Valleys of Culture and Stone
Rossville is a small community surrounded by lush forest and mountain landscapes. Rossville Retreat is the starting point for tours with Harold “Mooks” Tayley, a respected Traditional Owner sharing stories, cultural knowledge, and bush skills. Just north, Kalkajaka (Black Mountain) National Park rises in dark granite domes and boulder fields, an awe-inspiring site rich with stories and ecological rarity. This region blends tranquillity, cultural immersion, and striking natural beauty.
Storytelling
Guiding for Generations
By Harold “Mooks” Tayley
Harold “Mooks” Tayley has been guiding visitors for more than three decades. After years working around Mossman Gorge, he has returned to country to share bush medicine, bush foods and cultural knowledge through guided tours. For Mooks, passing on this knowledge is about keeping culture strong and making sure younger generations learn language and traditions. He takes pride in teaching visitors practical skills for living with country, while building a future that ensures culture is celebrated and never lost.
Photo Gallery
Stone and Country
Rossville and the looming presence of Black Mountain are places where culture and nature intertwine. Here, stories are carried in the landscape, and visitors are invited into a living connection with country, legend and spirit.
Experiences
Key Experiences
Experience cultural storytelling and guided walks that connect you to country, before seeing the nearby striking landscape of Black Mountain.
Harold “Mooks” Tayley
Guided cultural tours exploring bush foods, medicine plants, local history, and Traditional Owner perspectives on country.
Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park
Striking granite boulder formations with rare plants and wildlife, and a place of cultural importance with stories passed through generations.
Travel and Preparation
Rossville is reached via the Bloomfield Track or Mulligan Highway. Black Mountain is visible from the highway, access within the park is restricted to protect cultural and environmental values.
Places to visit
Other locations in this region
Mossman Gorge & Surrounds
Mossman Gorge invites travellers into lush rainforest and living culture, home of the Kuku Yalanji people. Begin your visit at the Cultural Centre with a guided Dreamtime Walk through the Daintree Rainforest, then explore artworks at nearby Yalanji art galleries, where story and creativity come together.
