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When is the
'stinger' season and what are they?
Stingers , or
Box jellyfish, do
not affect the Great Barrier Reef Stingers are a very dangerous
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 rivers,
creeks and 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. Click here to read some more about
marine stingers.
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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.
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| Do you
need to know how to swim to go snorkelling or diving?
You do need to be able to swim to go snorkelling or
diving. You don't need to be the best swimmer, especially for
snorkelling as you can wear a flotation device to help you a little.
If you want to experience the underwater world of the great barrier
reef as a non-swimmer you can still try helmet diving or ocean
walking.
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| How old do you need to be
to go
scuba diving?
You must be 15 to go
scuba diving, however if
under 18 you will need a parents permission. |
| Do I
need a license or qualifications to go
scuba diving? No. You can do what is
called a resort or introductory dive.
You will dive with an instructor very close and in a small group,
these are very popular and all trips that offer diving will offer
introductory diving. If you want to
learn
to dive you can in as little as 4 days.
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| How old do you need to
be to go skydiving?
The minimum age for Skydiving is Australia is generally
14. It is possible to do a Tanderm Skydive at a younger age with
pre-approval from the Australian Parachute Federation. However if
under 18 you will need a parents permission.
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| How old
do you need to be to go
white water rafting?
The minimum age for white water rafting is 13 years
old. However if under 18 you will need a parents permission.
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| Do you book
other Area's of Australia?
Yes, we can book any tour, trip or accommodation option
anywhere in Australia. Even if it's not listed on our website.
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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.
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Can you
camp on Green Island?
In one word - no!
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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.
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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. 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.
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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 +. Click here to
visit our
Cairns weather page.
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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!! Cairns occasionally
has outbreaks of Dengue Fever, this is usually contained in
certain residential areas no-where near the tourist areas.
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Which direction is better for the
Skyrail
and Kuranda Train? Personally, and it
is a personal decision, I prefer the train journey in the morning and
to return to Cairns on the Skyrail. I like saving the best until last,
however this option does give you the best photo opportunities from
the Skyrail as the Sun is behind you. You will enjoy either direction.
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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.
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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! Click here to visit our
Cairns weather page.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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.
Click here to visit our
Cairns weather
page. |
