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Gold Coast icon unrecognisable after cyclone

One of the most iconic beaches in Australia has been completely transformed by Cyclone Alfred, leaving the Gold Coast unrecognisable.

Andrew McMurtry
March 10, 2025 - 1:28PM
news.com.au
The scene of skyscrapers standing beside the beach in golden hours of the sunrise in the Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast taken in 2023. It does not look like this any more. Photo: iStock
1/105The scene of skyscrapers standing beside the beach in golden hours of the sunrise in the Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast taken in 2023. It does not look like this any more. Photo: iStock
The iconic beach has been washed away, as have beaches up and down the coast. University of the Sunshine Coast's Dr Javier Leon told Yahoo News that the beaches would take
2/105The iconic beach has been washed away, as have beaches up and down the coast. University of the Sunshine Coast's Dr Javier Leon told Yahoo News that the beaches would take "years" to recover. "The rate of this recovery depends on upcoming conditions but usually takes weeks to months. Dunes take longer to recover," he said. "In some cases, it might take years for dunes to come back to pre-cyclone conditions."
It’s looking really bleak on the Gold Coast with the erosion leaving the strip unrecognisable. Picture by Luke Marsden.
3/105It’s looking really bleak on the Gold Coast with the erosion leaving the strip unrecognisable. Picture by Luke Marsden.
The flooding has been intense as although Alfred didn’t hit the ferocity first though, he has dumped a ton of rain. Picture: Kevin Farmer
4/105The flooding has been intense as although Alfred didn’t hit the ferocity first though, he has dumped a ton of rain. Picture: Kevin Farmer
The Lockyer Valley town of Laidley has been hit by significant flooding due to the after-effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
5/105The Lockyer Valley town of Laidley has been hit by significant flooding due to the after-effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The Lockyer Valley town of Laidley has been hit by significant flooding due to the after-effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
6/105The Lockyer Valley town of Laidley has been hit by significant flooding due to the after-effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Flooded cars at Edmondstone Street in Newmarket, Brisbane. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
7/105Flooded cars at Edmondstone Street in Newmarket, Brisbane. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Anywhere you drive in the area, there’s plenty of water on the road. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
8/105Anywhere you drive in the area, there’s plenty of water on the road. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Heavy rain has moved into the Gold Coast region, bringing flodding to areas like Mudgeeraba. Photo: Adam Head
9/105Heavy rain has moved into the Gold Coast region, bringing flodding to areas like Mudgeeraba. Photo: Adam Head
People are still making the most of the conditions, though handling might be a little difficult. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian
10/105People are still making the most of the conditions, though handling might be a little difficult. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian
Banny Gregory, 12, and his brother Oliver make the most of muddy conditions. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
11/105Banny Gregory, 12, and his brother Oliver make the most of muddy conditions. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Flash flooding rockets through the carpark of Pialba Central to the RSL at Pialba in Hervey Bay.
12/105Flash flooding rockets through the carpark of Pialba Central to the RSL at Pialba in Hervey Bay.
Water over the roads during high tide at Paradise Point.
13/105Water over the roads during high tide at Paradise Point.
Images of the chaos across southeast Queensland from Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Energex
14/105Images of the chaos across southeast Queensland from Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Energex
Flooding in Hervey Bay during the wild weather on Sunday brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Sharnee Ann
15/105Flooding in Hervey Bay during the wild weather on Sunday brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Sharnee Ann
Despite all the warnings, people are still trying to drive through the floodwaters. Photo: Sharnee Ann
16/105Despite all the warnings, people are still trying to drive through the floodwaters. Photo: Sharnee Ann
The town of Laidley has suffered severe inundation from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
17/105The town of Laidley has suffered severe inundation from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The town of Laidley has suffered severe inundation from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
18/105The town of Laidley has suffered severe inundation from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Barbara McLeod and Sid Holden out for a walk in Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.
19/105Barbara McLeod and Sid Holden out for a walk in Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.
A car kicks up water in Ballina. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
20/105A car kicks up water in Ballina. Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell
Nambour following wild weather from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Steve Mansley
21/105Nambour following wild weather from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Steve Mansley
Flooding at an Ipswich Bunnings store as the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues. Picture: Supplied
22/105Flooding at an Ipswich Bunnings store as the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues. Picture: Supplied
Bridge Hotel area, Maroochydore at 8.00am Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods.
