Box Jellyfish and the 5 Best Tips For Staying Safe on the Great Barrier Reef

The box jellyfish are part of the cubazoa family and need to be treated with great respect. They do frequent the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays at certain times of the year. It is commonly known to the locals that the waters are virtually 'out of bounds' between what is known as the 'wet season' months of October to April. But this doesn't mean it is okay to throw caution to the wind come the 1st day in May.

There have been deaths recorded so it is important to observe the warnings about when and where to swim and learn about on the spot treatment for the best and easiest recovery from a sting. The best protection is to learn all you can about this dangerous marine creature for there is still much on offer in the region that is at once breathtaking and exotic. Risks of injury while holidaying on the north eastern coast of Australia is minimal compared with other statistics for injury or fatalities but the more you know the less chance of a nasty encounter.

Airlie Beach is the perfect spot to park while you explore the region - there are 74 islands in total and the Great Barrier Reef is within easy reach. Airlie Beach has its own man made lagoon, a safe haven for swimmers without worry of the sting from a sea wasp.

Box jellyfish of the Great Barrier Reef

The box jellyfish so named because of its cubed shaped bell is also known as a sea wasp. Because they are in the cubozoa class they are not a true jellyfish but actually more advanced than the common Scyphozoa. Box jellyfish have delicate tentacles stretched out behind the bell up to three metres (10 feet) long. They are fast moving up to 6 metres (20 feet) per minute. Its powerful venom is used to stun and kill its prey. The toxins attack the heart and nervous system. Some common features: transparent or pale blue in colour, box shaped bell with 15 tentacles trailing behind.

Distribution North Eastern Australia

The tropical coastal waters of northern Australia are ideal for the box jellyfish as the sea temperature rises. They thrive in waters over 26 degrees celsius meaning the 'wet season' months between October to April create the ideal environment. The jellyfish are migratory and span the waters between the most western part of Western Australia across the Territory and north Queensland extending down the eastern coast as far south as Gladstone. Much of this area takes in the Great Barrier Reef.

Protected Areas

It is not all bad news for those of us who love to get in the water. Signs are posted throughout the region to warn of the dangers but there are many safe swimming areas protected by stinger nets. The nets are so fine even the smallest of these marine creatures are excluded from entering the waters making the area safe for swimmers.

Instant Treatment

If someone is unfortunate enough to encounter a box jellyfish it is highly recommended that vinegar be placed on the affected site immediately. Most locals insist on keeping a large bottle of vinegar in the boot of the car and many of the more popular swimming sites will also have a bottle on hand close by to the warning sign.

1. Observe all warnings

2. Only swim outside the danger times

3. Do not go in the water without a stinger suit during the months of October through April.

4. Stick to the netted areas

5. Apply vinegar immediately on contact and seek medical attention

The Dangerous Marine Creatures of the Great Barrier Reef series has been commissioned by Toscana Village Resort, Airlie Beach Accommodation.