Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Major Flood Warning For The Lower Flinders River And Final Flood Warning For The Upper Flinders River
Issued at 12:02 PM AEST on Friday 30 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 51

FLOODING HAS NOW EASED AT RICHMOND
MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AT WALKERS BEND
River level rises are occurring along the Flinders River downstream of Richmond following moderate to heavy rainfall earlier in the week. The river level at Richmond along the Flinders River is estimated to have fallen below the minor level Friday morning and will remain below the minor level through the weekend. Further rainfall is forecast from early next week. This may result in renewed river level rises. The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be issued as required.
Further downstream, a renewed peak was observed on Thursday afternoon at Walkers Bend, where major flooding is expected to continue for the next few days. Renewed river rises are expected as upstream flows arrive, but these are not expected to exceed river levels observed earlier this month.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria.

Flinders River to Richmond:
Flooding has now eased along the upper Flinders River at Richmond.
No observations are currently available for the Flinders River at Richmond Post Office. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is expected to be below the minor flood level (5.00 m) and falling.
The Flinders River at Richmond Post Office is likely to remain below the minor flood level (5.00 m) through the weekend.

Flinders River downstream of Richmond:
Major flooding is occurring along the lower Flinders River at Walkers Bend.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is currently at 8.66 m and steady, with major flooding.
The Flinders River at Walkers Bend is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.00 m) for the next few days. Further rises are likely as upstream flows arrive.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 01:00 PM AEST on Monday 02 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Flinders River at Glendower Crossing,1.05,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Porcupine Creek at Mt Emu Plains,1.86,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Flinders River at Punchbowl,5.27,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Flinders River at Etta Plains,4.48,rising,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Julia Creek,1.41,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Gilliat River at Wills Development Road,3.49,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Cloncurry River at Cloncurry,1.14,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Cloncurry River at Canobie,2.29,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Flinders River at Walkers Bend,8.66,steady,11:00 am Fri 30/01/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations

Minor Flood Warning For The Diamantina River
Issued at 11:09 AM AEST on Friday 30 January 2026
Flood Warning Number: 34

MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT BIRDSVILLE DURING NEXT WEEK
River levels remain elevated along the Diamantina River, where the main flood peak is downstream of Monkira and slowly approaching Birdsville. Minor flooding is likely to develop at Birdsville during next week.
River levels at Diamantina Lakes remain above the moderate flood level and the causeway.

Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes:
The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is currently at 4.85 m and steady, above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) and above the level of the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m).
Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes:
River level rises are occurring along the lower Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes. Minor flooding is continuing at Monkira.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station was at 1.80 m and steady on Wednesday, below the minor flood level.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) during next week. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 12:00 PM AEST on Monday 02 February 2026.

Latest River Heights:
Mills Creek at Oondooroo,1.43,steady,10:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,4.85,steady,10:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Diamantina River at Monkira,3.77,steady,9:00 am Fri 30/01/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,1.80,steady,9:00 am Wed 28/01/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville,2.10,steady,9:55 am Fri 30/01/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.