23/105Bridge Hotel area, Maroochydore at 8.00am Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods.
Locals look at flood waters, which have slightly receded in low lying areas of Carina. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
24/105Locals look at flood waters, which have slightly receded in low lying areas of Carina. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the Gallipoli Barracks on Sunday. Photo by Tertius Pickard - Pool/Getty Images
25/105Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits the Gallipoli Barracks on Sunday. Photo by Tertius Pickard - Pool/Getty Images
Motel Glenworth, the house next door on Margaret St and a car were damaged when a large tree was brought down in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Kevin Farmer
26/105Motel Glenworth, the house next door on Margaret St and a car were damaged when a large tree was brought down in the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Kevin Farmer
A house lost part of its roof near Redcliffe. Photo Steve Pohlner
27/105A house lost part of its roof near Redcliffe. Photo Steve Pohlner
Some people were hit harder than others. This picture shows a damaged home after a tree was uprooted in the strong winds in the suburb of Elanora. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
28/105Some people were hit harder than others. This picture shows a damaged home after a tree was uprooted in the strong winds in the suburb of Elanora. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
Lizzy Burke and her dog Roy look to see what they can salvage from her damaged home. Photo: Adam Head
29/105Lizzy Burke and her dog Roy look to see what they can salvage from her damaged home. Photo: Adam Head
Lizzy has a big clean up job ahead of her. Photo: Adam Head
30/105Lizzy has a big clean up job ahead of her. Photo: Adam Head
While some places didn’t cop too much damage, there is flood water across the region. But some drivers don’t learn that you don’t drive through floodwaters. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
31/105While some places didn’t cop too much damage, there is flood water across the region. But some drivers don’t learn that you don’t drive through floodwaters. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Lismore locals are trying to work out next steps. Lismore mayor Steve Krieg told Today that the waters had receded to about 8m but there were fears if the rain continued up north as it would flow down into NSW. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
32/105Lismore locals are trying to work out next steps. Lismore mayor Steve Krieg told Today that the waters had receded to about 8m but there were fears if the rain continued up north as it would flow down into NSW. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
Lismore on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
33/105Lismore on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
Gold Coast was battered by Cyclone Alfred as it made land. Picture Glenn Hampson
34/105Gold Coast was battered by Cyclone Alfred as it made land. Picture Glenn Hampson
People attempting to tow a trawler off Queens beach using a jet ski, during Ex-Cyclone Alfred on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Steve Pohlner
35/105People attempting to tow a trawler off Queens beach using a jet ski, during Ex-Cyclone Alfred on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Steve Pohlner
The dome of the Moroccan building in Surfers Paradise was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Ian Clark
36/105The dome of the Moroccan building in Surfers Paradise was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Ian Clark
Shade sails ripped down at a shopping centre in Burleigh Heads. Picture: Nigel Hallett
37/105Shade sails ripped down at a shopping centre in Burleigh Heads. Picture: Nigel Hallett
The Gold Coast was battered by Cyclone Alfred. Tower 42 on The Spit became a tourist attraction as it was inundated with water. Picture Glenn Hampson
38/105The Gold Coast was battered by Cyclone Alfred. Tower 42 on The Spit became a tourist attraction as it was inundated with water. Picture Glenn Hampson
The lifeguard tower was damaged by the record-breaking waves. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
39/105The lifeguard tower was damaged by the record-breaking waves. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
The iconic golf ball in Miami had seen better days. Picture: Nigel Hallett
40/105The iconic golf ball in Miami had seen better days. Picture: Nigel Hallett
It crashed through the fence. Picture Glenn Hampson
41/105It crashed through the fence. Picture Glenn Hampson
A submerged boat at a jetty at Broadwater on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
42/105A submerged boat at a jetty at Broadwater on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
A boat anchored to the shore on Bribie Island. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
43/105A boat anchored to the shore on Bribie Island. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
It was wild on the water as the cyclone hit with boats colliding in the high seas and strong winds.
44/105It was wild on the water as the cyclone hit with boats colliding in the high seas and strong winds.
