I've just been offered a contract to work at Innisfail between 21.5.10 and 19.6.10.
What is the sailing like there at that time ?
Stinger issues ?
What gear ?
Anything else to consider ?


If I drive up, I''ll have the chance to sail other places on the way back. Feel free to offer advice on other places to check out on the way.

Hi Kenho,
I never sailed Innisfail, but living in Townsville for some years I can tell you that,
You will get more crocs in Innisfail than Townsville. Saying that, I don't think they are a major threat. Anyway, croc season is all year round, but they ten to be more in the water during summer season.
The thing you have to worry about is jelly fish. Season runs from april to nov, but this can be very flexible all depends on rain and temp. If it starts raining before nov then they will turn up. Suggestion is wear a stinger suit all year. It will cost you nothing and might save you some days at the local hospital.
In terms of wind I guess its like Townsville, or maybe a little weaker. So I suggest big sails (>7m) and wide boards (>62cm/115L).
apart from that have fun in the rain. I hope your employer told you that innisfail is the place with the highest rainfall in all Queensland by a mile....

Flying Fish Point at the mouth of the Johnstone River is good, also Cowley Beach is good for blasting over to the Barnard islands. There Mission Beach area has its moments also.

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migosa said...

Hi Kenho,
I never sailed Innisfail, but living in Townsville for some years I can tell you that,
You will get more crocs in Innisfail than Townsville. Saying that, I don't think they are a major threat. Anyway, croc season is all year round, but they ten to be more in the water during summer season.
The thing you have to worry about is jelly fish. Season runs from april to nov, but this can be very flexible all depends on rain and temp. If it starts raining before nov then they will turn up. Suggestion is wear a stinger suit all year. It will cost you nothing and might save you some days at the local hospital.
In terms of wind I guess its like Townsville, or maybe a little weaker. So I suggest big sails (>7m) and wide boards (>62cm/115L).
apart from that have fun in the rain. I hope your employer told you that innisfail is the place with the highest rainfall in all Queensland by a mile....

Ouch as far as the wind goes.
I'll be working at the hospital, so, yeah, don't really want to die of jellyfish, thanks !!
I know it's high rainfall, but it's neck and neck with Tully, so not a winner by a mile.
I lived at Uki for 4 yrs, which has the highest rainfall in NSW, against no competition, of course.
Looks like I'll be there for 2 weeks, and after reading your advice, I think I'll fly and leave the gear at home.

Hi KenHo

I live in Innisfail and the place seems to be in a wind shadow. We sail at Kurrimine Beach 40k south of here. Really nice beach and great in the SE'ers which will be the predominant winds in May June. A couple of the Legends from Tinaroo and sometimes sailors from Cairns come down to sail here during this time. Tinaroo is OK but bloody freezing then.

Stingers and crocs aren't a concern. the stingers have gone and the crocs should be asleep.

Best gear would be some large gear for light winds and maybe some smaller gear in case it gets to 25k +

Quite a few places to sail on the way up such as Burrum, Elliot Heads, Bowen, Townsville and further north there is Port Douglas, Yorkey's and if your here could sort a trip to Green Island which is fantastic.

If you need more info just PM me, would be glad to help and would be good to have someone else here to sail with.

CU soon

Thanks for all teh extra info.
I don't really have any large/light wind gear. My biggest board is 98L and a 6.2 wave sail.
I REALLY like the idea of doing a trip to Green Is.
I plan to do a few more of these locum contracts this year, and I might be able to tie it in with one at some stage.

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Rossx said...

Hi KenHo

I live in Innisfail and the place seems to be in a wind shadow. We sail at Kurrimine Beach 40k south of here. Really nice beach and great in the SE'ers which will be the predominant winds in May June. A couple of the Legends from Tinaroo and sometimes sailors from Cairns come down to sail here during this time. Tinaroo is OK but bloody freezing then.

Stingers and crocs aren't a concern. the stingers have gone and the crocs should be asleep.

Best gear would be some large gear for light winds and maybe some smaller gear in case it gets to 25k +

Quite a few places to sail on the way up such as Burrum, Elliot Heads, Bowen, Townsville and further north there is Port Douglas, Yorkey's and if your here could sort a trip to Green Island which is fantastic.

If you need more info just PM me, would be glad to help and would be good to have someone else here to sail with.

CU soon