Cairns When?

[expanda]

Hi all, just wondering who has been to Cairns in the dry and season (June - August) and when is best and still be able to swim at the reefs?

Was going to do it in the wet season but not liking the possibility of cyclones

Any info about the best time to go would be appreciated!

 

[ragracing]

Hi expanda,

I went in July many moons ago and went out onto the reef and swam no worries.

I would stay away during Christmas time because if there is a cyclone you will have to get out of there quickly.

Duncan

 

[Holden_man]

Hi Expanda,
we did the trip from brissy in june/july this year. Highly recommend, not so hot, the weather is really good. A little less water around, so some of the falls are not quite as good, but don't let that worry you.

Our trip went like this:
Brisbane
Roma
Longreach (Qantas Museum is excellant, did a tour and 707 wing walk, 747 was closed but now open, was sinking into the ground)(Hall of Fame was OK)
Winton (Age of Dinosaurs/Lark Quarry Excellant, our family loved this area)
Richmond (Kronosaurus Corner Excellant, quality attraction)
Undara (lava Tubes worth a visit, can spend a few days here.)
Cooktown (cook Museum was great) (Cape Trib/Bloomfield track must do drive would be a bit tricky with a van but do-able if you take it easy and watch carefully for oncomming traffic)
Daintree (great spot to relax and see a croc on the river)
Cairns (Kuranda rail/skyrail and Hartleys Croc farm brilliant)
Rockhampton
Home

Didn't get a chance to go to the reef unfortunately a blow came up and was too rough.

hope that helps.
Jas

 

[albo42]

That time of the year is the best.

Its from September to April you can get box jellies and other nasties. Any other time is beautiful. I lived in Townsville for 2 years in the late 90s and used to dive on the reefs up and down the fnq coast 2 or 3 days a week - still miss it. If you're a reasonably experienced diver you should definitely do the Yongala wreck.

 

[Woodman]

Hi I live in Cairns and all year it is great, but can be very hot and humid in the wet. The best time to visit would be between June through to September, I also worked as a Dive instructor out on the reef and a great time for diving and snorkling, as you may get the chance to swim with whales.
There is loads to see and do, from the reef to the rain forest and everything in between.
The day time temps during that time of year are between 24 - 27 and night time temps are 16 - 20, cooler on the Atherton Tablelands.

 

[expanda]

Thanks all!!!

Looks like we will up there in July for a few weeks!!!

Woodman - What's the water temp like in July? Are you still able to swim / visit the reefs?

In cairns we are planning on going to do the Karunda train, the skyrail, the mossman gorge walk, fitzroy island snorkelling, cairns zoom and zoo, hartleys croc park and jungle surfing !

Any other ideas?

We are also going to the Airlie Beach....

 

[Holden_man]

Hi Expanda,
If you have the time take a drive up to cooktown via the Cape Trib/bloomfield track and then back on the black stuff inland. Fabulous pub near cooktown worth a stop for lunch, the Lions Den Hotel, and then onto cooktown and the Cook Museum. Also the lookout, directly above cooktown, where cook and co sighted the way out is worth a look.

jas