Travel Tips
Travel Smart
The rule is relax. The style is casual so all you need are comfortable, lightweight clothes. If you like, you can leave your jacket and tie behind, because they are not necessary even at formal restaurants. Don’t forget to pack walking shoes, a hat, swimwear and sunglasses. Remember to minimize your sun exposure and bring a good sunscreen, or buy one locally. Don’t forget your camera/video camera!
Getting Around
For those who prefer to make their own way around, most roads are sealed but travelers venturing off these must check road conditions before they leave, and make sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. Pre-Booking of rental cars is recommended. 4WD travelers should take extra care in these more remote areas. Remember that creek causeways can quickly become impassable with heavy rain so don’t cross unless you are sure that it is safe. A little patience spent waiting for the water to go down, usually at low tide, could prevent an accident. Always treat the road with the respect that prevailing conditions warrant.
Shopping and Currency
Shops are usually open 7 days a week, with banks operating Monday to Friday. There are 24 hour automatic teller machines available outside of these hours, and currency exchange facilities at hotels and tour desks. All major credit cards are accepted as well as traveller's cheques. Please check the International Currency Converter website for exchange rates and budgeting for your trip.
What is the electricity voltage in Australia?
Electricity is supplied throughout Australia at 230/240 volts (50 hertz), although most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary, unless the item has a multi-voltage option. Please note that power outlets only accept flat three or two-pin plugs, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted.
Swim Safe
It is warm enough to swim all year round, however from November to April, sea wasps or "stingers" as they are called, live in the coastal waters. The sting is very painful and in very rare cases fatal. Swimming at Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas is available all year round with a swimming enclosure operating for the above months. Surf Lifesavers supervise swimmers at the beach and their advice must be followed. The beach will be closed when certain weather patterns occur and these closures must be adhered to.
Hotels and motels in Port Douglas have swimming pools. Fresh water rivers, waterfalls and pools around the region offer ideal opportunities for swimming. Never swim in far northern rivers and streams - always seek local advice, crocodiles may be present. Many areas are posted with warning signs also.
Swimming at the reef can also be enjoyed year round, however, local tour operators recommend the usage of a stinger suit or wetsuit (available for use on the majority of boats) during the summer months to protect from sunburn and the rare occurrence of jellyfish sting on the reef.
Visiting the Rainforest
The Rainforest has an ecological system that is a mix of plant life and wildlife that can cause concerns for humans if proper care and respect for the environment is not taken. Throughout the Daintree National Park, a few simple rules apply to ensure both your safety and protection of the rainforest and all its inhabitants.
- Don’t feed the wildlife – they will become reliant on this food, and venture out of their normal habitat, endangering both themselves and, if they are aggressive, you also
- Stay on the boardwalks – do not attempt to leave them
- Clean up barbecue and picnic areas – take all of your rubbish home with you
- Do not collect shells, coral, seeds, plants or wildlife – everything in the reef and rainforest areas around the Daintree is protected
- Do not pick, break or remove plants
- If camping, use only a fuel stove, never an open fire
- Don’t use soap, toothpaste, sunscreen or detergent in lakes and streams
- Take a warm coat, as rainforests can be cool
- Take wet weather gear, as rain can fall at any time
- Wear personal insect repellent
- Always carry a good map or compass if you are not with a guided tour
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