Sunday, December 16, 2007

Daintree Coast Weeekly Report 17/12 - 23/12

So far we have had great December weather, with warm humid days, some rain, and lots of sun. This weather there is nothing better than a dip in a local swimming hole to cool off. There are public pools at Mason’s Shop and at Emmagen Creek, and some private tour operators offer a swim if you join them on a tour.
Jellyfish are now out in force, and swimming along the Daintree Coast should not be contemplated unless a stinger suit is worn. Remember that Box Jellyfish are coastal, and do not extend out to the Barrier Reef.

Now for next week’s weather:

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated overnight showers on the coast and inland. Mostly fine on the
Tablelands. Light to moderate SE to NE winds. A moderate to high fire danger.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges chiefly overnight
and morning.
Outlook for Thursday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges chiefly overnight
and morning.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots and NE inshore seabreezes. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to about 0.7 of a metre inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots rising to 15/20 knots during the late afternoon and evening. Seas to about 1.2 metres outside the reef rising to 1.7 metres. Seas to about 0.7 of a metre inside the reef rising to 1 metre. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, becoming 15/20 knots offshore.
Thursday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots, becoming 15/20 knots offshore.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open. Storms can bring down the odd tree so drive carefully. There has been no flooding recently. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Cooper Ck Causeway between 8 and 9am.

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in fair condition. Some mud/rough patches are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are about 0.5m deep and will have rocks in them after flooding. Low clearance 4WDs may have trouble. I recommend all crossings be walked before driving, except Bloomfield Causeway which has a Croc risk. The Bloomfield Causeway has subsided on the northern downstream side and it is important you do not drive on this area. The big tides on Saturday and Sunday may briefly flood Bloomfield Causeway between 8 and 10am.

Tides – are low morning and high afternoon until Wednesday when the lows go to the afternoon

Pre booking is advised as most places are close to full over Christmas.