Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre has launched two new fully electric shuttle buses, marking a major step forward in sustainable transport for one of Australia's leading ecotourism destinations.

Named Kurranji (Cassowary) and Kurriyala (Carpet Snake), the nine-metre HDrive electric vehicles feature disabled access and are believed to be the first of their kind in Australia.

The vehicles form part of MGCC's wider goal to transition 50 per cent of its fleet to zero-emission vehicles within 12 months.

MGCC General Manager Rachael Hodges, a Goreng Goreng, Girramay and Gunggandji woman, said the buses reflect the Centre's commitment to culture and innovation.

"This business was always built to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Islander people," she said.

Kuku Yalanji Elder Roy Gibson founded Dreamtime Walks in 1987 and later established the MGCC.

"Roy's dream was to make sure that for future generations we had the ability to tap into that 500,000 people going to Mossman Gorge every year," Ms Hodges said.

"Over 30 per cent of my 65 per cent Indigenous staff are actually in our management and team leader positions, so the idea is to upskill and train our people up into jobs and successful careers such as one day becoming a general manager."

The new EVs are expected to improve the visitor experience for more than 300,000 guests annually while helping protect the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

The fleet renewal is supported by solar power, free EV charging for guests, and rainwater harvesting.

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Mr Matt Cameron-Smith said the new vehicles support broader environmental goals.

"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," he said.

"With a cleaner and quieter ride, we expect guests will enjoy even more wildlife sightings in the incredibly biodiverse Daintree Rainforest."

Tuesday's visitors were among the first to ride the new vehicles as part of the second day of a hosted ecotourism experience in the Port Douglas-Daintree region.

Guests then travelled to scenic points aboard the electric shuttles before sitting down to a morning tea of native bush flavours and iced tea.

They later joined the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, guided by a Traditional Owner, along culturally significant rainforest tracks.

Kuku Yalanji man, Yalangda, also known as Uncle Skip, said the Dreamtime Walk keeps traditional knowledge alive.

"The walk that we went on is all based around the plants and the animals," he said.

"It's basically about keeping the knowledge of our people about the foods that we can eat and some of the medicines that we use as well.

"The importance of having the Dreamtime walks here being Kuku Yalanji — you have to be of the bloodline to be here... so it does give us a bit of a unique thing to give people."

Later in the day, visitors transferred to Back Country Bliss for a two-hour river rafting experience guided by a two former NITA Graduates.

The immersive journey through crystal-clear rainforest waters introduced guests to local biodiversity from a new perspective.

Yalangda said sharing culture with visitors is what continues to drive him after 27 years.

"I enjoy showing my culture to people," he said.

"I like getting into the history of other cultures as well Because I believe a lot of people - when they come up north here - they really want to know about our people.

"Because if we don't spread that culture out we may lose it."

Actor and presenter Lincoln Lewis also joined the Voyages ecotourism experience and spoke about the impact of connecting with young Indigenous trainees and guides.

"I've absolutely loved my experience here with Voyages and cultural ecotourism," he said.

"To hear their passion… it's just really heartwarming.

"Words will never do that justice… it's honestly a feeling."

He praised the NITA program for empowering Indigenous youth.

"It gives them a pathway, a life skill they can take anywhere in the world. It leaves me with a sense of pride and belonging."

MGCC is also planning to construct a high-voltage microgrid in partnership with Ergon Energy to boost power resilience in the region.

The system will support the Centre's operations and nearby communities during extreme weather events and is expected to be completed by 2026.

The Port Douglas-Daintree region remains one of the most eco-certified destinations in Australia, home to 32 eco-accredited operators and over 80 per cent protected land.

National Indigenous Times was a guest of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.