For more information relating to the status of the northern beaches and lifeguard patrols. Likewise, gbr tour boats will give you stinger suits to wear when you snorkel, although stingers arent generally a problem away from the beaches. You dont have to swim at the beach, there are plenty of safe. These jellyfish pack a punch, causing injury and deaths. For half the year, it is advised to swim in the whitsundays waters with a stinger suit, unless swimming in freshwater.
Sep 30, 2017 there are over 20 beaches on the island, some of which you can only get to by boat or hiking. Between the months of november to may although over the last few years its been much shorter, jellyfish of all types hit the shores of cairns beaches. They roam the shores of cairns and deep seas of the great barrier reef in significant numbers. If you are unable to wear a stinger suit, a rash vest is advisable. Heres some incentive to don a stinger suit and swim between those stinger nets during the summer months in the tropical regions of the world. Stinger nets out in style from the first of november until the haze of may. Always swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags only swim in stinger nets if they are provided. Stinger information marine stingers may be present in the waters of tropical queensland year round, with the higher risk season during october may. Beach reports the beaches and oceans of tropical queensland are an important part of the natural attractions of the region. Mar 27, 2020 lei is south of the stinger and cyclone zones, so is fine in summer. Cairns beaches cairns visitors information guide cairns. A swimming enclosure located at four mile beach, port douglas is in the water to provide safer swimming conditions during the dangerous marine stinger season typically from november to may subject to seasonal variability.
The beaches and oceans of tropical queensland are an important part of the. We also have a wealth of beautiful rainforest waterfalls in the region and the water is very cool and refreshing. Stingers love the tropical summer weather and can be found in the waters around cairns from november to may. Cairns esplanade lagoon, right in the centre of town. Top cairns beaches including swimming holes for wet and.
The stinger season varies, generally speaking the warmer the water the longer the season. Dangerous marine stingers are present at queensland beaches during the following periods. Fnq beaches closed due to extreme weather cairns post. From my understanding, even with lycra suits on, their. This is valid not only for cairns but for most of the great barrier reef read here the best places to visit and stay. Does this just apply to cairns and surrounding or is it also applicable at noosa. These jellyfish pack a punch, with around 80 confirmed deaths since 1883, and countless injuries affecting both tourists and locals. Stinger season runs from october to may, so wear a stinger suit unless youre between the nets. I know this has probably been asked but when is stinger season. Beaches in the northern section of queensland have longer stinger seasons than. During this time you should swim only inside the stinger enclosures at the beaches. This mainly pertains to the irukandji and the box jellyfish, which are more abundant during the summer months.
Palm cove cairns beach queensland beaches australia. For more information relating to the status of the northern beaches and lifeguard patrols please visit the cairns city councils beach status page. Stinger season refers to the period of time when dangerous jellyfish are aplenty. Most popular places either have an expansive lagoon on the foreshore mackay, airlie beach, townsville, cairns, or have sections of the natural beach fenced off with stinger nets port douglas, palm cove, and elsewhere. No stingers in summer, but whale shark season begins in march through to about july, and humpback whale season runs from july to october. Mar 07, 2018 beaches have been closed and stinger nets removed due to extreme weather causing a strong wind warning to be issued for the far north. If its beautiful beaches you are looking for, they are not far north of cairns. At last count, there were approximately 20 such cairns jellyfish nets in the waters across north queensland. Marine stingers box jellyfish queensland beaches australia. So when you are visiting cairns and the surrounding areas, be sure to do a bit of homework. During this period, if you are swimming in the oceans of cairns along the beaches, there is a good chance you will be stung unless appropriate precautions are taken. Swimming in the ocean at cairns and the cairns northern beaches is not recommended during the stinger season.
Dec 20, 2016 its the curse of the tropics the stinger season, natures reminder that australia is home to some of the deadliest creatures on earth. Tour operators and patrolled beaches with lifeguards will generally keep vinegar for such incidents. You will find more information about marine stingers and other potentially dangerous marine life, including details of which cairns beaches provide netted swimming enclosures, on our safe travel page. Protecting yourself from cairns jellyfish at the beaches and on the reef. Recognised as australias cleanest beach in 2003, palm cove is an unforgettable experience only 20 minutes from the city centre of cairns. Stinger season is officially between november to may, but you will find that most beaches are dragged much earlier for any signs of marine stingers and many beaches will install the stinger nets earlier than november. Always swim at patrolled beaches, between the redandyellow flags. Enjoy your very own saltwater pool and every modern convenience imagined at palm cove, cairns premier marlin coast beach. Stinger season or jellyfish season is generally between november and may in cairns and port douglas. Its also stinger season, which affects beach swimming. So therefore, the further north you go, the longer the season.
