COASTAL WEATHER OUTLOOK for Qld — March 20th, 21st, 22nd

Weekend impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle

March 20th, 21st, 22nd 2026 — Issued 2:15pm, March 19th. Recorded 12:15pm.

By Josh Toohey, Coastwatch

A powerful weather setup is unfolding along the Queensland coast this weekend, with conditions varying significantly between the far north and the more populated central and southern regions.

Far North Queensland – Tropical Cyclone Narelle

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, currently a category 5 system, is positioned just east of the coast and moving toward the small Cape York community of Cohen. It is expected to make landfall just north of Cohen after intensifying further over the past 6–12 hours.

Areas north of Cairns, including the Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, and Cape Flattery, can expect dangerous seas, strong winds, and elevated tides. Tides may approach the highest astronomical tide.
Eastern parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria will see significant swells from Friday into early Saturday as Narelle tracks toward Goold Islandand later moves into the Gulf.

Despite its intensity, Narelle remains a small system, meaning broader impacts along the coast are limited to blustery weather rather than widespread dangerous conditions.

Central Coast & Whitsundays

Across the Central Coast and Whitsundays, expect easterly to southeasterly winds around 20–25 knots through the next couple of days.
Large swells are not expected here, but conditions will remain unsettled and windy.

Winds increase further north, with the strongest gusts forecast on Saturday, reaching 20–30 knots before easing on Sunday.

Southeast Queensland

The southeasterly pattern strengthens into the weekend, with gusty winds especially on Sunday.
Across the Sunshine Coast and Southeast Coast, gusts may reach 30 knots, pushing up to 35 knots in more exposed coastal locations.

Showery, rainy conditions will add to the generally unpleasant feel of the weekend, continuing the recent run of unsettled weather across the region.

Boating Notes

While conditions are far from ideal, some boating opportunities may present in areas outside the immediate vicinity of Cyclone Narelle.

• Central Coast & Whitsundays: More protected locations later in the weekend.
• Southeast Queensland: Sheltered areas may be best earlier in the weekend before winds peak on Sunday.

Stay safe and weather‑aware at all times. Keep informed and updated with the latest forecasts and coastal observations for your local areas. More weather information is available over on our weather pages.

Don’t destroy what you came to enjoy!

BEACH SIGNS

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