17
Mesmerising Mossman Gorge Lisa Perkovic spends an afternoon wandering the lush Mossman Gorge rainforest and departs with the sounds of the Wet Tropics as the most prominent memory.
IT'S the Mossman Gorge soundtrack that stays with me long after I leave. Not a CD from the Mossman Gorge Centre – though there were plenty of souvenirs there I wanted to take home – or a playlist to download. It’s simply full-body immersion. The
Gorge
is
a
world-famous
whistle-stop
location
for
experiencing the Wet Tropics of Queensland. But it should be so much more than another item on a packed itinerary. During the quick shuttle bus ride from the visitor centre we’re cast into twilight as the rainforest canopy filters out the bright Queensland sun. Bird calls bounce and echo through the trees, insects buzz a low and languid hum, and the whisper of running water builds to a cacophony as the Mossman Gorge lookout comes into view. We watch the eddying pools, hypnotised by the swirling water, before carrying on to cross the Rex Creek suspension bridge and delve deeper into the trees on the 2.4km Rainforest Circuit Track. The trail climbs gently for a glimpse of Manjal Dimbi before winding back down to the banks of Wurrumbu Creek. Locals claim this as the rainforest’s “beach”, and the sandy pool tempts us on this tropical day, but we continue and soon loop back to the boardwalk that merges with the shorter River Circuit Track. With both circuits under our belts, we board the bus dreaming of ice-cold drinks and damper awaiting us at the visitor centre and share the ride with one of the local Indigenous guides. Our quick chat gives us a glimpse into the Kuku Yalanji people and their connection to this special place, sampling what those joining the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks will experience.
