The cyclone was upgraded to a category two system overnight and is expected to turn west “directly” towards the coast of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast later on Tuesday, with it about 560km east of the capital as of that morning.

Australia’s east coast is bracing for tidal surges, intense rainfall, strong winds and flooding as a cyclone is expected to veer toward the country’s third-biggest city.

As south-east Queensland braces for the dangerous Cyclone Alfred, the Brisbane art precinct including QAGOMA, poised on the edge of the Brisbane River, braces for flooding.

Cruise operators are thinking on their feet as the looming threat of Cyclone Alfred has forced some to change course.

In Brisbane, preparations are well underway for the arrival of tropical Cyclone Alfred. The category two system is expected to cross the coast near Brisbane late on Thursday or early Friday. Among those in the midst of preparations is Nadine Ramsey from the State Emergency Service in Brisbane and she says Queenslanders are also getting ready for what's ahead.

Residents are remaining alert with Tropical Cyclone Alfred currently tracking above the Coral Sea around 450 kilometres north-east of Brisbane.