Dukey

We are currently trying to decide whether to spend a couple weeks in southern South America vs. in Australia in January 2009.

I'd really like to spend a few days on the beach in the "gold coast" area but have read here, and elsewhere that the box jellyfish are a "problem" "from October to May" and the Fodors description is that they make swimming "impossible" during that time.

Perhaps if we do go we should resolve ourselves to beaching it for a few days elsewhere but to be on the beach and not be able to go into the water is, to me, the ultimate oxymoronic situation.

Redirect my thinking or what?

pat_woolford

The Gold Coast is in SE Queensland, and covers a string of surfing beaches, highly used in summer by Australians as well as tourists. Box jelly fish inhabit coastal tropical waters from about Mackay (over 1,000km north of Gold Coast) and includes Whitsunday Islands.

Northern tropical mainland beaches have no surf as are protected by the Great Barrier Reef, which is considered too far off shore to be affected by coastal marine stingers. For those worried about GBR at this time of year, just rent a stinger suit from reef operator, all reef boats have them available and they'll protect from sunburn which is a far likelier hazard.

Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns all have enormous stinger free public lagoons for year round safe swimming, and many local beaches are equipped with stinger-proof nets which go into place around November on lifesaver patrolled tropical coastal beaches.

Dukey

thanks very much for that explanation, Pat

jenny_203

What you could do is call the place you are staying in and ask, they usually have a tourist centre handy.

LizzyF

Save yourself a call Dukey if you are spending time on the Gold Coast as there IS NOT a problem with stingers on the beaches there as it is far too south to be effected ( about 1,000 klms south that is). Also all the main beaches are protected with shark nets and life guards are present as are aircraft checks for rips in the ocean etc. The Gold Coast is an Australian's and/or International premier tourist destination and Schoolies week celebrations are held there ( those are the end of school celebrations ). Its population doubles over the summer months for the beaches, nightlife and local attractions. You would have plenty of swimming time. Jellyfish are not a problem found only in the Northern waters of Australia but are found in many tropical waters around the World in summer. We just happen to let everyone know.