Cyclone Alfred updates: Here's what you need to know

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is tracking towards the Queensland and northern NSW coast, bringing strong winds, heavy surf and potential flooding. Authorities have issued warnings for affected areas, with flight disruptions, park closures and evacuation alerts in place. Here’s the latest on what’s happening.

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Qantas suspends flights ahead of Cyclone Alfred

Qantas and Jetstar have announced flight suspensions as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.

Gold Coast Airport is closed until at least 1pm on Friday.
Qantas and Jetstar flights to/from Ballina (Byron) are currently suspended.
Qantas flights to/from Coffs Harbour are currently suspended.
Flights to Lord Howe Island are grounded.
Qantas will suspend flights in Brisbane from mid-afternoon today. Jetstar flights will be suspended from midday local time today.
At this stage, flights to and from Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay continue as scheduled.
Customers with flights booked to or from, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Lord Howe Island and Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) between 4 and 9 March 2025 can opt for a travel credit or a fee-free date change (up to 14 days from the original travel date, subject to availability).

Discovery Parks closures in Byron Bay, Ballina, and Casino

Discovery Parks has announced the temporary closure of its parks in Byron Bay, Ballina, and Casino due to safety concerns.

High winds may lead to falling trees and flying debris.
Guests with bookings will be contacted regarding their stays.
Residents onsite are advised to seek alternative accommodation.
Visit the SES NSW website for evacuation centre information.

Greyhound Australia cancels SEQ services

Affected routes: Brisbane <> Hervey Bay (including the Sunshine Coast), Brisbane <> Toowoomba, Brisbane <> Byron Bay (including the Gold Coast).
Cancellations effective from 1pm today until Sunday 9 March.
Other services remain operational, including routes to northern Queensland, western Queensland and Sydney.
Further cancellations may occur depending on the cyclone’s impact.
Passengers can reschedule for free or request a travel credit via Greyhound’s Customer Service team.

Community response on the Gold Coast

Kristie Lau-Adams describes the scene on the Gold Coast:

Saturday morning is now when the cyclone is expected to hit land.
People are supporting each other, sharing supplies and offering updates on storm-related obstructions.
The sun is still peeking through at times, but the rain is pretty consistent now – strong bursts mixed with steady sprays. It feels very unpredictable, and like it could all change at any minute!
Gold Coast’s sandbagging stations reopened from 11am today until 5pm as people continue to prepare – though time is running out as these gusts have gained force. Both stations are DIY, so you’ve got to bring your own shovel and bags.
- Carrara Sports Precinct Parking, via Alabaster Drive, Carrara
- Tugun Village Community Centre, 414 Coolangatta Road, Tugun
Heavy winds have picked up. A sunny morning saw many people go to check the surf under clear skies, but they have since retreated indoors for safety.

Byron Shire: Storm surge but little rain so far

Lara Picone reports from Byron Shire:

Beaches have disappeared due to the storm surge.
Intermittent sunshine, with little rain so far.
Now expected to make landfall tomorrow morning. The delayed landfall means it will miss coinciding with high tide, reducing the immediate risk of flooding.
Many areas have ‘prepare to evacuate’ orders in place.

Sunshine Coast sees blue skies but winds picking up

Celeste Mitchell reports from the Sunshine Coast:

Clear skies and strong surf conditions this morning, but winds have started to increase.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon.
Schools and daycares are closed, and residents are urged to stay indoors.

Stay updated

Track real-time updates on the Gold Coast Disaster Dashboard .
Follow local SES and government warnings.
Prepare for potential evacuation orders if you are in at-risk areas.

This is a rolling update – check back for more information as the situation develops.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

Here’s what you need to know