An other option or rather set of options would be http://www.smallworldjourneys.com.au...2-eclipse.html

Dear Ralph,
I live in Cairns, so I can say November is the Rainy Season.
However it mostly rains around 4.00pm when the humid, tropical air builds up into lovely dark clouds, then reaches critical mass and drops in a sudden downpour.
So the mornings are a safer time (unless there is a cyclone)
I would think it is 90% probable that we will have fine weather for the dawn eclipse but of course, God may be in a different mood that day.
Plan your plane trip. This is Queensland. Please practice rounding your vowels.
Beautiful

Having seen both lunar and solar eclipses, my vote is for the first, as it is just as exciting but safe.

Sue - lunar eclipses (partial and total) are not rare and I have seen a number of them. Partial solar eclipses are also quite common and again, I have seen several. Total solar eclipses, however, are rare and have so far eluded me. Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? By all reports, they are one of Nature's greatest spectacles.

Yes, I've seen a total solar eclipse. The one made famous by Carly Simon. ;)

An update from the Sydney Morning Herald's weekend travel section -

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/beautif...412-1wunr.html

One month away - can't wait! Leaving for OZ in 2 weeks.

Safe travels, Ralph, and enjoy the eclipse. It should be an amazing event.

I will be in Cairns Nov 11-16 on my own. Where would you the experts, living there, suggest I base myself that morning.

Also do I have to prebook snorkeling trips to the outer reefs during that week or will I be safe once I get to Cairns?
I am looking for a smaller kind of operation not pontoons moored to the reef.

Can't believe it is already time Ralph. Have a wonderful trip! Wish we could be there for it.

With 50 000 people in town I would suggest you book. It is possible to do a reef trip with snorkeling after breakfast and the eclipse. Not sure you'll get any small groups during that time.

You can see the eclipse form Cairns. Our group are going to be at a beach but that area has sold out. If you send me an email, I'll let you know a good spot if you want to drive to the Tablelands. [To find me go to www.yungaburra.com and look for a wildlife tour run by Alan]

Ralph I know how long you've been planning this - my main wish for you is the we have clear perfect skies - number 2 is that you have an absolute fabo time Downunder!

Thanks stormbird, dotty and toucan!

Received my 5 pairs of eclipse proof viewing glasses today. (it was the samllest quantity one could order) Ralph I hope it is everything you want it to be and more. I leave tomorrow.

Nywoman have you found yourself a location yet. If not give me an email at alan at alanslwildlifetours punctuation mark com punctuation mark the code for Australia.

It is high tide on a tidal coast, never thought of it before. Many beaches north of Cairns will be under water. If you get on a northern beach, especially Ellis and North, including Port Douglas, take your spot above high tide mark.

With high tide at 0920 most people we be back in their hotels celebrating or drowning their sorrows.

Good luck and clear skies all.
Alan

Alan, It is a VERY high tide and at totality will be 2.3 metres.

Here is a good visual I found that suggests avoiding Oak Beach. Some beaches not so affected like Palm Cove. Port Douglas could be at debri line and at the actual tree line bt 9.00am.
http://joe-cali.com/eclipses/PLANNIN...the_beach.html

Yes Kriol, but it looks like the weather will be our worst enemy. Every time they update the forecast it looks less promising.

My guest are out on the reef today; hoping they are good sailors. It is windy enough up here on the Tablelands.

Just had a look at the obs. 30 knots with stronger gusts at the moment.