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Mossman Gorge is a popular tourist attraction to the north of Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. If you choose to base yourself in Palm Cove, you can still visit Mossman Gorge, but there are fewer tour options. The easiest way to visit is to self-drive, but you can also book transport or a tour. We weigh up your options in this post.
Visiting Mossman Gorge From Palm Cove
Should you visit Mossman Gorge from Palm Cove? Yes, it’s a very beautiful spot and the most easily accessible part of The Daintree Rainforest, being south of The Daintree River. You do not need to take the Daintree Ferry, (which is expensive) if you just plan to visit Mossman Gorge.
However – If you’re going that far north from Palm Cove, you really may as well see The Daintree “proper” as part of your trip. I would also recommend spending some time in Port Douglas, of course! If you book this full day tour with pick up from Palm Cove, you can visit Mossman Gorge, AND The Daintree and Cape Tribulation in one day. It makes the drive more worth it to spend a full day exploring our local highlights.
Palm Cove has easier access to the Cairns Skyrail cable car, Kuranda and the Scenic Train (you can book this day out here), Port is better for the Daintree and Mossman Gorge. Mossman Gorge is only 20 minutes or so north of Port Douglas. From Palm Cove, allow at least an hour with extra time for the road works on the highway. We wrote a post on staying in Palm Cove vs Port Douglas vs Cairns.
If you haven’t booked your holiday accommodation yet, I’d suggest spending part of your time in Palm Cove, part in Port Douglas, this makes visiting Mossman Gorge and The Daintree much easier. You also get to spend some quality time in Port Douglas itself, enjoy Four Mile Beach, and take some of the best reef cruises available, to The Outer Reef or Low Isles. Low Isles are just off Port and you can enjoy a sandy “desert island” with fringing reefs for snorkelling. It’s a great full or half day, particuarly with younger kids who may struggle with the Outer Reef.
This is the Port Douglas outer reef tour we recommend to our readers.
Driving To Mossman Gorge From Palm Cove
The coastal highway, the Captain Cook Highway, takes you north of Palm Cove, past Port Douglas and into Mossman. The Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre is signposted to the left as you drive through Mossman itself. Take Mossman Gorge Road, just past Mossman Woolworths.
The distance from Palm Cove to Mossman Gorge is 57 Km, 35 miles (approx). You should allow at least an hour for the drive. The road works on the coastal highway may cause delays. We made a map for you, below.
There is plenty of parking at The Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre. Inside you will have to pay for your shuttle up to the Gorge, the rainforest boardwalks, trails and swimming holes. You cannot drive direct to the gorge any more, you have to use the shuttles.
If you plan to self-drive and visit without a guided tour, allow half a day to walk the trails and maybe swim at the gorge. After the gorge, maybe visit Port Douglas, The Australian Chocolate Farm or Shannonvale Swimming Hole. There are also lots of beaches you could take a look at in the area. Just be aware of crocodiles. Be croc-smart.
As far as I know, there has never been a crocodile reported at Mossman Gorge, but there have been at other swimming holes nearby. The major danger at Mossman Gorge is the strong current after heavy rains.
In winter, the water at the gorge will be really cold! Be ready for that.
Take a look at our related posts below for further information on our region!
