Inside tip · Cairns

Swimming at the Cairns northern beaches. Where does the council say to swim?

Answer: Patrolled beaches only

Only swim at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard. Stinger season generally runs November to May.

Stinger-resistant enclosures give high protection against box jellyfish, but they aren't 100% stinger proof. Lifeguards cover beaches including Ellis Beach, Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, and beaches close when stingers are around.