Stinger season, Whitsundays: When to wear a stinger suit

Stinger season in the Whitsundays, Queensland, is late October to May. Wearing a stinger suit during this period is highly advised, due to the presence of box jellyfish and Irukandji.

What are stingers in the Whitsundays, Queensland?

Stingers in the Whitsundays, Queensland, are marine creatures with a venomous sting. This largely means jellyfish, but some are far more dangerous than others.

The two main stingers to be aware of in the Whitsundays are box jellyfish and the tiny Irukandji. A sting from either can be fatal to humans, although in practice most can be treated shortly after the unfortunate encounter.

What is stinger season in the Whitsundays?

Stinger season in the Whitsundays is from late October to May. By stinger season, it means when the box jellyfish and Irukandji are significantly more prevalent.

Outside of the Airlie Beach stinger season, there are still stingers around, but there are far fewer of them. Generally, from June to mid-October, you’d have to be very unlucky to get stung in the Whitsundays.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.

What are stinger suits?

Stinger suits are suits that cover the entire body. They are generally thinner and not as close-fitting as wetsuits, largely because the purpose isn’t to keep you warm in the water.

These stinger suits mean that if a box jellyfish or Irukandji brushes against your body, it can’t transfer the venom.

Do you need to wear stinger suits in the Whitsundays?

Stinger suits are usually distributed on Whitsundays cruises and tours from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.

If a tour company does not provide stinger suits, do not book with them. If the company charges extra for stinger suits, be wary of them but pay for the suit.

During stinger season in the Whitsundays, stinger suits are more-or-less essential if you’re going swimming or snorkelling around the islands.

Outside of the Airlie Beach stinger season, stinger suits are considered optional. Crew members on your Whitsundays cruise from Airlie Beach may not bother with them.

The choice on whether to wear one is up to you, and in winter you might choose to do so purely to keep you warmer.

Things to do in Airlie Beach include swimming in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Whitsundays kayaking tours, helicopter flights and day trips to Hamilton Island. There are also several day trips from Airlie Beach to the other Whitsunday Islands.