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Aussie holiday hotspot facing disruption as severe tropical cyclone looms

Australian travellers are being warned of significant disruptions as two cyclones bear down on the region, including one off the coast of Fiji.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is currently at category 3 and is threatening to pass by the western part of the country, close to tourist centre Nadi.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has urged travellers to be on high alert, warning parts of Fiji could be smashed by strong winds, heavy rain and flash flooding.

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Beautiful white sandy beach and turquoise clean waters under blue summer sky. Vacation Paradise Fiji. Coast along Korotogo, South Coast, Western Division, Fiji, Oceania.Two cyclones, Cyclone Vaianu and Cyclone Maila, are set to hit the Pacific region this week, potentially causing havoc for Aussie travellers in Fiji.

The storm cell could disrupt transport and other essential services, the updated travel advice said.

"Know your accommodation's evacuation plan. If a cyclone is approaching your area, find your nearest shelter and follow the advice of local authorities," the advice on Smart Traveller said.

It urges travellers to contact their airline or travel provider if they are worried about plans being disrupted by the cyclone.

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The impacts of Cyclone Vaianu could be felt as far south as New Zealand.

It is expected to pass east of Vanuatu, another popular tourist destination with Australians, but will not make landfall in either nation, Weatherzone

But it is threatening to hit New Zealand by the weekend with Auckland, the country's largest city, in the firing line. 

Fiji's cyclone season lasts from November until April, and the island nation has been struck hard in recent years.

In 2016, Cyclone Winston, a category 5 storm, killed 44 people as it battered the country.

Fiji was hit by three cyclones in 2021, with the most severe — Cyclone Ana — causing millions of dollars of damage and killing one person.

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Australia's then-Foreign Minister Julie Bishop walks through a house destroyed by Cyclone Winston in 2016.

Another tropical cyclone, Cyclone Maila is currently tracking off the Solomon Islands and could hit Papua New Guinea.

The category 3 storm could still hit Australia, experts have warned.

It is then expected to move towards the Far North Queensland coast by the weekend, potentially making landfall over the weekend or early next week, Weatherzone's Anthony Sharwood said.

"At this stage, it is not known how strong the cyclone is likely to be if and when it crosses the Australian coastline."

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