Can you swim in Mossman Gorge?

Far North Queensland is like nowhere else in Australia. With its lush tropical rainforests, unique wildlife and a “particular” barrier reef, the region is home to some of Australia’s most unforgettable experiences!

One spot you may have heard about is the Mossman Gorge. The gorge serves as the gateway to the Daintree rainforest, a wonderland of tropical splendour perfect for those looking to experience FNQ in its quintessence.

But, like any tropical region, it can get hot – stinking hot. And this makes many visitors beg the question: can I swim in the Mossman Gorge?

Let’s look further into the gorge and its capacity for cooling off nature-style.

What makes the Mossman Gorge so special?

The Mossman Gorge is located just 20 minutes from Port Douglas and 75 minutes from Cairns, making it easily accessible to locals and travellers enjoying this gorgeous part of the world.

The gorge is renowned not only for its stunning wildlife but also for its connection to local Indigenous history. Here, the local people take guided walks through the gorge, telling traditional stories and introducing walkers to local sites of significance.

The Daintree rainforest and surrounding landscape is the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforest, with over 135 million years’ of flora and fauna evolving in the region. This fact alone makes for a near-mystical experience when visiting the Mossman Gorge and the adjoining rainforest.

Finally, a single hectare of rainforest in the Daintree is home to an incredible 30,000 species of plants and animals. This makes it easily one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth and a joy for nature enthusiasts.

But can you swim there?!

You can swim in the calmer swimming holes found around the Mossman Gorge (including the pristine waters of the Mossman Gorge Swimming Hole). These spots are delightful on a hot summer’s day when all you want to do is cool off after an afternoon’s exploring. The region is regularly monitored for crocodiles and is considered safe from salties (saltwater crocodiles).

However, swimming in the Mossman River proper is not advised, as the river can be highly unpredictable, especially in the rainy season. So, make sure that if you need a dip after a big hike, that you stick to the above-mentioned swimming holes – they’re so incredible that you will want to, anyway.

The Mossman Gorge is a natural masterpiece that is great for hiking and swimming. Enjoy the beauty of this incredible location as well as a nice dip at the end of a fun-filled day’s exploring.

Related article: What to Do Around the Mossman River

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.