Embrace seasonal change
The unmistakeable cool change in the weather signals that it is party season in the Far North. Winter is coming, all right. But rather than the freezing, depressive climate that southern Australians experience, it just gives locals a reminder of why we live up here – five months of glorious sunny days, without humidity, and none of the niggling problems brought on by the wet season. Discover some of the best things to experience this dry season.
THE unmistakeable cool change in the weather signals that it is party season in the Far North.
Winter is coming, all right. But rather than the freezing, depressive climate that southern Australians experience, it just gives locals a reminder of why we live up here – five months of glorious sunny days, without humidity, and none of the niggling problems brought on by the wet season. Here are some of the best things to experience this dry season:
LET’S PARTY From ukuleles strumming, through to Taiko drumming: the festival season is soon upon us. One quick glance at the social calendar for the Far North reveals very few weekends over the coming months where a festival or major event is not planned. The big one, the Cairns Festival, is being held from August 25 to September 3, with its massive parade and fireworks display. Until then, keep a lookout for Port Douglas’ Carnivale from May 26-28, Cairns Airport Adventure Festival June 4-12, Laura Dance Festival 30 June 30-July 2 and the Mareeba Rodeo Festival July 15-17.
GET SALTY From May through to November, it is the low-risk stinger season. Box jellyfish and irukandji are traditionally in lower numbers, therefore it is somewhat safer to swim at the beach. This is the time of the year where whole coastal stretches are opened up to aquatic recreational activities, without fear of a fatal sting. Stick to patrolled beaches and always follow the advice and warnings from surf lifesavers. One of the best places to go for a swim is Trinity Beach, with its golden sand and clean, clear water. Towel off and head to the nearby restaurant strip for a relaxing lunch or drink.
BARBECUE HEAVEN The dry season also means less swarms of mosquitoes, allowing for trouble-free barbecues in some of the most scenic spots for picnics. Lake Placid is one such place, where you can have a wood-fired barbie, and then a relaxing paddle in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the lake.
Or for the more adventurous, head to an island national park for the day. GO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN Winter is the perfect time of the year to check out the largest mountains in Queensland, without worrying about overheating. Mt Bartle Frere, which holds the title of the state’s tallest mountain, is a two-day walk over 15km return. Starting at the spectacular Josephine Falls, you can camp halfway up the mountain. And the best thing about hiking to the summit at this time of year – you have a much better chance of being afforded a view, without being shrouded in cloud.
WATCH FOR WHALES You may be sharing a boat with hordes of tourists, but May-November is the best time of the year to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Not only do you have a lower risk of marine stingers, but you also have greater chance of encountering a humpback whale or dwarf minke whales from June through to August on your journey across the marine park.