Tropical Cyclone Alfred: Gold Coasters pack foreshore as Southport CBD a ghost town

It was the day before Tropical Cyclone Alfred was due to hit and, while the Gold Coast CBD was a ghost town, its beaches were buzzing.

It was the day before Tropical Cyclone Alfred was due to hit and, while the Gold Coast CBD was a ghost town, its beaches were buzzing.

Lulled by blue skies on Thursday morning, hundreds of swell spectators ignored Gold Coast City Council advice to shelter at home from 6pm on Wednesday to watch giant waves batter Burleigh headland.

Giant logs and debris covered erosion-etched beaches, a hangover from a wild night, but that didn’t stop walkers hitting the sand with phones in hand.

Metal detectors were also a popular accessory.

Faye Miles, 63 from Palm Beach, opted for the relative safety of the headland to soak up nature’s show.

“We have done everything we can at home so we just ducked out a bit to have a look,” she said.

“We didn’t expect it to be so busy. It’s a little scary watching (the people on the beach).

“The waves are huge — we’ve never seen it like this.”

The streets of Southport were empty ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Picture: Andrew Potts

With the bulk of Burleigh’s cafes closed, the Burleigh Pavilion kiosk window lined with sandbags, a sole trader also drew crowds.

Hidden Perk at Koala Park was open for coffee and lines were stretching out the door.

The streets of central Southport were empty on Thursday morning except for shoppers making last-minute supermarket visits for supplies, while joggers made the most of the brief breaks in the weather for exercise.

Meanwhile, Metro Market Shopping Centre at Biggera Waters has warned nearby residents against using its carpark to store their vehicles during the wet weather.

“It has come to our attention that some local residents are parking their cars in the undercover carpark at Metro Market Shopping Centre in preparation for Cyclone Alfred and being advised to do so by posts on social media,” a statement from centre management read.

It’s quiet yet windy here in Southport on the #goldcoast as we await #TCAlfred arriving @GCBulletinpic.twitter.com/s1kQwoQOx8

— Andrew Potts (@GCS_Pottsy) March 5, 2025

“Please note, the centre and the car park is projected to flood based on the flood map and cyclone modelling and has been prone to flooding in severe weather events.

“If you choose to leave your car in our undercover carpark please note this will be at your own risk and we would advise making alternative arrangements.”

In Surfers Paradise the sunny morning brought hundreds down to the beachfront to observe the wild surf.

Wednesday night’s conditions already contributed towards an almost two-metre sand drop-off in parts.

Gold Coasters could still get a coffee at Burleigh Heads Picture: Chantay Logan

Opportunists could still be seen taking advantage of the situation however, a middle-aged man was spotted using a metal detector to trawl the beachfront for lost goods.

The Glitter Strip was a shadow of its usually vibrant self, no shops were open with many displaying signs that they were closed until the cyclone passes.

Recent father Mitch Freeman said the danger threat has made all the more apparent the importance of family over material goods.

“I think you just realise that as long as your family is safe it doesn’t really matter about your house or what’s in your house.”

Mr Freeman added that he’s “pretty relaxed” but prepared for if conditions worsen.

“We’ve just said if it gets upgraded to a category three we will chuck as much as we can in the car and just get out of town and come back once it’s all over us and yeah, I’m not really sure what to expect,” he said.

Local icon Princess was spotted in usual attire near the Cavill Ave Mall and was critical of early shutting public transport.

“I’m a bit disappointed the trams weren’t running this morning. I heard that there was no public transport in Brisbane either. Bit s***”

“I think it’s all overdramatised. I mean, look at today’s sun shining, not much of a breeze.

Princess’ plans for tomorrow?

Gold Coasters braving the foreshore at Burleigh to look at the big swell. Picture: Chantay Logan

“Come into town like I usually do.”

At Kirra Point the sun was out and the waves were pumping. Hundreds of locals grabbed their morning coffees, hit the lookout, and watched the ocean put on a show ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival.

Among them were Bethany Mantle, 28, her partner Joel, 26, and their seven-month-old daughter Billie.

Hundreds of locals grabbed their morning coffees, hit the lookout, and watched the ocean put on a show ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s arrival.

“We got up, watched the news and found out the cyclone is still a little while away, so we thought, let’s just make the most of still being able to get out and about — come check out the waves and grab a coffee — why not?” Mrs Mantle said.

She said she hadn’t seen conditions like this “for ages.”

“Not since the last time we had a massive weather event — which was nothing like this.

“There’s a bit of a feel in the air — a little bit of nervous energy and a little bit of excitement.”

Bethany Mantle, 28, her husband Joel, 26, and their seven-month-old daughter Billie. Picture: Rosie Gale

The Kirra business owner, who runs a brow and lash service, wasn’t taking any chances.

“It flooded in the 2022 floods, so we moved everything upstairs and rescheduled our clients. We’re closed today and tomorrow.

“There were so many businesses in the area that had to completely throw away their stock — I don’t want that to happen again.”

But the wild conditions didn’t stop everyone.

Kieran Conway, 28, from Tweed, was ready to dive in.

“We’ve missed this for a couple of years now and it’s the first time a chance like this has popped up, so I’m going to get in the water and get amongst it,” he said.

“It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you know what you’re doing, you’re fine.”

As the crowd watched the waves roll in, one spectacle had jaws dropping.

“Oh my god, there’s someone in a boat,” Mr Mantle said, shaking his head.

“Couldn’t be me,” Mrs Mantle added. “They’re crazy — I’d much rather watch from here.”