
- Take care on the uneven walking surfaces.
- Wear clothing to protect against stinging trees and scratches.
- Wear insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
Dos and Don’ts in the area
- No rubbish bins are supplied, please take all rubbish with you.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints.
- No domestic Animals are allowed.
- Don’t feed the wildlife.
- All the plants and animals are protected and please don’t interfere.
- Firearms, Axes and machetes are prohibited.
- Take care during your visit and leave a limited footprint for sustainability and future generations to enjoy.
Want to explore more in the area – Click here to check out my experience with the River Drift Snorkelling tour from Port Douglas. This was a half day tour with Hotel pickup, with brilliant guides and everything supplied to enjoy rafting down the river.
How long do you need there?
How long you spend at Mossman Gorge depends on your situation and what you intend to do for the day. My particular experience was only a short visit of 1.5 hours long. Still, it was the middle of winter, with freezing waters, and I wasn’t planning on swimming.
If you plan on swimming, then 2 hours to half a day would be a good average, as you may not be in the crisp waters for too long. However, you need to allow extra time to complete the hiking trails, have Lunch, and travel in and out by bus. Although, there is even more time required if you’re walking in and out of the Gorge.
What shoes should you wear?
We found it easier enough to wear thongs or flip-flops walking, especially if you’re going swimming. However, if you intend to complete some of the longer hikes, you might want to consider some comfortable closed-in shoes.
Wrap up to the Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole
Thanks for reading this blog post today on the Mossman Gorge Swimming hole, and I hope you found the information you were looking for. While my visit was brief this time, I will be adding it to my Itinerary on my next visit to North Queensland.
If you’re still researching your vacation, please explore more Port Douglas Articles HERE for inspiration.
