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tropical north queensland & great barrier reef visitors information

Banking hours
9.30am till 4.00pm Monday to Thursday
9.30am till 5.00pm Friday
9.00am till 1.00pm Saturday (Selected banks only)
Traveller's cheques and credit cards are welcomed at most establishments. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at various Bureau de Change outlets around the city or at the airport. Suitable identification may be required for financial transactions.

climate
With loads of sunshine, warm seas, refreshing sea breezes and a warm climate all year round, Tropical North Queensland weather is hard to beat.

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of balmy temperatures and higher rainfall.

Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity. Summer, or the 'Wet' season, extends from November to April and refreshes the region with tropical downpours of an afternoon and occasional dramatic electrical storms.

You can swim in Tropical North Queensland all year round. The 'traditional' swimming season runs between April and October. Between November and March Tropical North Queensland is home to the box jellyfish, so special swimming enclosures are erected at popular beaches to protect swimmers. Seawater temperatures range from 23 degrees Celsius in July to 29 degrees Celsius in February.

Remember: When swimming in Australia it is recommended you swim at beaches patrolled by Lifesavers and to swim between the flags. When in the sun apply a good quality sunscreen, wear a hat and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water!

The temperatures are recorded as average maximums of (Celsius) 30 degrees and average minimums of (Celsius) 21 degrees. The Tropical North has an average rainfall of 2010mm (an average of 168mm per month).

For more information on weather visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for the functions of a National Meteorological Service including then provision of monitoring, research and services in the public interest.

currency
The currency denominations in Australia are: $5,$10,$20,$50,$100 notes and 5c,10c,20c,50c,$1,$2 coins.
For an Australian dollar currency conversion, click here

disclaimer
The information available on this site by Travel Online is provided as a guide only. Whilst every attempt has been made to provide up to date and accurate information, Travel Online accepts no responsibility for misrepresentations or inaccuracies or individual interpretation of member products and/or services. Travel Online disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason.

drinking water
Our cities and towns have excellent water supplies and in most cases tap water is fresh and safe to drink. Water sourced directly from rivers and lakes should be boiled, chemically treated or filtered before drinking to avoid stomach upsets.

electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout Australia at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adaptor/converter is necessary. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two pin plugs, depending whether an earth connection is fitted.

getting there
By Air - The main gateway to Cairns is its airport, which has international, domestic and general aviation terminals, and is serviced by major international, national and state carriers. International visitors can fly direct to Australia with Cairns as their point of entry. Within Australia, Qantas, Qantas Link, Virgin Blue and local charter companies provide regular flights from major southern cities and regional Queensland towns.

By Rail - With five services each week, rail is a great way to access Cairns and the Tropical North with options to suit every traveller. The Sunlander is a traditional rail experience with a choice of seats, sleepers or the all-inclusive comfort of Queenslander Class. With business class seating throughout, the Tilt Train is a modern alternative ideal for hopping between coastal centres. Cairns is also the departure point for the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway.

green season
The Green Season as it is known over the summer months is often dramatic, wildly beautiful and eagerly awaited by the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforests. Without our annual rainfall, there would be no rainforest and as many visitors discover our "liquid sunshine" doesn't interfere with diving, snorkelling or touring to any great extent. Occasionally the wet season brings low pressure zones that may develop into a cyclone, however the regional tourism is well prepared for any such eventually.

introduction videos for major cities
Viewing these videos will help you know what to expect when arriving in Tropical North Queensland major cities. Cairns, Palm Cove, and Port Douglas.

maps
Plot your adventure or simply see where you hotel is located. For maps and weather patterns on this region please click here

medical services
Cairns is has medical services and major hospitals capable of administering advanced and specialised medical care. The region also has ambulance, fire and police services. In-hotel general practitioners (GP) are available for visits and traveller's insurance is recommended.

stingers and dangerous creatures
During our Green Season, large swimming enclosures are employed at popular swimming beaches, which afford protection against dangerous jellyfish stings. These are staffed by qualified Queensland Lifesavers who can provide any information you may require on the spot. The jellyfish are only present on coastal beaches during a limited, defined season and do not interfere with Great Barrier Reef activities such as snorkelling or diving as these take place a distance from the coast and completely out of the habitat of the marine stingers.

what to bring
Remember to limit the effects of the tropical sun with sunscreen and hats. Pack loose comfortable clothing, walking shoes, swim wear and sunglasses. All venues accept a good standard of dress and you may care to pack a light jacket for evening wear in winter. The domestic electricity is 240 volt, 50 cycles. Don't forget your camera/video camera.