Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cross the south-east Queensland coast later this week, bringing significant wind, rain and coastal impacts.

Brisbane's ferries have been moved to safety and their Moreton Bay islands counterparts will soon follow suit as Cyclone Alfred prepares to make an expected sharp curve towards south-east Queensland.

SYDNEY: A heavily populated stretch of Australia's eastern coast battened down on Tuesday (Mar 4) for what could be the first tropical cyclone to pummel the region in 50 years. Tropical Cyclone Alfred was swirling about 550km east of major city Brisbane,

It’s scary. All the modelling indicates Alfred with turn back to the Coast here. There are not scenarios where this will not occur.”

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred bringing ocean swells, destructive winds and torrential rain, event organisers are faced with the difficult decision of postponing or cancelling events in south-east Queensland.

Cyclone Alfred is heading towards the Australian coast, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain and prompting calls for residents to take the threat seriously.

Acting mayor Donna Gates says tropical cyclone Alfred "might be the most significant system" for the Gold Coast since 1954.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will take a sharp turn towards the west on Tuesday, putting it on course to hit eastern Australia.

David Crisafulli has provided an update on Tropical Cyclone Alfred with the Premier calling on Queenslanders to continue to prepare for this "very rare event".