The NSW Premier says the tropical cyclone is acting like "a completely unwanted house guest" - arriving late and will stick around longer.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon, but direct landfalls are.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan discusses Tropical Cyclone Alfred and how the residents of Queensland and northern New South Wales are “anxious” about its arrival.

Some residents are evacuating ahead of the cyclone, while others are sticking it out and preparing their homes for destructive winds and heavy rainfall. As they gear up for what's to come, there's a mix of emotions.