Can I swim in Sea in Port Douglas in February

by Patricia Thompson
(england)

Can you swim in the sea in February in Port Douglas?

Port Douglas is a two hour plane trip to Cairns, plus a 1 hour drive away from the Gold Coast! It is in northern Queensland is another of my favourite places to visit.

February is a summer month in Australia and the sea temperature is warm, however you need to be careful of the marine stingers or poisonous jellyfish that can be around.

From my understanding (as it is not an issue in the Gold Coast)swimming in the sea is not really encouraged at that time of the year, unless you are swimming between the Red and Yellow Flags on a patrolled beach or in stinger enclosure, if one is available.

In northern Queensland (anywhere north of Agnes Waters) there are two types of jellyfish species that are classified as dangerous. Chironex Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji.

Marine Stinger Season is generally from early November to early June

You can go out to the reef with a tour and they will advise where and when to swim or not if there is any danger of these marine stingers or any other dangers.

The other thing to be careful of, when in this area, is that there can be crocodiles. I was quite shocked when walking through an area in Palm Cove (just south of Port Douglas) that led to the beach to see a sign that said "Attention: Crocodiles!"

You just need to be alert and make sure you take the necessary precautions. You can find out more information when you arrive in the area, if you stick to the main areas you should find information and signs, but if you want to go to more quiet and out of the way places, then you definitely need to know what you might find in the way of nasties!

Hope that information helped and was what you are looking for. Please let me know if you have any more questions but leaving a comment below.

Cheers,

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