Mossman

Situated 75km north of Cairns, in Far North Queensland, Mossman sits at the foot of lush mountains, amidst fields of thriving sugar cane. Its population of 1800, which relies on the sugar cane industry, is home to five primary schools, one high school, an historic pub, and wide, tree-lined streets.

Two tramway systems, which initially transported sugar cane, passengers and general goods in from Cairns, are responsible for much of the town’s growth and prosperity. Today, the Mossman Central Mill is the town icon, and tourists can take a peek at sugar cane production there from June through to October (sugar cane season).

Other sights include the cane train, which click clacks its way back and forth through town, transporting the seasonal harvest. You might even see a roaring cane fire in and around the area, which can dramatically light up the landscape.

Activities nearby include the Mossman Gorge. Located five minutes out of town, the Mossman Gorge consists of a preciptious mountain range, which houses dense rainforest, a cool flowing stream, and a steep gorge within. Rare inhabitants include the endemic Boyd’s Forest Dragon and the Cairns Birdwing (Australia’s largest butterfly).

The Mossman Gorge has also recently opened an eco-tourism visitors centre, which has a café, indigenous art gallery, booking area for indigenous guided walks, and a bus service to run visitors to and from the gorge itself. The centre is run by the traditional custodians of the land, the Kuku Yalanji, who also take guests on guided walks of the area.

If you’re interested in seeing the local environment in new and adventurous ways, you can embark on a river drift snorkelling tour of the Mossman River with Backyard Country Bliss. For roughly three hours, visitors can explore a safe and relaxation section of the river, while learning about the local history, flora and fauna of this ancient wonderland.

 

[pw_map address=”Mossman, Queensland, Australia”]