Cumulative rainfall totals of more than 200mm are likely between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts from Saturday to Monday, according to Weather Bureau forecasters.
Most of the rain is expected on Sunday, with a high chance of the Redlands getting between 40mm and 90mm in the 24 hours.
Jimboomba and Beaudesert are expected to get up to about 60mm.
Meteorologist Laura Boekel said it was expected to be a significant rainfall event and it would not be the time to go boating.
"Gale-force winds and dangerous swells will accompany the heavy rain, augmented by the approaching new moon king tides to result in significant beach erosion into early next week," she said.
"A severe weather warning will likely be issued.
"(It will be) stormy and unsettled across tropical Queensland for at least the next week, with potentially severe thunderstorms extending into the southern interior this afternoon.
"Cooler conditions are spreading through southern Queensland."
Ms Boekel said a tropical low about 500km northeast of Vanuatu would develop over the next few days, potentially reaching tropical cyclone status by early next week.
The system is not expected to move into Queensland waters over the next seven days.
Queensalnd National parks and Wildlife Service rangers have warned people to reconsider weekend camping options due to the weather.
A spokesperson said visiting parks was not a good idea due to the conditions.
"Walking, hiking, or mountain or trailbike riding could be extremely dangerous and cause significant injury or death," they said.
"There are significant risks to visitors from creeks running high and fast with the swift onset of flash flooding or from a tree fall.
"It is also very easy to fall during wet weather and it may be too difficult for emergency crews to reach someone in severe weather conditions.
"National Parks may be closed at short notice."
Visitors should visit qld.gov.au/parks or follow @QldParkAlerts on Twitter to keep up-to-date on conditions.
