French tourist treated for deadly sting

It's thought a French tourist holidaying in the Whitsundays has been stung by one of the deadliest jellyfish in the world.

The 26-year-old woman was treated for a suspected Irukandji jellyfish sting on Friday.

The species is believed to be the most venomous in the world and their stings can be fatal.

They're typically found in the tropical waters off north Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Excruciating muscle cramps, a burning sensation on the skin, sweating, vomiting and mental anguish are all symptoms of Irukandji stings.

A rescue helicopter trauma team was able to stabilise the woman, who had been holidaying on a cruise ship.

She's since been airlifted to Mackay for further treatment.

The sting comes unusually late in the year given conditions have started to cool, the RACQ said.