Silky Oaks Lodge
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[0.5 miles]
Rainforest relaxation guaranteed at this beautifully run eco-lodge with a fantastic restaurant and award-winning spa.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Drift Snorkelling on the Mossman River
Mossman, Queensland, Australia
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
While adrenaline junkies might sneer at the idea of river snorkelling, there is nothing more exhilarating than drifting along under the jungle canopy of the Daintree Rainforest. The Mossman river carves its way through the etched sides of the Mossman Gorge, with sheer, rainforest-clad slopes rising up either side.
Along the way, swimmers will encounter an astonishing range of native animals – from turtles to water dragons and – if you’re really lucky – a platypus.
Whether paddling downriver or just drifting on an inflatable raft, river snorkelling is a delightful and very safe experience; the water in this part of the Mossman River is too cold for saltwater crocodiles. Drift snorkelling does not require any great athletic ability – just basic swimming skills and a taste for adventure.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £65
Minimum age: 4
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 3.5+ hours
Getting there & doing it
Back Country Bliss Adventures provides transfers from either Port Douglas or Palm Cove to Mossman Gorge. Wetsuits, boots, snorkel masks and inflatable river sleds are all provided. People who weigh over 125kg cannot take part in this adventure. Snacks and water are provided on half-day tours, while a light lunch is included for those booking the full day.
When the river level is low (most of the year), it’s generally suitable for all ages (4+) and swimming abilities. When the river level is higher, the faster flowing water is only suitable for strong swimming adults (15+) with good fitness and mobility.
When to do it
Drift snorkelling is available all year round in both the dry and wet seasons. Water temperatures range from 16-22°C – thermal layers are provided during the winter months. Tours are only cancelled during extreme wet weather conditions.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Shantara Resort
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia[12.9 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[13 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[13.2 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
Dreamtime walks at Mossman Gorge
Mossman, Queensland, Australia[1 miles]
Discover aboriginal customs and culture along with the secrets of one of the worlds’ oldest rainforests on a guided Dreamtime walk through the Daintree.
Best for ages: 13+ | £44 | 1 hour
Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours
Cooya Beach, Queensland, Australia[7.3 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[24.1 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[0.5 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[3.2 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[12.5 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[12.8 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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