Stinger Information
Although visitors are at risk of being stung all year round, Stinger Season in the Whitsundays runs every year from October through to May. During this period, jellyfish are prevelant in the waters around the mainland, islands and have occasionally been found out on the Reef. If you are stung, Whitsunday Shire Council provide vinegar to treat stings at each of the beaches on the mainland.
There are two main types of "stingers" in the area and they are the Box Jellyfish and the Irukandji Jellyfish. Below is a little more information on these.
Irukandji
Irukandjis are a group of small jellyfishes whose stings can cause serious illness in previously well humans.
Irukandjis are rare, but the stings can be life-threatening. It is worth taking some simple precautions so that you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
All Irukandji species have small, box-shaped bodies, with a single tentacle on each corner (a total of 4 tentacles). Different species reach different adult body sizes, ranging from only 1cm tall to about half a metre! The body is transparent, and usually impossible to see in water.
The initial sting from most Irukandji species is quite mild, feeling like sea lice or a mosquito bite. There is often no mark, or perhaps small red "goose pimple" marks. Often, Irukandji stings will sweat profusely in the immediate sting region only.
High-risk conditions
While research is still active in developing accurate prediction methods for Irukandjis, one or more of the following conditions appear to contribute to heightened risk:
For Coastal/Island Irukandjis
- Flat calm seas during a North-easterly breeze
- Afternoon high tide if accompanied by a North-easterly breeze
- Height of summertime
- Cooler than average water temperature
For Reef Irukandjis
- Less is known about the behaviour patterns of these species
- May be found any time of year
- At least one species is more apparent approximately 8-10 days after a full moon
Box Jellyfish
Box Jellyfishes are typically large, with substantial bodies and numerous tentacles on each corner. Their stings can cause death in previously well humans in as little as 3 minutes.
Box jellies can be quite common in certain locations and in certain conditions. It is worth taking some simple precautions so that you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.
All box jellyfish species have medium to large, box-shaped bodies, with multiple tentacles on each corner (up to a total of 60 tentacles). Different species reach different adult body sizes, ranging from about 10cm tall to about 1/3 meter! The body is transparent, and usually difficult to see in water.
Box jellyfish stings cause immediate severe pain, often likened to an iron or hot oil burns. The tentacles are often left on the skin, and will cause additional stinging if not neutralized by vinegar.
Severe box jelly stings will have a "ladder-like" appearance, and will "frost" the skin. Substantial stings covering half of one limb can be fatal.
High-risk conditions
While research is still active in developing accurate prediction methods for Irukandjis, one or more of the following conditions appear to contribute to heightened risk:
- Calm water, especially in sheltered bays
- Height of summertime
- Warm water temperature
- Sandy beaches with low wave action
- Proximity to river-mouth
Note that it is still possible to get stung during the following conditions:
Please note: If you do happen to get stung by one of these "stingers", do not by any means rub the sting area. Apply vinegar immediately and seek help urgently. Do not re-enter the water.
For more information, please click here.
This information is provided by Lisa-Ann Gershwin - National Marine Stinger Advisor
