COASTAL WEATHER OUTLOOK for Qld — March 6th, 7th, 8th 2026

Mostly Unsettled conditions across Queensland this weekend

March 6th, 7th, 8th 2026 — Issued 7:00pm, March 5th

By Josh Toohey, Coastwatch

A turbulent few days are ahead for much of the Queensland coastline, with a developing tropical low, strengthening troughs, and shifting wind patterns shaping conditions from the Far North through to Southeast Queensland. Boaters should prepare for varying conditions depending on location, and keep a close eye on the position of the developing low through the weekend.

Friday: Early Impacts From Developing Systems

Far Northern & Northern Queensland (Townsville to Cairns):
A developing tropical low approaches the coast with strong to near‑gale winds up to 45 knots, elevated wave heights, and a storm tide close to the highest astronomical tide. Thunderstorms and deep convection dominate satellite imagery.

Central Queensland (Whitsundays south to Capricornia):
Northerlies strengthen on the northern side of the broad trough. Expect 20–25 knots at times, particularly closer to the tropical low. Wave heights will increase through the afternoon and night.

Southeast Queensland (Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast):
An easterly flow builds south of the trough.

Protected waterways: More pleasant, especially around Moreton Bay, Gold Coast estuaries, and sheltered canals.

Open waters: 15–20 knots, gusting to 30 knots.

Saturday: Trough Strengthens, Winds Expand South

Northern Queensland:
Strong northerlies remain in place as the trough shifts southward. Winds continue at 20–25 knots with rough seas.

Central Queensland (Rockhampton / Capricornia):
The trough settles near Rockhampton.

• This becomes one of the more favourable regions on Saturday.
• Some calmer breaks are possible compared to the north and southeast.

Southeast Queensland:
Easterlies persist but remain manageable.

• Winds: 10–15 knots.
• Best boating areas: Protected waterways including
  • Gold Coast broadwater and estuaries
  • Western Moreton Bay
  • Canals and estuaries on the Sunshine and Fraser coasts
  • West of Fraser Island remains the pick for smoothest conditions.

Offshore still sees elevated winds and wave heights.

Sunday: Forecast Depends on Where the Low Forms

A new low-pressure centre is expected to develop somewhere between Rockhampton, Fraser Island, or possibly further south toward Brisbane. Conditions on Sunday depend heavily on its exact placement.

General guidance:

If the low forms near the Fraser Coast (most current modelling):

• East and south of the low:
  Strongest conditions with 20–25 knots sustained, gusts to 40 knots.
  This would affect areas such as the Sunshine Coast.
• North of the low (Capricornia, possibly southern CQ):
  Calmer, more workable boating conditions.
• Offshore:
  Rough, with increasing wave heights and whitecaps.

If the low forms further north:

Windy zones shift northward toward Rockhampton.

If it forms further south:

The Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast could see the strongest winds.

Key Sunday Advice:
Check the Bureau of Meteorology synoptic chart before heading out.

North & west of the low: Calmer, more workable conditions.

East & south of the low: Windy, rough.

Early Next Week: Gradual Improvement

As the low moves offshore late Sunday into Monday:

• Monday:
  Still breezy with 20–30 knot southeasterlies, gusts to 40 knots at times.
  Offshore wave heights could reach 4–4.5 metres, easing closer to 3 metres along the Sunshine Coast.
• Tuesday:
  Winds and seas begin easing steadily.
  Still breezy but far more manageable than the weekend.

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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