The perennial question: Cairns? PD? northern beaches? and stinger nets.
 

I've read posts here and on TripAdvisor till my head is spinning, and I'm just waffling around instead of deciding. Help, please!

We'll be in FNQ the last week in October (6 nights) as part of our first (only?) visit to Australia, celebrating our retirement. Trip starts in Sydney, then we head right to Queensland. I know we will be right near the start of jellyfish season -- not sure how that works exactly. Do the j-fish have an internal calendar and pop out in force on November 1? Or do a few show up in late October, then gradually more and more...?

We're also trying to decide between staying close to Cairns in a place like Yorkeys Knob or Trinity Beach, or heading up to PD. Want to stay in a self-catering place, probably around $200 - $250 USD per night. Looks as if likely places in PD are in town rather than on the beach, while in Trinity and Palm Cove they have beach views (places like Agincourt, Sea Change). It would be sad to be on such a lovely beach and not able to swim because of stingers -- do the northern beach towns generally have stinger nets?

While we're in FNQ, we'd like to visit Daintree and Cape Trib (is that a one-day trip?) and Tablelands, and at least one snorkel trip to the reef. Busy, I know -- but there's so much we want to see! :-) Thanks for all the advice! I've learned so much here.

We stayed at Sea Change in Trinity Beach and loved it. It was at the opposite end of the season - mid-May and the stinger net was taken down while we were there. It's a largish area that is roped off and just across the small road - with a beach strip in front. I would certainly choose TB or PC over Cairns.

Thanks, oliver&harry -- I think it was your report that first prompted me to check out Trinity Beach as an option. Good to know about the stinger nets, just in case the little b****s are about when we're in their neighborhood. ;-)

I checked your other posts and found your TR about FNQ and Tasmania -- too funny, because my next post is likely to ask about Tasmania (where we will finish up the Oz part of our vacation)! I hadn't even considered Tas originally, but got my priorities set straight by a few posters here...

Also coincidentally, your profile tells me that you love Sanibel (we're there almost every February) and Scotland, where DH and I had a great trip 4 years ago. Can't wait to go back.

Yes the jelly fish have an internal calendar called growth stages on a yearly reproductive cycle. They breed in mangroves and then move out into the coastal zone whne approaching maturity. They are 'flushed out' wiht the first rains.

While it is possible to visit each of the Daintree and Tablelands on day trips they are better with overnight stays, particularly the Tablelands where the wild nightlife is a feature. No clubbing I'm afraid just lots of beasts in the forest. Platypus, kangaroos, birds, lakes and waterfalls are some of the attractions. Then if you are into food there are coffee, chocolate, cheese and fruit wine places where one can sample their goods.

Are we into food, Alan? I think that would be a resounding Yes!! -- plus you named all our favorite things to sample. :-) I knew about the wildlife and landscape of the Tablelands, but didn't know we could enjoy goodies at the same time!

Any suggestions about where to stay for an overnight? Can we drive ourselves if we're not renting 4WD, or are we best off with a guide?

J-fish info is helpful, thanks!

You don't need a 4WD for the Tablelands. You'll see more species with a guide. Depends on how important the wildlife part is to you.