Useful tips

Are there stingers in Cairns?

Are there stingers in Cairns?

Stingers love the tropical summer weather and can be found in the waters around Cairns from November to May. Swimmers should exercise caution in the water during these months, and beaches may be closed if the risk of stingers is great. Stingers are extremely rare from June to October.

Do you need stinger suits in Cairns?

We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.

How far south do stingers go in Queensland?

Stay safe in the ocean This includes marine stingers some of which are dangerous, most famously the box jellyfish and Irukandji. These can be found around Tropical North Queensland along the coast as far south as Gladstone, from around October/ November to May/ June.

Where are marine stingers found?

Australia
Stingers are a sub-species of jellyfish, specifically species that can be dangerous or potentially lethal. They are generally found along the tropical coastlines of Australia and are some of the most feared marine animals down under.

Can you swim in the beach at Cairns?

The Cairns Esplanade is a nice spot for a walk, but the actual Cairns Beach isn’t a place to swim. Our wildlife is too interesting for that. Cairns beach is at the opening of a muddy estuary and busy harbour. We also have crocodiles up here so you’re much safer using the Cairns Lagoon, below.

Are there crocodiles in Cairns beaches?

seriously, crocodiles live in the waters of north queensland. however the probability of coming up against one around cairns is highly unlikely. but it does happen. then the authorities will most likely know and beaches can be closed.

Why can’t you swim in the sea in Cairns?

There is a pretty esplanade walkway and a narrow strip of sand but mostly Cairns has a busy estuary and salt water crocodiles, big ones. We also have stinger season in this part of the world, jellyfish visit our waters from around November to May, making unprotected swimming a fairly bad choice.

Is it safe to swim in Cairns beaches?

The beach is very safe for swimming and like all Aussie beaches has lifeguards on duty and, in our tropical summer from November to May, a stinger-proof enclosure for protected swimming.

What happens when you get stung by a irukandji jellyfish?

The symptoms of an Irukandji jellyfish sting are not immediate and may appear 5 to 45 minutes after the initial sting. Signs and symptoms can include: • severe backache or headache • shooting pains in their muscles, chest and abdomen • nausea • anxiety • restlessness • vomiting • breathing difficulties.

Do stinger suits protect from box jellyfish?

Stinger suits tend to be slightly thicker so that they can provide more protection from the sting of potentially deadly jelly fish such as the box jellyfish. Stinger suits are also full body suits which can include socks, mittens and hoods to provide the maximum protection.

How do you treat a marine stinger?

To treat a sting, wash any remaining tentacles off the skin with seawater or pick them off the skin. Soak the affected area in hot water (no hotter than can be easily tolerated) for 20 minutes to relieve the pain. Remove briefly before reimmersing and continue this cycle if pain persists.

What happens if you get stung by a stinger?

Venom will continue to enter your body if you leave a stinger in.1 This can cause swelling, pain, and possibly dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, or other symptoms. Leaving the stinger in your skin also increases the risk of infection.

When is the dangerous marine stinger season in Cairns?

The dangerous marine stinger season typically runs from November to May (subject to seasonal variability). Council-patrolled beaches include “stinger” nets but be aware that juvenile jellyfish may be small enough to get through the nets. It is always advisable to wear a stinger suit when swimming in the ocean.

Where are the best Stinger Nets in Queensland?

1 Some beaches in Queensland that have stinger nets in use during summer include: Port Douglas: Four Mile Beach. Cairns: Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, 2 Remedies for marine stings. 3 Box Jellyfish. 4 Irukandji Jellyfish.

Why are there so many Stingers on beaches in Queensland?

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. Most popular beaches in areas prone to marine stingers have stinger-resistant enclosures so beachgoers can enjoy swimming throughout the year.

Are there lifeguards on the beaches in Cairns?

Council provides lifeguard services on the beaches listed below. All lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are fully trained in first aid and in the treatment of stings from dangerous marine stingers, and have direct contact with emergency services.