Mossman River Lookout (Baral Marrjanga)

Mossman River Lookout is a constructed viewing platform at the end of Baral Marrjanga, an elevated boardwalk through the lower rainforest canopy. It’s an easy way to get the gorge’s river-and-mountain view without taking on a long walk.

Allow about 30 minutes for the 660 m return walk. It’s a Grade 1 track and you return the way you came. The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though wheelchair users may need assistance. Access starts at the shuttle stop in the Mossman Gorge day-use area.

From the platform, the Mossman River winds around rounded boulders with mountain ranges behind it. For a strong phone photo, keep some of the boulder-filled river in the foreground and the ranges in the frame.

Keep an eye on the water for jungle perch and saw-shelled turtles, and on the boardwalk for colourful butterflies. They’re possibilities, not a guarantee, but looking down at the river adds something to a view that’s easy to take in at a glance.

Do not enter the Mossman River. Its levels can rise quickly, and strong currents, deep water and submerged boulders have caused deaths and serious injuries.

The ranges behind the river include Manjal Dimbi (Mount Demi). Its name is roughly translated as “mountain holding back.” In Kuku Yalanji story, Kubirri holds back Wurrumbu above the Mossman River; this is the story of the mountain, not the lookout.

The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is the place to use the toilets and picnic area or pick up coffee, a light lunch or grab-and-go food at Mayi Café before heading to the gorge. If you want to walk farther, a short signposted branch from the lookout leads to Rex Creek suspension bridge and the Rainforest Circuit.