Cairns is home to the Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile. These are the largest crocodile species on earth and could potentially ruin your holiday (and life). However they are not really an issue as long as some common sense is shown. Don’t swim where you see a crocodile warning sign; don’t swim where you think there should be a crocodile warning sign. Generally if you avoid muddy waters and only swim in the ocean or fast flowing clear rivers and creeks you’ll be OK. A good rule of thumb is don’t swim where there isn’t anyone else in the water. The locals know where and where not to swim.
The sea waters of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are home to 2 of the most deadly Jellyfish in the world. The Box Jellyfish, which inhabits coastal waters (stinger season is October to April) and the Irundkandji, which is an oceanic jellyfish which is mostly kept out at sea but northerly winds can sometimes bring them to the reef and as well as coastal beaches. During the stinger season stinger nets are provided on the beaches. Take extra caution.
Unique Suggestions: If you do go to the main street for shopping set a price 20-30% lower than what they are asking for, shop owners are up for haggling, they put commission on top of the original.