Fallen trees across the region have already damaged power lines, homes and cars, while the Gold Coast's renowned beaches have become steep sandy cliffs after days of relentless erosion.

The Australian prime minister has warned there is "worse to come" after a low tropical weather system brought heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to the country's east coast. Anthony Albanese said the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are already being felt across parts of Queensland and New South Wales,