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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The secret Sydney suite life: a luxury under-the-radar stay right on the harbour

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.

    Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).

    All-inclusive VIP benefits

    Who Is Elijah Amenities at Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.

    The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.

    The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay

    Pier One Sydney Harbour

    Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Step into a piece of history with all the modern comforts. (Credit: Dave Wheeler)

    The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.

    If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.

    Pier One Suites

    Pier One Sydney Harbour admiral suite
    Enjoy incredible views from your suite.

    Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.

    United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.

    But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.

    Dining at Pier One

    Pier Bar Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.

    Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.

    PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.

    Around town

    luna park, sydney opera house and sydney harbour bridge
    Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.

    You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.

    Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.

    Ready to make that Pier One stay a reality? Book the ultimate Sydney staycation at pieronesydneyharbour.com.au

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