Updated on: Thursday May 08, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that are asked about Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and we thought we would endeavour to answer some of them.

If your answers are not here please email us with your questions.

When is the 'stinger' season and what are they?

Stingers are a very dangerous jellyfish called a Box Jellyfish.  They have long tentacles and  have killed people before.  They aren't overly energetic animals and have not caused any problems around the reef and islands but occur mainly around the beaches north of around Bundaberg.  The stinger season is from around November to May.  During this time you need to swim inside the stinger enclosures at the beaches or wear a stinger suit.

How long does it take to travel to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?

It varies from boat to boat and from reef to reef but anywhere from 45 minutes to get to Green Island on a fast catamaran up to 3 hours on some of the slower boats.

Are there many sharks?

You will be extremely lucky to see one at all and if you do chances are you saw it before it saw you and as soon as it sees you it will swim off pretty quickly in the other direction.  Most species on the reef are quite harmless. I actually consider it a successful dive if I see a shark.

Can you camp on Green Island?

In one word - no!

Can you Camp on Fitzroy Island?

Yes you can. The camping ground is under the control of the Cairns City Council but is seasonal and they can temporarily close it for periods of time at their discretion.

Can you camp on the Frankland Islands?

No ! Camping is only permitted on Russell Island to the south and you will require a permit from the Queensland Government's Department of Environment & Heritage. click here  There is no cost for the permit other than your time and effort to do the paperwork and approvals are made on an individual basis. Russell Island is a national park and  the usual rules and regulations for being in a national park do apply. You will need to take absolutely everything with you and we mean everything! Especially plenty of supplies of drinking water. Frankland Islands Cruises do drop offs and pick ups as normal part of their day trip to the Frankland Islands.

When is the 'Wet' Season and what does that mean?

The wet season usually begins building up around December, meaning humid days and stormy nights.  Then in January, February and March it usually rains in the late afternoon through until sometimes mid-morning.  Then it clears up and starts all over again late that afternoon.  The days are usually clear and bright though, and it is the time of the year when the diving is best and the winds are calm.  Underwater visibility is sometimes around 50 metres +.

Are there many mosquitoes (mozzies)?

There are a few depending on the time of year after all you are in the tropics.  It is better to not wear dark clothing (it attracts them), wear insect repellent whenever you are outdoors or in a rainforest type area and when it is dark.  There are also sandflies (midgees) as well and you will know when they are about as generally they are hard to see being so minute with much the same effect as mosquitoes. Some say they are worst them the mozzies because you will not be able to stop itching where they bite you. Actually they really do not bite the sting comes from their urine!!

How long must you leave between scuba diving and flying?

You should leave it at least 24 hours but the time between flying and then diving is nothing.

What is the water temperature like at the Great Barrier Reef?

In the winter months (June - August), the water temperature can be between 21 C and 23 C.  In the summer months (December - March), it can be 30 C in some places, but is usually around 28 C.  It's almost like taking a bath!

Is there a beach in Cairns?

Not a natural one (although there are claims that there used to be one over 50 years ago) but the Cairns City Council has built a great new area on The Esplanade that has a sandy beach, saltwater swimming lagoon and huge grassy areas with shade to relax on. This new facility opened on the 29th March, 2003 and is located on the Esplanade next to the Pier Market Place complex and is proving to be a great success for both visitors and locals. The northern suburbs of Cairns all have beaches and these start about 15 minutes drive away.

What is 'GST'?

GST stands for Goods and Services Tax.  This is similar to the VAT in the UK and is 10% for everything that is applicable and is added in to all prices in Australia there are no exceptions from paying it other than the Federal Government listed exemptions. This is included in all prices.

Are there many snakes?

Yes there are snakes here. We have lived in Cairns for years now and have seen numerous snakes of all types, all you have to do is just turn and go the other way and  the snake will be happy to go in another direction from you. Leave them alone!! and  generally they are more than happy to do the same. 

Is the reef better from Cairns or Port Douglas?

We prefer Cairns as there are not only more cruises to choose from but also cheaper price ranges.  As for the reef, all reefs on the Great Barrier Reef are great!!!

What is the best time of the year to visit Cairns?

Every month of the year offers something different here in Cairns. 

Whilst the summer is hot and wet the waterfalls are in full splendour and the rainforest is amazing, everything is so Green. The bird life is also spectacular. Our winter offers mild temperatures and probably is the most popular time to visit. My favourite months would probably be September and October.