The Mossman River flows through the Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland, roughly 15 minutes north of Port Douglas. It is a fast-flowing, freshwater river with crystal-clear water, running past ancient rainforest, towering mountains, sugar cane farms, and under the cane rail line before reaching the township of Mossman. The river holds deep cultural significance for the Kuku Yalanji people, who relied on it for fishing and freshwater for thousands of years, and it later served as a transportation route for European settlers.

The river is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and floating. The current generally provides a leisurely downstream drift, making it accessible to beginners as well as experienced paddlers. The upper section near Mossman Gorge is rocky, while the river transitions to a sandy bed further downstream. Guided SUP tours are available through local operators, with the Rainforest River SUP Magic Tour priced at $120. A self-guided float is also possible at no cost.

For a self-guided float, there are two documented drop-in points. Drop-in 1 is at coordinates 16°27′53″S 145°21′10″E, and Drop-in 2 is at 16°27′00″S 145°21′36″E. Drop-in 2 is recommended for those wanting to avoid the rocky upper section, which can damage inflatable craft. The take-out point is Rotary Park at the northern end of Mossman (16°27′05″S 145°22′17″E). Boat ramp access to the lower river is also available at Newell Beach and Cooya Beach, though these sections are tidal and closer to the river mouth.

The dry season is the recommended time to paddle. During the late dry season, the river runs shallow, clear, and calm. Once the wet season arrives and river levels rise, crocodile risk increases and floating should be avoided until the dry season returns. Crocodile risk is described as low during the dry season, though it is not zero, and paddlers should remain aware. Conditions at Mossman Gorge can change quickly due to rainfall in other catchment areas, and the gorge itself is unsupervised and unmonitored.

Wildlife visible from the water includes freshwater turtles and a variety of fish species. Birds and other rainforest creatures are commonly encountered along the banks.