Visit Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Centre

Take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Forest Walk

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Mossman Gorge Dreamtime Centre

Discover Australia’s ancient Indigenous roots

Founder of the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, Elder Roy Gibson had a vision of a place where both Indigenous culture and the unique ecosystem of the Mossman Gorge area could be explored and enjoyed by visitors. The centre is now an award-winning ecotourism facility situated at the entrance to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and experience this magnificent rainforest environment.

The most popular way to learn about this ancient land is on a Guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Forest Walk, led by a local Indigenous guide. You’ll take part in a traditional welcome ‘smoking’ ceremony, then stroll through stunning, lush rainforests, as your guide demonstrates the traditional use of plants and points out a variety of bush foods. Learn how bush soap is made and ochre for painting. Your tour ends with traditional tea and damper.

Join one of our tours to Far North Queensland

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
7
days

Unpack once for 6 nights in 5-star luxury at the Shangri-La The Marina Cairns. Experience an authentic welcome ‘smoking’ ceremony with our indigenous guide through Mossman Gorge. We’ll dive into Green Island on a half-day tour including a Glass Bottom Boast cruise; embark on an outback trip on a full day tour to Chillagoe Caves; relax on a cruise along the Daintree River and stroll the white sandy beaches at Cape Tribulation. Finish the tour feeling refreshed whilst cruising along the Barron River in Kuranda and enjoy your last night with an exclusive private twilight tour at the Cairns Aquarium.

Learn about Kuku Yalanji land

Acknowledged as one of the most iconic Aboriginal experiences in Australia, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre welcomes visitors who seek genuine, authentic engagement with Indigenous Australia. Exploring The Daintree - the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforest, you’ll learn about the area’s history, culture and environment while connecting with the local Indigenous community.

The 120,000-hectare World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest is the largest portion of rainforest in Australia. Over 135 million years old, it’s considered by many to be the evolutionary cradle for much of Australia’s wildlife and plant species. Just one hectare of forest can contain over 30,000 species of plants and animals.

Take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Forest Walk

Nature and wildlife in abundance

Primitive flowering plant families and some of the most primitive cycads, ferns and mosses are all found in the Daintree National Park, some exclusive to the Wet Tropics region. Of Australia’s 315 mammal species, you’ll find one-third living in the Daintree Rainforest. Some of the tree kangaroos, marsupial cats, distinctive green possums, ringtail possums, rare bats, and antechinus can only be found in this area.

Your guide gives a rare insight into the Indigenous people’s special relationships with this unique tropical environment as you walk along gentle tracks, visit culturally significant sites, over cool, winding streams, and past traditional bark shelters. 

Take a trip with us to Mossman Gorge and experience a world like no other.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre open?

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is open seven days a week from 8 am. Opening hours are subject to change and may differ depending on the season and on public holidays.

Where is Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and what can you do there?

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, located at the entrance to the gorge, has a 90% Indigenous workforce and supports environmental and economic well-being for the entire community. Visitors can explore the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge on self-guided walks or on a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with a local Indigenous guide. In the local Kuku Yalanji language, Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) means stories and legends from long ago.

What else can you do around Mossman Gorge?

As well as exploring the lush rainforest, you’re invited to browse the Indigenous Art Gallery showcasing the authentic, high-quality art and crafts of the local Kuku Yalanji people. 

A shop offers a range of beautiful keepsakes designed and produced by the local Indigenous community. You can enjoy a real culinary treat at Mayi Café and Restaurant with a menu featuring locally sourced produce and Indigenous bush ingredients.

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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