Cyclone Deb bears down

ONE&ONLY Hayman Island is knocking back guest arrivals “until further notice” due to expected severe weather as Cyclone Debbie approaches.

Areas of Queensland are being evacuated at Bowen, Proserpine and Airlie Beach ahead of the potential Category 4 storm cell making land fall on Tue.

Hayman, which was struck by cyclones Anthony and Yasi in 2011 (and subsequently closed for several months), says it is working with authorities and “taking all precautions to ensure guest and staff safety”.

Daydream Island Resort & Spa said it had activated all steps in line with its cyclone policies and procedures and was “well prepared for these events”.

Guests have been advised to remain in their rooms or the resort’s Main Atrium for the next 24-36 hours, depending on the path of the cyclone.

Nearby Hamilton Island Airport has cancelled all flights today.

Flights to Townsville Airport have been suspended by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas today and tomorrow.

Jetstar has cancelled 10 return flights to Northeast Queensland (details HERE).

Virgin has a waiver on flights to/ from Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Proserpine, Hamilton Island and Moranbah up until 29 Mar ( HERE).

Tigerair has shelved flights to/ from Sydney and Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast (info HERE).

Royal Caribbean International told Travel Daily it was monitoring the path of Cyclone Debbie and had rerouted Azamara Journey away from Hamilton Island and Townsville, scheduled for Tue and Wed this week respectively.

P&O Cruises told TD none of its vessels were in the immediate area, nor any of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines group.