During this period, jellyfish are prevalent in the waters around the mainland, islands and have occasionally been found out on the reef. Stinger season in cairns taking the plunge stingers or jellyfish as they are more universally known tend to drift to shore. I always like to mention that all the photos are mine. The cairns esplanade lagoon pool that can be used in any season, even when most of the cairns beaches are closed due to a large amount of jellyfish or the stinger season itself.
May 27, 2016 cairns, far north queensland, is renowned for its proximity to world heritage listed rainforest, the great barrier reef, and exotic wildlife that exists in few other places in the world. Summer time in cairns brings with it the sweltering heat and high humidity which seems perfect for taking a cooling dip. Few people swim in broome, although the beaches are wonderful when the weather isnt overbearing. Stinger season cairns down under tours down under tours. Stinger season the waters of the great barrier reef change throughout the year, depending on the season and currents. Mother nature simply loves reminding us that australia is home to some of the deadliest creatures in the world. Council provides lifeguard services on this beach at certain times. Most local people choose not to swim in our local beaches during the stinger season. Im a little concerned about the stingers, especially in stinger season. Barrier or stinger nets are placed in the waters off many cairns beaches during the stinger season. During stinger season, the beaches will have stinger nets set up and you should only swim within that enclosure. It is recommended that a fullbody lycra suit, or equivalent, be worn to provide a good measure of protection against marine stings, particularly during the stinger season, which generally runs from november to march. Its the curse of the tropics the stinger season, natures reminder that australia is home to some of the deadliest creatures on earth.
Stinger nets are not stinger proof check with the lifegaurd. Sorry if this is a daft question im visiting in dec 15. Swimmers should exercise caution in the water during these months, and beaches may be closed if the risk of stingers is great. Stinger season has begun in the far north with surf life savers yesterday rolling out stinger nets at cairns and port douglas, with other locations to follow this week. Fitzroy island stinger season cairns forum tripadvisor. Lei is south of the stinger and cyclone zones, so is fine in summer. Having said that, you can snorkel off the beach at the ningaloo reef in western australia. These jellyfish pack a punch, with around 80 confirmed deaths since 1883, and countless injuries affecting both tourists and. These areas are easily identified, and beachgoers unsure of where to swim can make enquiries to lifeguard staff at manned beaches. Stinger season generally runs from november to may. Swimming at beaches is one of the most popular things to do in cairns, simply because there are so many beaches to choose from, many uncrowded. Cairns, far north queensland, is renowned for its proximity to world heritage listed rainforest, the great barrier reef, and exotic wildlife that exists in few other places in the world.
The beaches of cairns are truly breathtaking with glorious stretches of white pearl sands and a bounty of blue stretching to the horizon, yet with the high season sunlight pouring down this is also the time for stingers. Holloways beach, yorkeys knob, trinity beach, kewarra beach. So, to ensure you enjoy your day at the beach or great barrier reef, always remember to swim at a patrolled. Due to increased temperatures, there is an increase in marine stingers that can be harmful and potentially deadly. At the beginning of each stinger season, usually early november, the nets are installed along the allocated beaches by anchors and machinery. You should never enter the water if the beach is closed. During the warmer months marine stingers may be present in tropical waters, but by taking a few simple precautions you can minimise risk associated with the two types of potentially dangerous jellyfish marine stingers. Stingers are of particular concern in tropical australian waters between november to mayjune. Cairns visitors information guide cairns australia. North queensland is home to the very unfriendly saltwater crocodile. Ideal for the extended family, team and group visitors.
It is recommended that a fullbody lycra suit, or equivalent, be worn to provide a good measure of protection against marine stings, particularly during the stinger season, which generally runs from november to may. When the season comes to an end in may all the nets are brought back in to be repaired and serviced before going out again the following year. Those hitting the beach should be sure to only swim in. Dont want to worry about stingers originally was looking to come november. If you are stung you are advised to pour vinegar over the affected area and seek medical attention immediately. Beaches in the northern section of queensland have longer stinger seasons than beaches in the south due to the warmer water and greater prevalence of mangrove swamps. The beaches along the east coat are all developed so this is where most of the accommodation is. During the stinger season, november to may, and it is very strongy advised that all swimmers swim within the enclosures and between the lifeguard flags. But with all that beach to choose from, its hard to know where to begin. The stinger resistant swimming enclosures at local beaches give a high degree of. Dangerous marine life emergency services and safety.
