The Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC) in Queensland has launched Australia’s first fully electric, accessible shuttle buses at the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. MGCC is also partnering with the local Mossman community and Ergon Energy to develop a high-voltage network-connected microgrid that will be completed in 2026.
Queensland’s ecotourism gem, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre (MGCC), has become the first tourism operator in Australia to launch a fleet of fully electric, 9-metre buses with disabled access.
The colourful two new buses, aptly named Kurranji (Cassowary) and Kurriyala (Carpet Snake), are the result of a partnership with Australian EV mobility innovator HDrive. They mark the beginning of a planned transition to a 50% electric fleet within 12 months. Another two electric vehicles are scheduled to arrive in 2026.
These eco-friendly buses will service more than 300,000 visitors who journey through Mossman Gorge annually, offering a cleaner, quieter, and more wildlife-friendly ride through the sacred landscape of the world’s oldest living rainforest.
“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,” said Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, which operates the Cultural Centre.
“With a cleaner and quieter ride, we expect guests will enjoy even more wildlife sightings in the incredibly biodiverse Daintree Rainforest.”
In addition to the new EVs, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre continues to roll out future-focused ESG initiatives. These include rooftop solar panels to help offset the buses’ charging needs, free EV charging for guests, and rainwater harvesting systems to support grey water use onsite.
Ben Kiddle, Director of HDrive, said the project is about more than transport innovation.
“It’s an honour to partner with Voyages and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to deliver Kurranji and Kurriyala into the heart of the Daintree,” he 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.”
New microgrid to boost energy resilience in Mossman Gorge
In a further commitment to sustainability and community resilience, MGCC is partnering with the local Mossman community and Ergon Energy to develop a high-voltage network-connected microgrid. Set to break ground later this year and complete in 2026, the microgrid aims to strengthen energy reliability and quality in this remote region, particularly during weather-related outages.
Ecotourism Australia CEO Elissa Keenan praised the initiatives.
“These initiatives are a fantastic example of how innovation and sustainability can work hand-in-hand to protect our iconic tourism destinations,” she said.
“As an Ecotourism Australia certified operator since 2008, Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre continues to demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environmental impact alongside improving the visitor experience.”
MGCC has held Eco and Respecting Our Culture certification from Ecotourism Australia for over 15 years and is a recognised Green Travel Leader. It sits in the heart of the Port Douglas-Daintree region, the world’s first certified ECO Destination, a place where over 80% of the land is under World Heritage protection and biodiversity thrives.
For more on Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre’s initiatives, visit www.mossmangorge.com.au
