VISITOR Information

VISITOR
Info

Climate

Winter is great one day and perfect the next, with daily temperatures during the middle of the year (May to September) ranging from a daytime maximum of 24-27°C to an overnight minimum of 16-20°C.

Cairns is only 16 degrees south of the equator, so summer is generally warm and humid with high seasonal rainfall from December to April. Heavy intermittent downpours followed by long periods of sunshine are the most characteristic aspect of our weather at this time of year. Daily maximums are 29-34°C with 20-24°C overnight.

What to Wear

Clothing in the summer months (December to March) should be light and comfortable. With our relaxed lifestyle, casual lightweight clothing is acceptable even in our most formal restaurants. In the winter months, a light pullover or jacket is advisable of an evening. Ties and jackets are definitely not required.

Banking

The major Australian banks operate branches in most centres throughout the region with EFTPOS facilities at most retail outlets. Opening hours are from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9.30am to 5.00pm Friday. Most banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Currency exchange is available at all bank branches, Thomas Cook Bureau De Change, and selected retail outlets.

Communications

Like the rest of Australia, the region has world class STD/ISD telephone facilities and broadband internet access. Mobile phones have good reception in urban areas, however rural areas may be out of range for all but phones on specific 3G network frequencies.

Communications

Like the rest of Australia, the region has world class STD/ISD telephone facilities and broadband internet access. Mobile phones have good reception in urban areas, however rural areas may be out of range for all but phones on specific 3G network frequencies.

Electricity

Our local power supply is 240 volts at 50 Hz, and uses a 3 pin plug connection. Many appliances have 110/240V switches, however it is advisable that overseas visitors bring their own plug adaptors.

Emergency Services

The region is well provided with emergency facilities with most major centres such as Port Douglas, Cooktown, Atherton, Mareeba, Innisfail and Tully being serviced with base hospitals or medical centres, and police stations are present in most communities. Queensland Ambulance facilities are also well distributed, and most coastal centres support either a volunteer or full-time Coast Guard presence.

Cairns is equipped with a sophisticated regional hospital, and a comprehensive range of emergency and specialist care facilities, including dive medicine clinics, operated by Queensland Department Of Health

Popular swimming beaches along the length of the coast are patrolled by Surf Lifesavers and details of these facilities are available from the North Queensland Branch section of the Surf Lifesaving Queensland web site.

The Queensland Fire And Rescue Service and the Queensland Police also have well equipped facilities in major centres and communities throughout the region.

Please contact us if you need to make any prior arrangements, or have enquiries about the availability of medical facilities in the various sub-regions. Care centres and respite centres are specifically equipped to meet the needs of those holidaying with disabled or ill friends or relatives.