Police tape covers a stairway leading onto Surfers Paradise Beach. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
45/105Police tape covers a stairway leading onto Surfers Paradise Beach. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
Broadwater Keys Holiday Apartments was evacuated and cordoned off with police tape after a portion of its roof blew off during the cyclone. Picture: Alex Treacy
46/105Broadwater Keys Holiday Apartments was evacuated and cordoned off with police tape after a portion of its roof blew off during the cyclone. Picture: Alex Treacy
Businesses did not escape unscathed. Picture: Nigel Hallett
47/105Businesses did not escape unscathed. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Debris was blown off houses and buildings, with this one damaging a car in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
48/105Debris was blown off houses and buildings, with this one damaging a car in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Trees are down across Queensland and NSW as massive gusts hit Toowoomba in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
49/105Trees are down across Queensland and NSW as massive gusts hit Toowoomba in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
A young boy and girl look at an uprooted tree in front of the Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in the aftermath of the Cyclone. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
50/105A young boy and girl look at an uprooted tree in front of the Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club in the aftermath of the Cyclone. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
Power lines down on Anita St and Benfer Rd in Redlands due to ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Supplied.
51/105Power lines down on Anita St and Benfer Rd in Redlands due to ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Supplied.
Gold Coasters are waking up to see what damage Alfred has caused. Photo: Adam Head
52/105Gold Coasters are waking up to see what damage Alfred has caused. Photo: Adam Head
Energex crews clear a fallen tree following the passage of tropical cyclone Alfred in Brisbane. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
53/105Energex crews clear a fallen tree following the passage of tropical cyclone Alfred in Brisbane. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Crews have been working hard to clear trees and debris as well as restoring power. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
54/105Crews have been working hard to clear trees and debris as well as restoring power. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Erosion and foam has decimated beachs. On Today, it was reported that lifeguards believe it will take 12 months for the beaches to bounce back. Picture Glenn Hampson
55/105Erosion and foam has decimated beachs. On Today, it was reported that lifeguards believe it will take 12 months for the beaches to bounce back. Picture Glenn Hampson
This is the last thing Lismore needed. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
56/105This is the last thing Lismore needed. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
Crews try to work out where to start in the lastest flood recovery. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
57/105Crews try to work out where to start in the lastest flood recovery. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
The water got up there, but it wasn’t as bad as first feared, thankfully. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
58/105The water got up there, but it wasn’t as bad as first feared, thankfully. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Jihad Dib visit flood affected people in Lismore. Photo: Supplied.
59/105NSW Premier Chris Minns and Jihad Dib visit flood affected people in Lismore. Photo: Supplied.
Don’t drive through floodwaters. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
60/105Don’t drive through floodwaters. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
A man looks on at the floodwaters with his dog. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
61/105A man looks on at the floodwaters with his dog. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
A young man swims in the floodwaters. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
62/105A young man swims in the floodwaters. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
The dog was having the time of his life. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
63/105The dog was having the time of his life. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
Lismore did not need this. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
64/105Lismore did not need this. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
Kids are also out and about in Lismore. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
65/105Kids are also out and about in Lismore. Picture: Nathan Smith / MATRIXNEWS.
The flooding wasn’t only in Lismore. A Hervey Bay home was underwater after the cyclone. Photo: Tina Davie
66/105The flooding wasn’t only in Lismore. A Hervey Bay home was underwater after the cyclone. Photo: Tina Davie
A woman walking her dog pauses to photograph Moreton Bay after the cyclone hit land. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
67/105A woman walking her dog pauses to photograph Moreton Bay after the cyclone hit land. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Locals have gotten out an about after the worst of the storm appeared to pass. However, residents are urged to stay updated on local warnings, avoid floodwaters, and prepare for ongoing disruptions. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
68/105Locals have gotten out an about after the worst of the storm appeared to pass. However, residents are urged to stay updated on local warnings, avoid floodwaters, and prepare for ongoing disruptions. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
A bloke shows off his rig as he goes for a walk in the wild weather. Picture: David Clark
69/105A bloke shows off his rig as he goes for a walk in the wild weather. Picture: David Clark
Kids are also making the most of the wet conditions. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
70/105Kids are also making the most of the wet conditions. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
With the beach out of comission, there’s still plenty of water for the kids to have fun in. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
71/105With the beach out of comission, there’s still plenty of water for the kids to have fun in. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Looks like fun. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
72/105Looks like fun. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
There’s a little water on the basketball court! Picture: Richard Walker
73/105There’s a little water on the basketball court! Picture: Richard Walker
People can’t help themselves and have left their homes to see what’s happened. But power is still out so people are being warned that traffic lights could be out. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
74/105People can’t help themselves and have left their homes to see what’s happened. But power is still out so people are being warned that traffic lights could be out. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
And there’s plenty of water on the road as well, so please be careful.
