aussie storm One of Australia's most famous beaches, Byron Bay, has all but disappeared

Byron Bay's famous beach has all but disappeared, as storms have thrashed the coasts of New South Wales and south east Queensland.

So called “king tides” have caused severe coastal erosion and the beach has been completely covered by the sea.

Main Beach at the popular tourist destination in northern New South Wales state, has all but disappeared, Byron Mayor Simon Richardson told media.

Television news footage showed a concrete walkway along the beach collapsing into the sea.

"Right now, around Byron, we've got some severe weather, massive swells, we're watching our beach disappear," he said.

Sandbags are being used to try and protect businesses on the coast, including Beach Restaurant, which remained open despite the battering.

Owner Ben Kirkwood said flood defences installed recently were doing their job.

"I would say if it wasn't for the wall we wouldn't be here right now. It's doing its job. Thank goodness it got installed when it did," he told Today.

"We're a sheltered area where we are getting a lot of onlookers coming to watch the show.

"Down the other area of the beach the Main Beach it's taking a hammering."

Byron Bay locals say damage to the town’s main beach is “the worst in a generation” as heavy rain, abnormally high tides and wild surf, combined with long term erosion problems, washed away much of the remaining sand.

Storms have battered a 1,000km stretch of the Queensland and northern NSW coastline for several days with conditions not expected to ease until Tuesday morning. Strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused damage and flash flooding in both states.

Online Editors