Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre has upgraded its visitor shuttle fleet by adding two fully electric, 9-metre buses that include disabled access. These buses are believed to be the first of their kind in Australia.
The new electric buses, named Kurranji (Cassowary) and Kurriyala (Carpet Snake), mark the beginning of a plan to replace at least half of the current fleet with zero-emission electric vehicles within the next 12 months. Two more electric buses are expected to arrive in the 2025-2026 financial year.
These electric vehicles offer an environmentally friendly way for the more than 300,000 visitors who come to Mossman Gorge each year to enjoy the site. They help reduce carbon emissions in the Daintree National Park, which is the world’s oldest living rainforest and a sensitive World Heritage-listed area.
The new buses are part of ongoing sustainability efforts at the centre. These efforts include rooftop solar panels that help power the buses, free charging stations for guest electric vehicles, and a rainwater harvesting system that collects water for reuse.
Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, said, “These electric buses are a major step in lowering our carbon footprint. They support Queensland’s sustainability goals and improve the experience for guests at Mossman Gorge. With quieter and cleaner buses, we expect visitors to see more wildlife in the biodiverse Daintree Rainforest.”
Ben Kiddle from HDrive, the company supplying the buses, added, “It is an honour to work with Voyages and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to bring Kurranji and Kurriyala to the heart of the Daintree. These buses are more than just electric vehicles. They show respect for culture, care for the environment, and include features for all guests. Together, we are helping to reduce pollution in one of the world’s most precious ecosystems and setting new standards for eco-friendly tourism transport. At HDrive, we are proud to be driving a greener future.”
In addition, the Cultural Centre is launching a new project with the Mossman community and Ergon Energy. This project will build a high-voltage, network-connected microgrid at the centre. The microgrid will improve power reliability, quality, and community resilience, especially during weather-related power outages. Construction is planned to start later this year and finish in 2026.
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is a leading ecotourism site and the main gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. Operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the centre has held ECO certification and Respecting Our Culture certification from Ecotourism Australia for more than fifteen years. It is also recognized as a Green Travel Leader.
Elissa Keenan, CEO of Ecotourism Australia, said, “These projects show how innovation and sustainability can protect important tourism sites. Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, certified by Ecotourism Australia since 2008, continues to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.”
The Port Douglas-Daintree area is one of Australia’s most sustainable tourism regions. It was the first place in the world to receive Ecotourism Australia’s Eco Destination Certification in 2019. The region has 32 eco-certified operators, one of the highest numbers in Queensland. It is a unique place where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. More than 80% of the region is protected as World Heritage land. It is home to diverse plants and animals, including the famous cassowary bird.
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