Australia is now experiencing an El Nino weather phenomenon, which can provoke extremes ranging from wildfires to tropical cyclones and prolonged droughts.... The airport there will be closed from Thursday, while public events on the Australia Day holiday on Friday have been cancelled.... " Given the heavy rainfall, it's important that Queenslanders consider what travel is necessary in these areas from Thursday and throughout the weekend."( Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; editing by Miral F