COASTAL WEATHER OUTLOOK for Qld — March 13th, 14th, 15th 2026

Winds to Ease After a Tough Start, Setting Up Sunday for SEQ Boating and Fishing

March 13th, 14th, 15th 2026 — Issued 9:00am, March 13th

By Josh Toohey, Coastwatch

It’s been a beautiful last few days across Southeast Queensland with warm, calm conditions, but the pattern is set to shift as a southeasterly change approaches. Here’s what to expect across Southeast Queensland (including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast) this weekend as well as inside tips from Coastwatch’s David McDonald.

Strong Winds and Showers Lead Off on Friday

A shortwave trough moving up the coast will combine with a southeasterly wind change, bringing:

• Strong winds, gusting 35–40 knots in exposed areas
  – especially around Moreton Island, down to the Gold Coast, and into NE New South Wales.
• Showers, with 5–10mm likely across the region.
• Isolated spots could see up to 25mm in heavier coastal showers.
• A small chance of thunderstorms, especially west toward the Downs, although only a handful—if any—are expected.

With gusty southeasterlies and patchy rain pushing through, Friday won’t offer friendly boating conditions—particularly offshore. .

Saturday – Improving, But Still Windy

Saturday starts to show signs of the weekend turning around, with conditions gradually easing and the first hints of stability returning across SEQ.

• Southeasterly winds remain elevated, with morning gusts still reaching 25–30 knots.
• Winds slowly ease into the afternoon.
• Showers become more scattered and lighter than Friday.

Protected waterways will be the standout—offshore boating will remain uncomfortable.

Sunday – Settled Winds Make Sunday the Weekend Sweet Spot

Sunday shapes up as the best day for boating and fishing this weekend:

• Winds ease further, tending SE–ESE, then easterly, around 10–20 knots.
• Gusts continue to drop through the day.
• Minimal shower activity expected.
• Estuaries and sheltered waterways will offer calm, enjoyable boating conditions.

Because this system is surface‑based, its strongest winds will be felt offshore, but canals, estuaries and rivers—especially around the Gold Coast—may barely notice the gusts.

Best Boating & Fishing Locations

Gold Coast canals and estuaries are the standout for the entire weekend, followed by:

• Western Moreton Island and Moreton Bay
• Brisbane River, including the stretch between the mud islands and the Gold Coast
• Northern Gold Coast rivers and estuaries

Specific Fishing Hotspots

Dave highlights the best fishing spots in the Gold Coast region:

• Pimpama River – from the mouth up to “Mix Place”
• Coomera River – mouth to the junction at Sanctuary Cove
• Nerang River – producing big whiting and good numbers
  – Best bite: top of the tide, then first of the run-out

Crabbing

• Mud crabs likely in deeper water
• Productive areas include McLean Island and the Logan River

Safety Notes

• Coastal bars were pushing 2–3m swell Thursday, breaking halfway across the Gold Coast Seaway on outgoing tide.
• Offshore conditions will remain challenging with residual swell and stronger winds lingering well into the weekend.

The weekend will improve after a windy start, shifting from Friday’s 35–40 knot gusts to far more inviting conditions as the days roll on. Winds ease steadily through Saturday, and by Sunday they settle into a much more manageable 10–20 knots—opening up comfortable windows across the rivers, canals, and bays. Water clarity remains excellent in the Gold Coast systems, and with only minimal rainfall expected after Friday’s 5–10mm, conditions line up nicely for anyone keen to fish, crab, or simply enjoy some time on the water. It’s the kind of weekend where conditions will improve with time, especially if you make the most of the sheltered waterways.

Stay weather‑aware with the latest forecasts and coastal observations for your local areas available over on our weather pages.

Don’t destroy what you came to enjoy!

BEACH SIGNS

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