Come on down: Cyclone-battered Gold Coast beaches slowly reopen

Southern Gold Coast beaches are looking spectacular as they begin to reopen, but sun-seekers are advised to avoid beaches north of Surfers Paradise, that were hardest hit by TC Alfred.

Kirra Beach.

Gold Coast beaches that were battered by Cyclone Alfred are steadily reopening, and healthy crowds are expected this weekend to try them out.

Alfred severely scarred the Glitter Strip’s famous shoreline, leaving erosion cliffs up to 8m high in some areas, exposing rocks and pipes and sending beach stairs hanging precariously.

Gold Coast City Council bulldozers moved onto the beaches as soon as the cyclone passed in a bid to have them back in shape for Easter, and significant repairs have already been carried out.

After days of closures, southern beaches which were not as badly impacted as those in the north reopened on Thursday – and the red and yellow patrol flags set to go up on others into the weekend.

Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast chief lifeguard Will Ashley said southern beaches including Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta, Kirra and Burleigh Heads would be best for beachgoers this weekend.

“There’s still plenty of sand on those southern beaches and the water quality, especially at Rainbow Bay, has come back nicely,” he said.

“Even further north, around Miami, is looking decent. A lot of the beaches will be good to go this weekend and it’ll be nice seeing people back down there.”

Mr Ashley said people should avoid beaches north of Surfers Paradise, such as Narrowneck, Main Beach and The Spit, which were seriously damaged by Alfred.

Currumbin and Tallebudgera creek estuaries are also not recommended yet, with dubious water quality and floating debris.

Burleigh Heads beach has made a speedy recovery from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and is back open. Picture: Nigel Hallett

A small swell with light winds is forecast and Mr Ashley said swimming conditions should be ideal, but urged caution on the outgoing tide due to rips and gutters that have formed in the wake of the cyclone.

Surf Life Saving Queensland lifesaving services manager Natalie Edwards said beach patrols from Sunshine Coast north would run as normal this weekend, with many Gold Coast beaches from Northcliffe to Rainbow Bay also open.

“However, we do still have beaches where our lifesavers cannot get their equipment onto the sand and water’s edge and therefore cannot safely patrol the area,” she said.

“If you are visiting the beach on the Gold Coast this weekend, we do ask everyone to be extra cautious as the water is murky and we are still seeing a lot of debris in the water.

“Please only swim or use craft at patrolled areas and check the signage prior to going in the water.

“The safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags.”

Council works have been underway on Gold Coast beaches since the weather cleared. Picture: Nigel Hallett

TOP 5 GOLD COAST BEACHES THIS WEEKEND:

Rainbow Bay

Greenmount

Coolangatta

Kirra

Burleigh Heads