Brav

So, I'm not so worried about sharks as I am box jellyfish. How prevalent are they...especially in the Cairns/Townsville area of N Qld? I love the ocean, but certainly do not care to ever come in contact with one of them.

emelems

When I travelled from Port Douglas downwards, there seemed pretty good at putting up signs etc, when there are creatures that may kill/maim humans! So basically, if it says that it is likey that you are going to die from a swim, then just go swimming in one of the pools... Cairns had a good one..

If I remember rightly, at certain beaches they have nets to prevent the box jelly fishes coming in?? (Port Douglas from memory) and everyone was in the sea have a grand ol' time..

Em x

emelems

oh, and don't forget the crocs!

Em x

comet555

You still wouldn't catch me in the ocean during jellyfish season even in a netted area.

The nets might stop the box jellyfish but they won't catch these guys that are just as deadly (if not more so).
http://www.irukandjijellyfish.com/

One documentary on box jellyfish and the Irukandji was more than enough to convince me not to trust the netting or even to swim in the water covered in a lycra suit.

It wouldn't stop me from living or visiting the area but I wouldn't be going in the ocean (in affected areas) during jellyfish season.

mohogony

If you love the ocean have you thought about living in Southern Queensland or northern NSW, You can swim in the ocean all year round, the only thing you have to worry about is sharks, but you more likely to be killed by a bee sting then a shark.

Vash the Stampede

Don't walk too close to the shoreline. They will leap out of the surf and drag you into a rip with their tentacles.

This has never actually happened, but THERE'S ALWAYS A FIRST TIME!!!

paularn

Obviously depends on the time of year when you plan to swim. They are more prevalant between November-May. During that time you swim inside the stinger nets.

I won't swim in the ocean, I like to see whats around me.

Sally Simpson

I swam in the ocean at Mission Beach a few months ago but now that stinger season has started, you won't catch me in there again until it's over!
The nets are ok but they don't keep out the irukanji which are tiny & very nasty & you are advised to swim with protective clothing on.
Lots of people do swim in the enclosures & just in swimmers. Your choice!
Swimming pool for me!

moneypenny20

Apart from when the swarms of blue bottles drift in of course.

Jan4kids

Didn't even know what sea-lice were until we came here......not fatal but damned stingy and itchy

I tend to paddle alot here and save the swimming for pools.

Jan