On January 15, 2026, severe flash flooding, triggered by torrential rain, impacted towns along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, including Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, and Lorne. The conditions led to significant disruptions, including the closure of the Great Ocean Road, the inundation of caravan parks, vehicles being swept into the sea, and widespread power outages.
Event Overview and Immediate Impacts
Areas along Victoria's Great Ocean Road experienced severe flash flooding on January 15, 2026. At least three vehicles were swept into the sea at Wye River, and multiple caravan parks, including the Big4 holiday park at Wye River and sites at Carlisle River, Cumberland River, and Lorne Foreshore, were inundated by rapidly rising floodwaters. Footage shared publicly documented vehicles being carried into the ocean.
The Great Ocean Road was closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Wye River due to the extreme weather conditions. Approximately 6,500 homes in the affected region reported power outages by 3 PM. In Lorne, caravans were inundated by river flooding, and the town's only supermarket temporarily closed. One resident reported being isolated on their property due to weather-related damage, including the destruction of two concrete bridges.
Emergency Response and Warnings
The State Emergency Service (SES) issued a flash flood emergency warning at 2:36 PM for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne, and surrounding areas. Residents in these locations were advised to move indoors immediately to shelter from floodwater and to avoid entering floodwater.
SES crews were deployed to respond to individuals stranded in caravan parks by floodwaters and assist in moving people to higher ground. The SES reported no immediate reports of injured people. Eyewitnesses observed multiple fire trucks in Wye River, and the main bridge crossing the river was closed.
Rainfall Data and Contributing Factors
A rain gauge in the Mt Cowley area, west of Lorne, recorded 177mm of rain since 9 AM, establishing a new 24-hour record for the site since data collection began in 2000. The Bureau of Meteorology described the rainfall event as "very rare" due to its intensity.
The SES cautioned that floodwater can rise quickly and that the heavy rainfall increased the risk of landslides in the Otways. The impacted coastal towns are situated at the base of a mountainous forest area, a geographical factor identified as likely exacerbating flash flooding as water flows down from the hills. A south-easterly wind also contributed to large waves and hazardous coastal conditions in the Wye River area. While rainfall was expected to subside, flooding conditions were projected to persist.
Local Observations
Rebecca Scott, a camper at the Big4 park, reported the river breaking its banks around 1 PM, noting a rapid increase in water levels. This necessitated her abandoning a tent and camp equipment to evacuate. Her vehicle subsequently became blocked by rising water, prompting her to proceed on foot to the Wye River pub. Michelle Mackenzie, present at the Wye River pub, observed items such as eskies and chairs being washed away by the floodwaters.