What clothes should we bring?
The tropical north is a relaxed casual affair.
So smart casual clothes are ideal.
In winter, it is advisable to pack a light jacket for the cooler
evenings.
Don't forget a hat, sunscreen and your swimmers
(bathers).
What type of credit cards are acceptable?
All major international credit cards are accepted.
Travellers cheques may also be used at most hotels and some
stores.
There are numerous teller machines available for withdrawing
cash.
What is the water like? Is it safe to
drink?
Australia has an excellent water supply for most of its towns
and cities and the far north is no exception.
An exception may be the small outback towns that rely on bore
water and tank water. It is advisable to boil any water sourced
from lakes and rivers.
If you happen to be travelling out west, you can always buy
bottled water to take with you.
What is the climate like?
There are really only 2 seasons in the tropical North.
One is what we now term the "green season" and the other is the
dry season.
The green season usually begins late November with the onset of
the monsoons and ends around May. Being monsoonal, the rain
usually falls overnight and brings warm humid days. This is the
time of year when the waterfalls are in their full glory, the
rainforests are alive with activity and the reef is still
beautiful.
Highest temperatures are usually in January/February.
The dry months are very mild, with temperature averages ranging
from 9 to 24 degrees Celsius. The tablelands can be much cooler,
so it is advisable to bring a sweater/jumper if you plan on
venturing into the lush mountain regions.
What accommodation types are available?
You will find a myriad of styles to choose from.
Luxury hotels, backpacker hostels, bed and breakfast, motels,
resorts
holiday parks and guest houses. Everything is covered from those
on the tightest budget to those with a gold credit card!
Is it advisable to book in advance?
Most definitely! If you plan on visiting during the busy
season (April - November and Christmas - New Year) it is
recommended to book as far in advance as you can to obtain the
accommodation property of your choice.
Overnight stays can be done on very short notice, but you may
need to make several enquiries to find a suitable
vacancy.
What is the voltage of the electricity
supply?
Throughout Australia, the voltage is 230/240 volts 50Hz.
The power point sockets are 3 pin flat. which can accommodation
2 pin flat.
Some larger hotels may provide 110volt outlets suitable for an
electric razor.
Is it advisable to come in summer?
Summer is our "Green" season and with the season brings
dramatic changes to the region after the dry. Waterfalls are
spectacular, the flora and fauna are abundant in the tropical
rainforests. We may occasionally experience "LOW PRESSURE"
systems that may develop into cyclones, however all local
authorities and accredited tour operators are well versed in
procedures for dealing with any such event. The summer rain does
not adversely affect any of the great barrier reef adventures you
can experience, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
What about the Box jelly fish?
All our major beaches have large stinger proof nets in place
with qualified surf life savers on patrol. The box jelly fish are
only a problem on the coastal fringes and do not pose a threat
out on the reef. The stinger season is from November to
May.
Do you have horse rails?
Well, um, back in the early 1900's perhaps!
But if you are thinking of horse trails, then there are many
opportunities to jump on a pony and ride through the rainforests
and other great places to explore.
Are there any activities for children?
Children are well catered for. There are numerous picture
theatres (16) to catch the latest blockbuster, a skating rink,
snorkelling, 10 pin bowling and so many other exciting things,
makes me wish I was a kid again!