We are a Canadian family of four planning a three month (Jan Feb Mar) trip to Australia. We have arranged accommodation in Cairns but are concerned about the weather in the tropical north at that time of year. Could four people from the "frozen north" survive a Tropical Australian summer? <BR> <BR>We have been told that jellyfish prevent ocean swimming at that time of year. T/F? <BR> <BR>Any opinions or suggestions from travelers or residents would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Russ, at that time of the year there's a possibility the weather could be quite exhausting if you come from a cooler climate. However, with changing weather patterns all over the world the weather at that time of the year could be extreme, but then again you might be very fortunate and find it very pleasant. If you intended to stay right on the coast with access to swimming pools, it would be less extreme. We live in Darwin and at that time of the year the sea is full of stingers (jellyfish), definitely no swimming and I suspect the same would apply to most of the coastline in the tropics. If it were me I'd be organising my trip around Adelaide and Sydney. Bear in mind Jan, Feb & March is summer all over Australia and it's possible it would be hot wherever you choose. The east coast of Australia is certainly worthy of a trip. I'm sure if you decide to visit Cairns and the tropics, you would survive and no doubt have a wonderful holiday.

Hi Russ - <BR> <BR>Another thing to keep in mind is all the rain that time of year, since the months you have selected will be during the rainy season up north. That part of the country is wonderful, but maybe better at another time of the year(??). The weather will be a bit unpredictable. Don't worry about the heat too much - just drink a lot of water, wear light weight clothing, and don't forget the sunscreen.

Hi <BR>Jan and Feb will be the worst months in Cairns and the wettest but even so there are many places you can swim i.e. lovely mountain lakes etc. If the house you are staying in has airconditioning then all would be OK if not I would not think of being there myself at that time of year ( bit like being in Edmonton, Alta, where I have lived, in December and January without heating)- that would be the first thing to check. The days will be very warm and humid but the evenings and nights are just lovely and a wonderful time to go out "Spot-lighting" for animals. <BR>You will still be able to swim out in the Barrier Reef lagoons where the tourist boats have their pontoons as they are safe but otherwise I would be heading to the beautiful Milla Milla falls, and the two beautiful lakes on the tableland. There is also the crystal cascades where you can play too. <BR>But I would check out first if you have airconditioning - if not perhaps you can alter your trip to stay down south for a time and then later go on up to Cairns - March probably would be wonderful.

Thank you to everybody who responded. Your advise has helped us to decide to split our trip and spend Jan/Feb near Adelaide and March in Cairns - Thanks again - Happy Trails! - Russ

Russ: <BR> <BR>It can be stinking hot near Adelaide in those months - why not email me and I can let you know the areas that you 'should' be in at that time of year because there are so many areas that are very pleasant in the summer <BR>

PS <BR>I think I would rather be in Cairns then if the choice is Adelaide or Cairns

Anywhere in Australia can experience hot weather (temps over 30 degrees C) in Jan-Mar. However the further South you go, you are less likely to experience those extremes. Tasmania is delightful at this time of year (most days low to mid 20s C). On the other hand it is not unusual for Adelaide to experience temperatures of 40+ deg. C at this time of year, making it one of the hottest capitals in Aus, although it is not humid like Cairns and the tropical North.

Hi again Russ <BR>As the above poster says Tasmania would be great in January and then you can move up as the weather cools off somewhat. March in Cairns would be pretty good actually. <BR>Agree also with the previous poster's comments on Adelaide too, <BR>You could certainly spend weeks in Tasmania - there is lots to do.

Re: swimming at Cairns. Places like Palm Cove and Port Douglas north of Cairns have netted safe swimming enclosures at their beaches during stinger season. Cairns itself has no beach. Overall, Palm Cove or Port Douglas are much better options than Cairns anyway. As mentioned earlier, swimming out on the Reef wont be a problem as the stingers are confined to the coast.