A: It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April.
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Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.
Cairns' Great Barrier Reef water temperature varies throughout the year, from a comfortable 29 degrees in summer (December – February) to 22 degrees in winter (June – August).
A: It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April.
From the first of November until the start of May, the stinger nets are out around Cairns and Port Douglas. Those hitting the beach should be sure to only swim in patrolled areas and to look for the comforting colours of the red and yellow flags.
The best beaches to swim at are mainly in the Northern suburbs. The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.
Travelling to Cairns and its surrounding beaches during the cooler months, such as August, means you can comfortably swim in the ocean without worrying about enclosures or stinger suits.
The prime time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between May and October when water temperatures are pleasant for swimming, rainfall is low and underwater visibility is high.
Tropical North Queensland is blessed with an abundance of waterfalls. The great news is that you can swim right up to many of these spectacular cascades – and even let the running water cascade over you. Swimmable waterfalls are found from Cardwell to Cape York, with many concentrated around the Atherton Tablelands.
Wetsuits are essential to wear while you're snorkelling, or even when you're diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The wetsuits keep you protected from any cuts and scratches that may occur if you get a bit close to the coral. Additionally, the wetsuits are also like a stinger suit, so they will protect you from jellyfish.
Palm Cove is within known “Croc Country” and it is vitally important that everyone in far north Queensland practices “CrocWise” behaviour. In particular: Obey crocodile signs—they are there for your own protection. Never swim in water where crocodiles may live, even if there is no warning sign present.
the 'sand' is very silty all along that part of the coast ie.soil washed down by the rivers.therefore shore wave action causes the 'mud' to disperse thru the water column. that's the brown stain.
The best beaches for swimming near Cairns are Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Holloways Beach. All four of these sandy tropical oases are patrolled year-round and are protected by stinger nets in the summer season (November to March/April).
Queensland is home to several species of dangerous tropical marine stingers, including the box jellyfish and the Irukandji. Marine stingers are present in tropical Queensland waters all year round but the risk is higher during the marine stinger season (November–May).