With the influx of tourists and boaties to hit Queensland roads and waterways this weekend, authorities have warned people to heed caution and expect to be targeted for drink and drug-driving and speeding.
Thousands of people are expected to hit the road from Friday morning, heading straight for the Gold and Sunshine coasts.
Boulevard North holiday apartments manager Marion Simon said this weekend was due to be the busiest she has seen since she started running her Gold Coast business in 2019, and she had even had to turn away hopeful customers.
"We've had the amendments rights for two and a half years, and I've got to tell you we've never seen it like this.
"The amount of inquiries that we are still receiving and we unfortunately can't assist."
She said visitors were coming from both interstate and across Queensland.
"Most places (on the Coast) are running anywhere between 90 and 95 per cent (capacity).
"And all the other long weekends coming up, full, full full.
"It's absolutely amazing, wonderful to get into that vibe again."
Fatalities on roads, waterways always high
Meanwhile water authorities have urged boaties and anglers to take care on waterways, with fatalities having been in the double figures for the past three years.
Maritime Safety Queensland said it was launching a crackdown on dangerous boating behaviour, with patrols planned from Thursday Island to the Gold Coast.
Queensland and New South Wales police will also target motorists, with fatalities historically higher over the Easter long weekend, and hundreds caught drink-driving every year.
"Make no mistake that our police will be out and about this weekend to catch those doing the wrong thing," NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Glinn said.
"In addition to targeting drink driving, police will also have a focus on targeting drivers that are speeding, drug driving, not wearing seatbelts and distracted by mobile phones."
Gold Coast Water Police Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro said those heading out on the water should be wary that "conditions are not looking the best".
"We have between two to three-metre swell and variable winds between 15 to 20 knots from the south-east.
"And we want people to plan their trips and know the capacity of not only their vessel but also their own capabilities."
He said all boats needed to have a designated driver, and all necessary safety equipment on board, including life jackets, EPIRB's and flares.
"Skippers need to consider the weather and making sure they understand the rules and responsibilities on them," he said.
"Skippers should be logging on and off with authorities (such as coast guard), it helps us a lot knowing who is out there and having those contact details for that person."
Surf Life Saving Queensland's Nathan Fife said lifeguards were expecting beaches to be busy, too.
He asked families in particular to keep an eye on conditions and children, with two people already drowning this week alone.
“Check with lifeguards and make sure beaches are open,” he said.
"Enjoy Easter and don’t take risks, unfortunately we see people who take risks and it doesn't turn out well for anyone ... we don’t want to be doing any rescues at all."
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers from Friday through to Sunday for south-east Queensland and inland.
Temperatures will be below average for April, with cloud cover expected.
