Silky Oaks Lodge
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[1 miles]
Rainforest relaxation guaranteed at this beautifully run eco-lodge with a fantastic restaurant and award-winning spa.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Dreamtime walks at Mossman Gorge
Copyright Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Copyright Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
Last updated: 11 July, 2022
With so much focus on the Great Barrier Reef, it’s understandable that the Daintree Rainforest gets second-billing. But a leisurely walk into the Mossman Gorge, with its astonishing range of plant and animal species, will instantly transform you into a rainforest aficionado.
A Dreamtime walk refers to the Aboriginal concept of ‘the dreaming’, when the natural world was created and shaped by mythical beings. The Daintree is one of the oldest eco-systems on the planet, dating back some 135 million years, and a walk with an indigenous guide beneath the towering strangler figs, fan palms and maple silkwoods is an unmissable experience.
The walk begins with a traditional ‘smoking’ ceremony, designed to ward off evil spirits, before delving into the forest itself. En route, stories are shared of the Kuku Yalanji culture and traditions, and there is exclusive access to the tribal lands.
Alongside the Aboriginal history and culture, birdwatchers will be delighted to catch sight of pelicans, egrets, cormorants and the fearsome cassowary. It is possible to do a self-guided walk, but the rainforest is a different place when seen through the eyes of those who know and understand it.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £44
Minimum age: 5
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour
Getting there & doing it
Mossman Gorge is 20 minutes by car from Port Douglas or two kilometres from the township of Mossman. An excellent visitor centre provides maps and information about the surrounding rainforest, plus a café and restaurant. A shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre to the gorge itself.
Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks can be booked online at the Mossman Gorge Centre.
When to do it
Mossman Gorge is open all year round, with the winter months being ideal for bushwalking. Dreamtime walks depart from the visitor centre five times every day. Regardless of the season hikers should wear proper shoes, a hat and lightweight clothing – and cover themselves in insect repellent.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Shantara Resort
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[11.9 miles]
A modern apartment hotel in the centre of Port Douglas. A perfect, convenient base, close to all of the evening action, for those who want to spend their days out exploring (rather than lounging in a resort). Adults only.
Official star rating:
Peppers Beach Club
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[12 miles]
Decidedly upmarket beachside resort hotel with a fantastic in-house spa and award-winning restaurant. A good all-rounder with something for everyone.
Official star rating:
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[12.1 miles]
A compact, beachside hotel equipped with kitchenettes that’s an excellent choice for those travelling on a budget. Adults only.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Port Douglas
Queensland, Australia
Swish, cosmopolitan and delightfully laid-back, Port Douglas is an ideal stepping off point for trips to the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, and to connect with authentic indigenous culture.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Drift Snorkelling on the Mossman River
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[1 miles]
Discover a different perspective on the Daintree Rainforest by drifting along the Mossman river on an inflatable raft, with turtles and waterdragons under the water and soaring mountains above.
Best for ages: 4+ | £65 | 3.5+ hours
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Overview >
Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours
Cooya Beach, Queensland, Australia[6.5 miles]
Discover the secrets of Queensland’s coastal landscape and learn traditional aboriginal skills such as spear-throwing, mud-crabbing and fishing on an immersive tour with a Kuku Yalanji guide.
Best for ages: 4+ | £48 | 3 hours
Boat tours of the Daintree River
Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia[24.3 miles]
Cruise through a 180 million-year-old rainforest of ancient flora, to spot hundreds of bird species, turtles, colourful tree frogs, exotic snakes and gigantuan ‘salties’ (saltwater crocodiles).
Best for ages: 4+ | £11 | 1-2 hours
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Indigenous Art Gallery
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[0.6 miles]
This quality art gallery features the work of the best local Kuku Yalanji artists. The gallery is part of a unique indigenous tourism project which also includes dreamtime walks, a gift shop and a café serving local bush tucker.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >
Aboriginal dot painting workshop
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[2.3 miles]
Learn the ancient local art of dot painting – on canvas or boomerang – these engaging workshops run by an Aboriginal-owned local art gallery.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 90 minutes
Experience
Port Douglas Markets
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[11.5 miles]
This buzzy local market, held every Sunday from 8am to 1.30pm, is a great place to catch up with some colourful personalities, pick up some local artwork or sample some fresh local produce.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >
Experience
Nautilus Restaurant
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[11.7 miles]
This celebrated restaurant showcases local specialities like Moreton Bay Bugs, kingfish and mud crab, on the atmospheric wooden deck. Five- and seven-course degustation menus available.
Best for ages: 13+ | £35
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Overview >