Floodwaters have reached the outskirts of Longreach in western Queensland after days of anticipation, as the Thomson River continues to rise toward its expected peak. The river reached 6.07 metres overnight and is forecast to crest between 6.3 and 6.5 metres later today, placing the region under a major flood warning.
Although the situation remains serious, the latest forecasts suggest the peak may stay below the historic flood level of 6.95 metres recorded in February 2000, the largest flood event in the town’s history. Local authorities say the slower-than-expected rise overnight has provided cautious optimism that homes and businesses may avoid significant damage.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Thomson River is currently at major flood level and is continuing to rise gradually. Meteorologists say the river’s peak is expected today before the floodwaters begin moving downstream toward other communities in the coming week.
Floodwaters creep toward Longreach township
The floodwaters have slowly spread toward the town’s edge, filling drainage channels and surrounding nearby roads and low-lying areas. While water has reached the outskirts, early inspections indicate that homes have not yet been flooded.
One of the key developments overnight was the reopening of the Landsborough Highway west toward Winton. The highway had been closed for about 12 hours as a precaution, but authorities reopened it early Sunday after confirming that floodwaters had not overtopped the road.
Longreach Mayor Tony Rayner said inspections showed water sitting high in drains and channels but still outside residential properties. He noted that the latest river forecasts are encouraging compared with earlier expectations.
The slower rise of the river has been a crucial factor. Officials had initially feared the flood could approach the record level seen 26 years ago, but current projections suggest the peak may remain slightly lower.
Heavy upstream rainfall triggered the flood surge
The flood event began after heavy rainfall fell across parts of western Queensland earlier in the week, particularly around Aramac and Muttaburra. The rainfall sent large volumes of water flowing into the Thomson River system, with fast-moving floodwaters travelling more than 100 kilometres downstream toward Longreach.
Unlike sudden flash floods seen in coastal regions, the outback flood has developed gradually, giving residents several days to prepare. That extended lead-in has allowed authorities to set up sandbag stations, warn communities, and monitor river levels closely.
The slow arrival of the floodwaters has also created dramatic scenes across the normally dry landscape. Wide stretches of water now surround sections of road and open country, creating what some locals describe as an “inland ocean” spreading across the plains.
Residents prepare after days of warnings
Local residents have spent several days preparing for the potential flood impact. Sandbag stations remain open throughout the town, and many people have used the time to secure homes, businesses, and equipment.
For some residents, the event has been a surprising introduction to outback flooding. Julie Lucas, who moved to the region earlier this year from the Sunshine Coast, said she was shocked by how quickly the water levels rose once the flood pulse approached.
She said there had been virtually no water visible just days earlier, but the river level increased dramatically within a few hours as the flood arrived.
Lucas said the property she currently lives in was flooded during the major 2000 event, when water moved through large parts of Longreach. With that history in mind, she has been carefully monitoring the river levels and preparing her property accordingly.
The difference between coastal flooding and outback flooding has also stood out to many residents. On the coast, creeks and rivers can rise rapidly after rainfall, but in the inland regions the buildup often takes longer, creating days of anticipation before the water arrives.
Locals observe the rising river
Despite the seriousness of the flood warning, many residents have taken the opportunity to safely observe the rare sight of widespread water across the outback landscape.
Mayor Rayner said locals often enjoy viewing the dramatic transformation of the region during what he described as a “safe flood.” Many residents spent Saturday driving around the outskirts of town to watch the slowly expanding water levels.
Wildlife has also appeared around the flood edges, with kangaroos and birds moving through newly flooded areas. Some locals have even taken the opportunity to drop fishing lines into the swollen river, making the most of the unusual conditions.
The flood has also drawn attention from visitors. Jim and Julie Curtain, travelling from the Northern Territory, said they were amazed by the change in the landscape. They described the outback as greener than they had ever seen it, with water stretching across areas that are normally dry.
The wind across the swollen river has even created small waves, giving the appearance that the coast has temporarily come to the outback.
Floodwaters expected to move downstream next
Once the Thomson River reaches its peak, the floodwaters will gradually move downstream through the river system. Communities further south may experience rising river levels during the coming week as the water continues its journey.
The flooding has also sparked interest in conditions further inland, particularly at Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Water flowing through central Australia has raised speculation that the lake could experience conditions similar to those that produced record depths during the famous 1974 flood event.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed through emergency updates and follow guidance from the Queensland Disaster Management network.
For Longreach, today’s river peak will be the most critical moment of the event. While the town remains on alert, the current outlook suggests the flood may stop short of the devastating levels seen in 2000, offering hope that homes and businesses will remain safe as the waters slowly pass.
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