Easter 2025: Gold Coast economy bounces back from Cyclone Alfred with monster tourism weekend

The Gold Coast’s post-cyclone Alfred marketing blitz is set to pay off, with hotel occupancy rates set to soar towards 90 per cent across the Easter long weekend.

The Gold Coast’s post-cyclone Alfred marketing blitz is set to pay off, with hotel occupancy rates set to soar towards 90 per cent across the Easter long weekend.

Tourism and civic leaders are celebrating the improbable turnaround, just five weeks after the city’s beaches were left devastated by a significant weather event.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said hotel occupancy was tipped to hit 85 per cent, while a bullish Mayor Tom Tate predicted it would reach 90 per cent if the weather remained good.

Mr Warn said the entire month of April was tracking strongly for the city, with the total economic impact expected to top $650m.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s wonderful news that for the Easter long weekend we are looking at about 85 per cent occupancy, which is 11 per cent above that of 2024 so that’s great news,” he said.

“With great weather expected in the next 10 days, hopefully those numbers may increase a few more points also.

“Right now there are 215,000 people expected to come through the Gold Coast Airport in the next week, with 20,000 alone on Good Friday, with Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland the big three inbound markets.

“It’s been a great team effort across the Gold Coast because we sent a big message about being ready for Easter and all the recovery work which has been done on the beaches has been fantastic.

Mayor Tom Tate . (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Cricket Australia)

“Being honest, there have been a few challenges with the weather and a fair bit of rain in the past few weeks, as well as two king tides, so this is a great result for Easter.”

More than 90 per cent of the city’s beaches are classified as being open across the Easter period, while the sand-pumping dredge has been forced to halt its work due to high swells along the coastline.

Mr Tate said council staff worked tirelessly to ensure the city would be open for business during the school holidays.

“The recovery shows how resilient the Gold Coast is,” he said.

“Initially we had a lot of cancellations happening because they looked at the beach scarping and had doubts but that dissipated quickly and now 90 per cent of the tourists who are coming here this weekend are domestic visitors, so that’s great for the drive market.”

Getting ready for the Easter Eggstravaganza at Sanctuary Cove are siblings Elodie Barnard 6 and Lincoln Barnard 3, together with Pickles the bunny and EB the Easter bunny. Picture Glenn Hampson

Visitors and locals can look forward to plenty of holiday fun, including the free annual Sanctuary Cove Easter Eggstravaganza on Sunday from 10am to 2pm at the Marine Village.

“This event is one of the most exciting Easter celebrations on the Gold Coast,” said organiser Marisa Laister.

“Families can enjoy a fantastic day out in a beautiful waterfront setting while experiencing a variety of Easter-themed activities.”

There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, craft activities, face painting, cruises on the Kilkie ferry, and the chance to meet both the Easter bunny and real-life bunny Pickles.

“We also have the Easter egg hunt with a difference so everyone gets to hunt for hidden keywords throughout the Marine Village and this year we’re giving away a Nintendo Switch to one lucky winner who takes part in the Easter egg hunt,” Ms Laister said.

“We’ve already had over 500 people register for the Easter egg hunt so it’s always a highlight.”