Seasonal.
…, and stingers, and Blue-ringed octopus, and snakes, and cyclones, and etc
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Sheesh. Me? I was just passin’ through on my way to Australia.
BUT, now that I read all a Kimbo1, and raisins d’etya, maybe I’m better off paddling’ down the yellow brook road, takin’ my chances with fly’n monkeys and wicked witches. And those annoyin’ Munchkin Carp.
‘‘Tis a bad day, mate,
off the barrier reef,
when bronze whaler takes ahold yer leg,
and sea snake swims through yer teeth.
Blue-ringed octopi gets up in arms,
puts a hickey to yer back way,
as a salty croc bites into yer shock,
and yer dive mate bids g’day.
So. What kinda paddler am I???
Hopefully, flexible. On account of all the necessary evasive maneuvers needed. Gonna need a hull with a lot of “rocker.” And, isn’t that standard outfitting for this other, “aging gracefully “ consideration?
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@canoeswithduckheads and @raisins 
Definite hazards for sure but the risks are easily managed but I guess everywhere has their hazards.
Which biological hazards get my attention for kayaking?
#1 Box Jellyfish (aka Stingers) I cover as much skin with lycra e.g. stinger suits, gloves, boots etc
#2 Sharks (Bull and Tiger sharks) I keep away from rocky reefs and don’t paddle between dusk and dawn or where I see birds feeding.
#3 Crocodiles - I don’t paddle near estuaries, creeks or lagoons or other known croc areas and don’t paddle between dusk and dawn
As far as sea snakes, cone shells and blue ring octopus go I’ll leave them be. Those only envenomate people who are foolish enough to interfere with them.
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Locals here in FNQ love to wind up tourists and newcomers about all the natural hazards that are going to kill you. I am an environmental scientist and have worked in community engagement for nearly ten years. My aim is to help people find a safe way to enjoy and coexist with the local natural environment, believe me it ain’t that hard.
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Right, and while it’s not that hard, it is important to ‘know’ what is there and how to deal with it.
eg: avoid camping on a beach if you see croc tracks, flush with your paddle murky water in front of you when launching (sting-rays), carry stingose (blue bottles), etc.
Exactly, know what the hazards are (locally) so that you can manage the risks.
The current recommendation is to camp at least 50 metres away from the water’s edge, in crocodile habitat.
Be Crocwise in Croc Country