May be planning a December trip to Cairns.

electric2010 · Post by **electric2010** » Mon Jun 13, 2016 9:20 am

Beginning to investigate my first trip to Australia. A friend has recommended Cairns. Any insight into the area would be greatly appreciated.

budgybloke · Post by **budgybloke** » Mon Jun 13, 2016 2:20 pm

Hi mate

Just be conscious that it's stinger season (and wet season) in northern Queensland at that time, so you wouldn't want to get in the ocean outside of the small, enclosed stinger net areas. And it's not for fear of small stings either - they have deadly Box Jellyfish up there! If you're just keen on hotel pools and sand then it'd be fine.

Another option wold be to try somewhere further south - maybe the Sunshine Coast. Or even northern New South Wales, i.e. Byron Bay. It's beautiful there, very easy-going and speedo-friendly.

electric2010 · Post by **electric2010** » Mon Jun 13, 2016 5:01 pm

Thanks! Will do some more research.

electric2010 · Post by **electric2010** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 8:30 am

Well despite the stingers & weather, my family is positive that seeing the great barrier reef is a "must". Looks like all of the tour providers will provide full lycra suits. My be fun to be in full body lycra. Besides, some of the tours say that they have a helicopter standing by for evacuations.

We went snorkeling in Alaska, so snorkeling with the threat of stingers will be another feather in our caps. lol

Post by **DaveSpeedoEvans** » Tue Jun 14, 2016 2:57 pm

Electric,

I've been to Cairns a couple of times and wasn't a huge fan - the beaches on the mainland aren't that great and if it is stinger season you can't swim at all. It will be hot as balls in December as well. I agree with your family though - the reed is amazing and you shouldn't miss it - I just suggest not spending too much time in Cairns itself.

My favourite beaches in Australia are from Brissy south to Sydney. Endless supply of little beach towns (I love Terrigal where I live now of course but from Brissy I liked Fingal and other town just over the state border.

Also, pay attention to school holidays. I'm not sure the exact dates but December and January are our 'summer holidays' and it is a busy (thus expensive) time of year with families on holidays (vacation).

I don't want to sound negative at all, just wanted to point some things out. You will have an absolute blast - the east coast is gorgeous!!!

Dave

electric2010 · Post by **electric2010** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:22 am

Dave, thanks for all of your advice! We will see what happens as our plans progress.

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May be planning a December trip to Cairns.

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