Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre has upgraded its fleet of visitor shuttle vehicles to include two fully-electric, 9-metre buses with disabled access – believed to be the first of their kind in Australia.
Named Kurranji (Cassowary) and Kurriyala (Carpet Snake), the new HDrive electric shuttle buses represent the first step in plans to upgrade at least 50 per cent of the existing fleet to zero emissions E-Vehicles (EVs) within 12 months, with another two EVs set to arrive in FY26.
The new EVs provide an eco-sensitive experience for the more than 300,000 guests who visit Mossman Gorge annually, helping to further reduce carbon emissions in the world’s oldest living rainforest and environmentally sensitive World Heritage listed Daintree National Park.
The fleet renewal compliments ongoing sustainability efforts including rooftop solar panels to help offset the buses’ energy needs, free guest e-vehicle charging stations and rainwater harvesting for grey water usage.
“These electric buses are a big step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, aligning with Queensland’s sustainability goals and significantly enhancing the guest experience at Mossman Gorge,” Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith, said. “With a cleaner and quieter ride, we expect guests will enjoy even more wildlife sightings in the incredibly biodiverse Daintree Rainforest.”
“It’s an honour to partner with Voyages and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to deliver Kurranji and Kurriyala into the heart of the Daintree,” HDrive’s Ben Kiddle said. “These vehicles are more than just electric buses; they’re a powerful statement of cultural respect, environmental stewardship, and inclusive design. Together with Mossman Gorge, we’re not only helping decarbonise transport in one of the world’s most precious ecosystems but also setting a new benchmark for ecotourism mobility. At HDrive, we’re proud to be Driving a Greener Future.”
In addition, MGCC is celebrating a new initiative in partnership with the Mossman community and Ergon Energy – a high-voltage network-connected microgrid to be constructed at MGCC, designed to boost reliability, power quality and community resilience at the fringe of the grid – particularly during weather-related outages. Construction is expected to begin later this year and completed in 2026.
MGCC is a world-class ecotourism destination and gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. Operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the Centre has earned ECO certification and Respecting Our Culture certification via Ecotourism Australia for more than fifteen consecutive years and is a Green Travel Leader.
“These initiatives are a fantastic example of how innovation and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to protect our iconic tourism destinations,” Ecotourism Australia CEO, Elissa Keenan, said. “As an Ecotourism Australia certified operator since 2008, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environment impact alongside improving the visitor experience.”
The Port Douglas-Daintree region is considered one of Australia’s most sustainable tourism destinations. It was the world’s first destination to receive Ecotourism Australia’s Eco Destination Certification (2019). Home to 32 eco-certified operators – one of the highest concentrations in Queensland – it’s an incredibly unique region where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. Over 80 per cent of the region is protected under World Heritage status, boasting remarkable biodiversity and endemic flora and fauna, including the iconic cassowary.