75/105And there’s plenty of water on the road as well, so please be careful.
Residents venture outside their homes to assess the impact of Cyclone Alfred. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
76/105Residents venture outside their homes to assess the impact of Cyclone Alfred. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett
77/105The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Coast Guard checking on boats in Manly Harbour. Picture: Richard Walker
78/105Coast Guard checking on boats in Manly Harbour. Picture: Richard Walker
People queuing for McDonalds at Wynnum West due to widespread power outages after Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Richard Walker
79/105People queuing for McDonalds at Wynnum West due to widespread power outages after Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Richard Walker
An uprooted tree near the shore in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
80/105An uprooted tree near the shore in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
A large tree knocked down power lines in Heeb Street, Ashmore. Picture: Nigel Hallett
81/105A large tree knocked down power lines in Heeb Street, Ashmore. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Residents help to remove a large tree down on Currumburra Road, Ashmore. Picture: Nigel Hallett
82/105Residents help to remove a large tree down on Currumburra Road, Ashmore. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Energex crews clear a fallen tree following the passage of tropical cyclone Alfred in Brisbane. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
83/105Energex crews clear a fallen tree following the passage of tropical cyclone Alfred in Brisbane. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
A man chainsaws a collapsed tree in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
84/105A man chainsaws a collapsed tree in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
A man looks at an uprooted tree in front of the Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
85/105A man looks at an uprooted tree in front of the Miami Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
Australian military was even deployed to aid Lismore. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS
86/105Australian military was even deployed to aid Lismore. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS
Broadwater Keys Holiday Apartments was evacuated after a portion of its roof blew off during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Alex Treacy
87/105Broadwater Keys Holiday Apartments was evacuated after a portion of its roof blew off during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: Alex Treacy
A tree crashed through a home in Eden’•s Landing. No one in the house was injured. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
88/105A tree crashed through a home in Eden’•s Landing. No one in the house was injured. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard
Motorists try to clear trees which were blocking part of the M1 motorway.
89/105Motorists try to clear trees which were blocking part of the M1 motorway.
The wind was intense as the cyclone hit landfall. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian
90/105The wind was intense as the cyclone hit landfall. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian
Crews clear a fallen tree. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
91/105Crews clear a fallen tree. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Police diverting traffic after fallen trees in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
92/105Police diverting traffic after fallen trees in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
A tree down in a pool. Picture: James Wainwright, Narangba
93/105A tree down in a pool. Picture: James Wainwright, Narangba
Trees were down all over the place. Picture: Clint Melton, Murrumba Downs
94/105Trees were down all over the place. Picture: Clint Melton, Murrumba Downs
Crews have been working hard to clear the debris after a heap of trees came down. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
95/105Crews have been working hard to clear the debris after a heap of trees came down. Photo: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
Erosion in Surfers Paradise is insane. Picture: Glenn Hampson
96/105Erosion in Surfers Paradise is insane. Picture: Glenn Hampson
The livestock were largely spared in Lismore. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
97/105The livestock were largely spared in Lismore. Photo: Nathan Smith/MATRIXNEWS.
Cyclone Alfred left a trail of destruction across Brisbane.
98/105Cyclone Alfred left a trail of destruction across Brisbane.
A sign warns of a road closure due to flooding in Labrador, near the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
99/105A sign warns of a road closure due to flooding in Labrador, near the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo by David GRAY / AFP
An uprooted tree in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
100/105An uprooted tree in Redcliffe. Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images
A man walks through a near deserted Brisbane CBD. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
101/105A man walks through a near deserted Brisbane CBD. Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP
Trees down at Muir Street, Labrador, as residents inspect debris.
102/105Trees down at Muir Street, Labrador, as residents inspect debris.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast. A tree on its last legs in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
103/105The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast. A tree on its last legs in Bundall. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Powerlines and trees down as workers battle strong winds and rain.
104/105Powerlines and trees down as workers battle strong winds and rain.
A palm tree fell across the road. Picture: Lyn Russell, Margate
105/105A palm tree fell across the road. Picture: Lyn Russell, Margate
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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/technology/environment/shocking-extent-of-alfred-destruction-revealed/image-gallery/cc0317df94448ce268c9f444802454ca