Here’s what you need to know

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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Theatre, art and music: Our top picks from this year’s Perth Festival lineup

Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy

    Lynn Gail Lynn Gail
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    Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

    Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

    1. East Perth Power Station

    East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival
    See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

    Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station, located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

    A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel. Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya.

    2. St Mary’s Cathedral

    Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth
    Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

    Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

    The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda, an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth, break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

    3. Lotterywest Films

    guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival
    Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

    One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

    4. The Embassy

    guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival
    Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

    Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall, serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

    5. Unusual locations

    still from The Trial theatre
    Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

    We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial, has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

    Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence.  Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

    6. A View From A Bridge

    A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival
    Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

    Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver, share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

    What else to do in Perth

    Shadow Wine Bar in perth
    Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

    Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

    After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

    Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au.