Heavy downpours and powerful storms have battered Australia's east coast for several days, leaving Queensland and New South Wales reeling.
Intense winds and torrential rainfall have wreaked havoc on infrastructure and buildings in both states, triggering flash floods. In certain areas, coastlines have eroded dramatically, with Byron Bay being hit the hardest.
Main Beach, a popular tourist attraction in Byron Bay, has taken the brunt of the damage.
"Our Byron Bay beaches are currently undergoing significant erosion," said Phil Holloway, Infrastructure Services Director for the Byron Shire Council, in a statement on December 15. "We're currently experiencing severe erosion along Byron Bay's beaches. Barriers have been installed to prevent footpath collapses and accidents."
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, over 900mm of rain has fallen in the area since Saturday, December 12.
Stephanie Heard, spokesperson for NSW Emergency Services (SES), stated that the agency had received over 1,000 emergency calls and carried out 18 flood rescues in the northern part of the state.
The SES has issued evacuation orders for some areas around Byron Bay.
"This storm will significantly alter the structure of Byron Bay's beaches," said Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW. "The impacts along the coast are immense. We've largely lost the majority of the beach."
Pearce added that Byron Bay is a beloved holiday destination for many Australians, with hordes visiting during the Christmas holiday season.
In 2017, CNN Travel included Byron Bay in their list of the world's best beaches. The following year, actor Chris Hemsworth told CNN Travel that he had relocated his family from Los Angeles to Byron Bay to lead a more tranquil life.
Further severe weather warnings remain in effect for the northern part of New South Wales due to heavy rainfall, unusually high tides, and dangerous surf.
Note: The provided content describes the impacts of heavy rain and storms on Byron Bay's beaches, specifically mentioning Main Beach. The article does not directly state that tourism in Byron Bay will be impacted, but the potential for disruptions is implied given the severe erosion of the beach.
(Enrichment Data: Tourism in Byron Bay has faced a variety of challenges including environmental impacts, traffic congestion, and uncontrolled holiday rentals. Solutions to these issues are being explored, focusing on sustainability and visitor satisfaction.)
