Weather - did we pick the wrong time to travel!
 

We have just booked a round the world trip and will be in Cairns travelling down to Brisbane in the middle of December, I realise the weather last Dec was extreme but have we choosen the worse time to travel this coast line! I am now imagining sitting in hotel rooms looking out at the rain, please can someone tell me that it wont continually rain day and night.

Yes I can and I'll most likely be right. While it is not prime tourist weather in December there is often a lull in the rain then between the early storms and the wet season setting in. Some of that coast is fairly dry but this is just before it gets its rain.

The advantage of tropical rain is that it is not cold. Get out in it and do what you were about to do anyway.

You should be aware that you can only swim in pools and netted areas at that time of year in Northern Queensland. From roughly October to April most people do not swim in the sea due to stingers. However, it's always beautiful even without that. And as you get further south there should be no problems. Just ask the locals. One advantage of travelling at that time is that the school holidays will not have really started and things will be quieter.

There is so much to see and do around that area regardless of the weather. Trust everything AlanG suggests, he is so helpful with great tips. Kuranda is fun, driving around the region was easier than I would have expected, Cooktown is worth a trip and be sure to stay at least one night in the Daintree. Two would be best. You are travelling around the world and will encounter all types of weather. Imagine the stories you will collect.

I also want to travel to Northern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef in late November or early December and have wondered about whether the stingers will diminish the fun (we like to snorkel and scuba). Where could we go to avoid the stingers? Farther south in the Whitsunday's?

Whitsundays also subject to dangerous marine stingers at that time of year. But these inhabit coastal areas, not the GBR proper, so no swimming off beaches without stinger nets or non-lifesaver patrolled, this includes islands close to mainland. Just to be sure, all reef operators supply lightweight lycra stingerproof suits, which will also protect you from sunburn, a far likelier danger.

Thanks, Pat. I think that we may try to move the Australian part of the trip to mid-November to lessen our chances for rain in Queensland (and go to NZ in December). We are willing to wear the stingerproof suits to enjoy the GBR.

What are stingers and are they a problem on the GBR in Feb.?

Stingers are a jellyfish and yes, they can be a problem right through to April as far as I know. I believe they're only a problem along the coast, not on the islands which are further out. Suggest you do some Google research for more info.

We've been there during stinger season and it hasn't spoilt our holiday. Lots of other things to do.

These jelly fish can be deadly. I lost a good friend when twelve and still bear a scar on the back of my leg from a small sting in my early teens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_wasp

Does not rain much in December.Heavy rain usually January to March.

My boyfriend and I are leaving for Australia in a few weeks and are spending four days on lizard island diving. This post has gotten me concerned... I know that you said that the stingers aren't typically out near the islands, but, I'm a little paranoid... Can someone reassure me please?