From the first of november until the start of may, the stinger nets are out around cairns and port douglas. Although you can find any of the above on every day of the year it rarely happens during the dry season, june to september, however, it is more frequent during october to may, also sometimes referred as the stinger season. There are over 20 beaches on the island, some of which you can only get to by boat or hiking. It is the period in the year when dangerous jellyfish are aplenty within northern australia.
Swimming in the ocean at cairns and the cairns northern beaches is not recommended during the stinger season november till may. The whitsundays, 74 island wonders located in the heart of the great barrier reef, on the tropical coast of queensland, australia. We are doing a reef trip with quicksilver in november. For the current status at the beaches, view surf lifesaving queenslands north queensland marine stinger season update website. Marine stingers are present in tropical queensland waters all year round but the risk is higher during the marine stinger season novembermay.
At last count, there were approximately 20 such cairns. Am i likely to experience stingers in the sea and beaches around all parts of the area. Ive heard about stinger season and avoiding going in the water. Depends on the water temp, but around those dates is towards the end of the stinger season. Be aware of the season, find a beach with a safety net, and remember first aid skills. This lagoon is huge, is shaped to look like queensland and is patrolled by lifeguards during the day. In past years i have seen the nets in the water as early as late september. The queensland government provides a number of boating facilities such as boat ramps, pontoons and jetties within the cairns regional council area. At most popular beaches during the stinger season they have a stinger net pretty much a big floating enclosure that protects swimmers from most jelly fish. Marine stingers can be found in north queensland waters during the summer months, often from october through to may, and you can check the north queensland surf lifesaving website to see whether beach swimming enclosures stinger nets are in the water or have been taken out when stinger nets are in place, you should only swim in the ocean if you are inside the nets. However, one of the downsides when you live in cairns or are visiting cairns is having to put up with stingers.
Swimming at patrolled beaches is a lot safer, so make sure you dont swim when the beach is closed or if there are any warning signs. Nasty aquatic pests that invade the coast line every year. The cairns esplanade lagoon is a great place to cool off. Cairns jellyfish information for snorkellers and divers. Avoiding jellyfish season australia queensland australia. For this reason, when snorkelling or doing any water activities in the ocean from october. A locals guide to tropical north queenslands best beaches. Cairns beaches stinger season cairns life information. Predominantly a problem along the coast and not usually affecting the great barrier reef, north queenslands marine and estuarine environment is home to many interesting animals, including some harmful. Again, you need to speak with the local lifeguards to be sure. But just how dangerous are marine stingers, how can you. During the warmer months of october may, the waters warm up, inviting in guests such as marine stingers, or jellyfish.
Although they can be seen in parts of the reef all year, some jellyfish significantly increase in number during stinger season, due to the warmer water temperatures. There is definitely a great vibe with lovely markets, nice cafes and a fantastic free for all super large swimming pool, the aggregation point for everyone in town. Donning the stinger suit whilst the stinger nets are out in full swing in many beaches. Cairns is a large town in the tropics of far north queensland. Its such a catch 22 with cairns being the gateway to the beautiful great barrier reef and no beautiful cairns beaches in the city. Want to visit airlie beach and the whitsundays but like to snorkel and swim in water from the shore. Its also renowned for its beautiful palm tree lined beaches caressed by warm tropical waters. A visit to the whitsundays is a feast of the senses, surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns from which to explore. There are two kinds of stingers in the great barrier reef. From november it is sensible to wear stinger suits in the water, as box jellyfish and irukandji the smallest of the box jellyfish family can be deadly.
And we spent a day exploring so we can share the best ones with you. All hotels and resorts have a swimming pool in north queensland so there is no need to worry about where you can cool down. The stinger resistant swimming enclosures at local beaches give a high degree of protection against box jellyfish but are not 100 percent stinger proof. Some of my boys ages 9, 7, and 5 want to do the snorkeling. Beaches have been closed and stinger nets removed due to extreme weather causing a strong wind warning to be issued for the far north. Top cairns beaches including swimming holes for wet. But they may be present in the waters of northern australia. During the warmer months marine stingers may be present in tropical waters, but by. The streets are lined with palm trees, the township is surrounded by rainforest clad mountains, the great barrier reef is an hours boat ride away and the tropical climate promotes a laid back lifestyle. From cape york to townsville october to june from townsville to gladstone december to march most popular beaches in areas prone to marine stingers have stingerresistant enclosures so beachgoers can enjoy swimming throughout the year.
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