Are There Jellyfish At Mission Beach?

Mission Beach in tropical Far North Queensland is a nature lover’s paradise. Our sunny haven is home to immaculate beaches, lush rainforests, rivers, mountains, islands and hundreds of unique species of animals.

Among the favourites are the blue Ulysses butterfly and the famous cassowaries. Tourists from all over the world flock to see these special, delightful creatures while enjoying our perfect weather, lively atmosphere and the beach.

But one particular critter that may be seen as more of a put-off, rather than an attraction, is the jellyfish. You’ve probably heard about Far North Queensland’s jellyfish and wondered if Mission Beach also has them – so, today, we’re going to tell you all you need to know about jellyfish at Mission Beach.

Yes, but only for certain periods of the year

The ocean at Mission Beach sees the presence of jellyfish only at certain periods of the year. From November to May is when ‘stinger season’ typically begins and ends.

Can you still swim during stinger season?

Yes, you can – however, only in designated areas. During these months, there are stinger nets in North Mission and South Mission Beach which prevent common jellyfish such as the box jelly and Irukandji jellyfish from getting into the netted area. Always swim within these stinger nets in a stinger suit if they’re in place during stinger season.

June to October

From June to October, this is when Mission Beach is stinger-free. It’s safe to swim in the ocean without the stinger net in these months – but always check to see if there’s a stinger net on the beach and swim within it if so.

What you can do about jellyfish in Mission Beach

Peak season in Mission Beach (from June to October) is when jellyfish presence is extremely rare, so you can swim in the ocean. In stinger season, however, make sure you always:

• Swim within stinger nets
  These stinger nets are 25mm in diameter, preventing jellyfish from entering the enclosed area.
  
  
• Wear protective clothing
  It’s advised to wear swimwear that covers your whole body, i.e. legs and arms. Jellyfish cannot sting through any clothing material, and need direct skin contact in order to administer a sting.
  
  
• Carry vinegar
  In the very unlikely event of a sting, most beaches have vinegar dispensers which you must pour onto the affected area for at least 30 seconds. This disarms the stinging cells which haven’t yet injected into the skin. However, vinegar does not neutralise the effects of the box jellyfish toxin and is not an antidote: patients should seek medical attention as a matter of urgency. You can also carry vinegar yourself, just to be extra sure.