March in Cairns/Port Douglas

[Golde]

Are we mad to consider this due to the rainy season and stingers etc? It's the only time we can both get off this year and I'd love to snorkel the GBR.

Anyone?

I lived in Cairns for a good few years. It's not ideal - tail end of Cyclone season too. June/July would be perfect.

We went in April one year but only lasted a day before we had to leave because of an incoming hurricane. It was considered unusual for April but March is one of the rainiest months of the whole year. Bad weather will make for unpleasant snorkelling conditions and poor visibility, even if the boats go out. I've never done it but having to wear a stinger suit sounds a pain as well. I wouldn't recommend travelling all that way for a sub-optimal, and possibly very disappointing, experience but, if you do go, leave it as late as possible. We've only been in July/August since (family further down the coast).

Thank you. It would have to be the middle of March which doesn't sound ideal at all.

I assume it would be the same in the Whitsundays?

We really wanted to snorkel but might have to give it up this year.

Whitsundays are about 8 hours South (driving) so yes, same problems.

Thanks, it's quite difficult to understand all the different weather across the country coming from here where it's pretty similar.

I think we need to go back to the drawing board.

How about snorkeling on the ningaloo reef on the West coast? I think the weather is better, but it's a bit isolated for first time Oz visitors, you'd need to figure out an itinerary that works with what else you want to do.

We are going to Cairns in 2 weeks. Humidity will be high but we wanted to get away before life gets into full swing again

I've not heard of that, I'll look it up. Thanks.

Only plans we have so far is visiting Sydney for the sights really.