After the Storm: A Photographer’s Look at Cyclone Alfred’s Impact on Gold Coast Beaches

There’s something timeless about the Gold Coast. The golden sand, rolling surf, and soft coastal light have always been the perfect canvas for capturing love, connection, and family. As a local photographer, I’ve spent countless early mornings and late afternoons on these beaches, creating memories with clients surrounded by the calm and beauty of nature.

But nature isn’t always calm.

When Cyclone Alfred swept across our coastline, it left a visible mark—not just in the sand dunes and shorelines, but in the spirit of our coastal community. In the days that followed, I revisited some of my favourite spots. What I found was both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring.

Before the Storm – A Photographer’s Paradise

Before the cyclone, our beaches were a dream backdrop. From the soft grasses at Tallebudgera Creek to the wide, golden stretches of Currumbin and Burleigh, these places offered something unique for every session.

Families playing barefoot in the tide. Couples wrapped in each other during golden hour. Children chasing seagulls. Each location had its own kind of magic—something I could rely on again and again when planning shoots.

The Aftermath – A New Landscape

In the days after Cyclone Alfred passed, I returned with my camera in hand—not for a session, but just to look. And to feel.

Where there were once soft, curved dunes, there were now jagged edges. Some beach access paths had washed away completely. The waterline had shifted, debris was scattered, and the light—still golden—felt different, like it was shining on a new version of something familiar.

Nature had reclaimed these spaces in a way that was raw and honest.

But even in that rawness, there was beauty.

There’s something powerful about change, and as a photographer, I felt a responsibility to document it. Not for perfection, but for truth.

What This Means for Future Photoshoots

If you’re wondering how the beaches are holding up—yes, they’re still stunning. Some areas are still recovering, but others have transformed into dramatic, moody coastlines that offer a completely new aesthetic.

The good news is: beauty always finds a way back. And even in transition, there’s room for magic.

For upcoming sessions, I’ll be recommending some alternate locations depending on the light and safety of each area. Some spots might surprise you—they’re different, but no less beautiful.

Why Documenting Change Matters

Photos are more than just posed moments—they’re time capsules. And not just for people, but for places.

This storm reminded me why I do what I do. Photography has the power to preserve memory, to honour change, and to celebrate resilience.

If there’s a place that holds meaning for you—especially now—I’d love to help you capture it. Let’s turn change into something you can hold onto.