After months of lockdown, the Mossman Gorge Centre will finally re-open its doors to the public this Monday, 20 July.

The popular attraction was closed in March as a precautionary measure to reduce the potential exposure and spread of COVID-19 within the local Indigenous Mossman Gorge Community.

Mossman Gorge Centre General Manager, Ben Pratt, said it’s been a tough few months, but the team are eager to welcome everyone back to experience this magnificent part of the world.

“Shuttle services will recommence operations from 8:00am to 5:30pm, seven days a week for guests to explore the amazing Mossman Gorge section of the Daintree National Park, with new and renovated tracks over the entire 2.5 kilometres of walking trails,” he said.

“We highly recommend everyone comes to experience the park again in all its glory.”

The Art Gallery and Retail boutique will also be open seven days, 8:00am to 5:30pm, showcasing various products from Kuku Yalanji artists and local community made artefacts.

“There are some breathtaking artworks from local Yalanji artists with all royalties supporting their creative talents,” Mr Pratt said.

Dreamtime walks will remain closed initially, however, cultural demonstrations and welcome ceremonies will be available daily onsite by local tour guides to give visitors a fascinating insight into the Kuku Yalanji culture.

The Mayi café will re-open in a reduced capacity from 7:00am to 11:00am for coffee and light snacks with opening hours extended in the near future for groups and as demand increases.

Mr Pratt said the onsite Mossman Gorge training academy and hostel for Indigenous students will also recommence its operations in the coming weeks with local students and trainers coming back onboard. 

“We also have a number of new training programs in the pipeline and cannot wait to re-open this multi-award-winning facility.

“We continue to be in such a privileged position working with the local community and could not be more excited to get some of our team back again.”

The Centre, now in its eighth year of operation, is widely celebrated as one of the most successful and respected community partnerships and cultural-based tourism facilities in the country.

“This would not have been possible without our strong connection and respect for this community and the bottom-up approach to its development and the ongoing operations of the Centre.”

The Mossman Gorge Centre has trained and qualified over 200 students in tourism and hospitality, including several qualified chefs, welcomes over 360,000 visitors each year, and operates one of the country’s most popular and sought after Indigenous guided walks, with 40,000 visitors enjoying the tour each year.

“We cannot wait to see you all back,” Mr Pratt said.