Cairns Safety

Cairns is regarded as one of the safest tropical cities in the world and one of the safest cities in Australia. This does not mean you should still not take basic safety precautions such as only walking in areas with lights at night, going out alone at night, leaving cars or homes unlocked or valuable items unattended in public areas.

Cairns Cyclones
Due to Cairns location, the area is prone to cyclones during November to May. Over the past years some cyclones have effected Cairns and Northern Queensland with some effects. The most recent most Cyclone Larry in 2006.

Cyclone Larry a category five cyclone made land fall on the 20 March 2006, 100km south of Cairns at Innisfail. With in only a few hours the cyclone was downgraded to a category three cyclone. Homes and industry in the Innisfail where damaged with a estimated total damage bill for the area of A$1 billion.

Swimming Precautions
Like most locations in Australia, you will find lifesavers patrolling most popular Cairns beaches. It is advised at all times that you swim between the red and yellow flags where the lifesavers patrol.

During the summer months of November to June along the Northern Queensland coast you find jellyfish commonly known as marine stingers. Most jellyfish are harmless, but certain varieties do have a sting which can cause serious reaction, though serious stings in the area are rare. It is advised that between the months of November and June you swim in the protective swimming net areas or wear protective clothing.

If bitten by a box jellyfish vinegar should be applied to the sting area (vinegar can be found at beach locations) while if you are bitten by blue bottles jellyfish cold water and ice should be applied to sting area. It is recommended if bitten you consult local beach lifesaving staff or seek medical advice.

Crocodiles can be found in fresh and salt water locations in Northern Queensland, occasionally there are attacks on people in developed and remote areas of Tropical North Queensland. In many cases some basic rules and precautions would avoid such attacks. Swimming in most rivers, creeks or lagoons is not recommended in Northern Queensland, also precautions such as not cleaning fish near rivers edges etc should be taken. Currently in Cairns, a crocodile removal program is in progress for all areas except the mangrove wetland system adjacent to Trinity Inlet.