I just came across this site, and created an account, because of this thread.

RalphR, I have to compliment you on ignoring a troll. Intelligent folk understand the brilliance in utilizing the experiences of locals. Isn't that the point of this site? If anyone asked me what you could *likely* expect in Austin, TX, I could clue you in... as any local should be able to.

I'm not even going to comment on the ignorance of not knowing the safe ways to view an eclipse. Wow. Guess someone hasn't discovered google or wikipedia.

But, my actual curiosity is your trip to Cairns. I, too, am pondering a trip from the US to a far off place for the 11/12 eclipse -- it should be fun! Is Cairns the best destination?

Iao..from my research, it looks like North Queensland (Cairns and inland areas) will be the optimal place for viewing this particular eclipse. Apart from being a place to view the eclipse, Cairns is an excellent base for seeing one of Australia's most beautiful areas, including the Great Barrier Reef. Go for it! See you there....

Ralph

I am thinking that the Skybury Australian Coffee Plantation near Mareeba would be a good place to view the eclipse.

Hi Saltuarius - bit of info regarding Mareeba : the eclipse will be about 18 degrees to the right of east, at around 13 degrees above the horizon at totality. Looking at Google Earth, there's some hills that are over 2000 feet high between Mareeba and Cairns. You sure they won't be 'in the way'? Don't want anyone to miss the eclipse.

Found this great link (below) which analyzes in detail weather conditions and the probability of clear skies at various spots along the path of the 2012 eclipse. Well worth a look if you're serious about seeing it. I will be booking well in advance.

http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~jander/...tse12intro.htm

Twelve years ago I was in Cairns and north to Lakefield Nat'l Park. I'd took bus to Port Douglas (which I'd recommend for the eclipse), then found a local tour company (before leaving home on the web) to go up north to Lakefield for four or five days. Urge anyone to repeat that!

I am curious about cruising out of Auckland -- any ideas?

g'day!

Me again. Ralphie how's it look. Any thoughts about north of New Zealand -- nearer the mid-point, thus at a higher altitude.

the news paper today said it is getting booked up so the choice places to stay may already be gone so make a booking quickly.

I just returned from Cairns/Port Douglas, and I have my 2012 tour all planned. It will be available on the net very soon.
Port Douglas is the place to be, as Cairns will not see the sun rise around the harbor area because of local topography.

Just read this informative thread. I have on my bucket list to see a full solar eclipse and what do you know? - there's one next year and not that far away either.

Anyhoo, what do you think of the idea of chartering a boat and getting out onto the GT Barrier Reef? I've done some dive trips on the reef before from Cairns and Port Douglas and its got the advantage of being out of sight of land AND less chance of cloud than the coast. Tootle out to the reef the day before, get in some diving, then park up for the night and crack up early to watch it from the ocean?

Looking at the NASA map the centre of the path runs almost straight out from Cairns right where the dive boats go to.

I booked a spot on a 7-day dive boat trip that includes being out on the reef the morning of the eclipse. See you all there - pray for sunny weather!!!

:-)

Just booked accommodation in Port Douglas for the eclipse. Amazing, 18 months ahead of the event, accommodation is hard to come by.

Exactly one year away!

If the weather today is any indication, then there will hardly be a cloud in the sky, this time next year.

Good luck with it Ralph.

.....however, if the weather is more like todays' then you won't see a thing. No blue sky...just clouds all day.

Them's the breaks.

Good luck....still.

Mostly clear on the Tablelands but who can tell for next year.

I had a Golden Bowerbird sitting almost within arms reach today. What an experience. Eye to eye with a rare and beautiful creature.

@Alan - Jealous of you. Oh, and Steve just said he hates you. I don't think he really meant it though, I think he is jealous too. :-)

If Steve will send me an email retracting the hate, I'll send him a picture of the bird. I am going out there again today after some volunteering at our tree planting organisation. Spent yesterday hunting Fernwren unsuccessfully but did come across a lot of Toothbill Bowerbirds and heard a Golden not far away but up a precipitous slope so left it alone.

As my mate Victor says: a bad day's birdwatching beats a good day in the office every time.

Anyone wanting to come for the November Solar Eclipse in North Queensland and not having booked yet, www.northern-explorer-tours.com offer a comprehensive 10 day eclipse tour with an itinerary of contrasting experiences and places pre and post eclipse, including Atherton Tablelands, Undara, Chillago Observatory, Quinkan Rock Paintings, Laura, Cooktown, Cairns, Kuranda, Daintree and the Barrier Reef. They have secured exclusive use of the Palmer Rimer Roadhouse along Mulligan Hwy, only a few kilometres away from the ideal viewing line, but far away from possible coastal rain and clouds. They have only two groups of each max 20 participants, one group with German and one with English speaking driver/guides. There are also professional astronomers in the group for advice.

November 2011 was rather cloudy and rainy in Cairns, whilst the outback was fairly clear. Palmer River Road House had 1.5 mm of rain on 6 November and 1 mm on 25 November. Most of the November days were clear. Although nobody can predict weather, the statistic chances for better conditions of viewing the eclipse are in the dry outback. Downside there is the lack of accommodation and infrastructure.

I live here in North Queensland -in Kuranda, and between 0544 and 0744 on November 14th this year there was a perfect unobstructed view from my glorious 5o acre property in the zone of totality.
Last year same date same time there were a few clouds around but you would have been very happy with what you saw. In point of fact there was a large cloud cover on the beaches on both of those days. We had people reporting from a variety of points and Amaroo was clearly the best vantage point in the area. Remember that in November there is a mist that rises off the sea and can cover the sunrise even on a clear day. A well known astronomer who has led many eclipse tours has said it is the best eclipse viewing spot he has ever seen. We are doing an upmarket camp on the property called AMAROO, so if you are interested check out www.solareclipsecairns.com. and how nice would it be to roll out of bed to a hot coffee and into your chair to watch the unfolding spectacle ...without being in the city, without having to drive on a crowded road and in a place that has a 360 degree unobstructed view and no lights !...