Secret Water Holes at Mossman's Gorge

 Mossman's Gorge
   At the southern end of Australia's Rainforest lies a glimpse of what lies in store for adventures willing to delve further. Mossman's Gorge is just inside the Daintree Rainforest which is a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its universal natural values. It is possibly the oldest rainforest environment on earth. Leftover from prehistoric times before dinosaurs roamed. Ancient plants are found here and no where else on earth except in fossils. Some of the animals here seem just as ancient like the stealthy salt water crocs guarding their territories in the rivers. While other newcomers like Australia's heaviest flightless bird, the cassowary, have carved out a home in this unique environment.

Strangler Fig Holding Tight

No Small Feat

  Driving up to Mossman's Gorge you first arrive at a very nice visitor station where you can catch a shuttle 2 kilometers up the road. The views are pretty stunning, if its not pouring rain, as you travel up and out of the little sugar cane farming village of Mossman's into the lush green mountains behind. Mango trees line the road and as the sound of rushing water gets closer and closer.

Jack at the Spa

Rocky Creek in Mossman's Gorge

  The shuttle drops you off next to the stream and at the beginning of a nice boardwalk lifting you above the wet forest floor. Noisy birds abound up in the canopy, but dangerous snakes might cross your path so you can't concentrate too much looking up as you walk. In fact we crossed paths with a very dangerous snake called a red-bellied black snake. Listed under the highly venomous snakes on the posters. After a quick picture it slithered off into the underbrush, immediately disappearing even just a few feet away.

Just Deep Enough

 The longer hike option winds through giant trees and boulders, weaving its way between two mountain streams. If you don't mind getting off the beaten path then tranquil water holes can provide much needed cool down sessions during the hike. At this pool we were visited by a bright blue butterfly called the Ulysses butterfly, another animal people come from all over to see here. It reminded me of the blue morphos that would come out at dusk in Costa Rica.

Venomous Red-Bellied Black Snake

  If the water is up you definitely have to be careful swimming, but the boys wanted to take it a step further and swim some rapids which you can see bottom right. All in a good day's hike in Mossman's Gorge.