The fires have also destroyed homes and property AFP

Australia is warning of a “catastrophic” bushfire threat to its largest city Sydney and surrounding areas on Tuesday.

Residents in vulnerable communities are being urged to leave and seek shelter in shopping centres.

At least three people are dead and thousands have been displaced by a weekend of bushfires in Australia.

On Sunday more than 100 blazes were still burning across New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who was heckled by a climate change protester as he briefed reporters – refused to be drawn on whether climate change could have contributed to the fires.

“My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families,” he said.