Does Australia really flood that often? Do I really need to check flood risk when looking for a home?

Yes, we recommend it. Australia experiences both river flooding and flash rainfall flooding frequently, and large-scale damage recurs, as with the major 2022 floods in the east. In flood-prone areas, premiums may be high or flood cover excluded, and when flooding hits, the risk of losing belongings and having to evacuate is significant. Fortunately, the government publishes free official maps, so a few minutes of checking before you rent or buy can prevent major losses.

Where do I view flood maps? Are they free?

Each state government and local council (council) publishes free official flood maps. In this guide's 'Finding the flood map for your area,' selecting your state links you straight to that state's official viewer (for example, NSW Planning Portal, QLD FloodCheck, VIC VicPlan). AUWith does not make its own judgement and only guides you to the official government maps — because the most current and accurate information is maintained by the relevant government.

What does '100-year flood (1% AEP)' mean? Does it come once in 100 years?

No. 1% AEP means 'there is a 1% chance each year of a flood of about that size.' It is not 'once in 100 years' — because it is an independent 1% chance every year, it can even happen in two consecutive years. 5% AEP (a 20-year flood) is a flood that happens more often. A larger number means a more common flood, so read the AEP notation on the map with this meaning.

If the official map shows no flood marking, is that home safe?

The absence of a marking does not guarantee safety. It may be that no flood study has yet been carried out for that area, or that there is past flooding that went unrecorded. If there is no marking, ask the council's flooding team directly whether there is a flood study for that address and whether there are any historical flood records. No third-party site, including AUWith, can declare an address 'safe.'

I'm a tenant — do I still need to check flood risk?

Yes. Tenants face the loss of belongings and evacuation risk from flooding just the same. Before signing, ask the landlord or agent about the property's flood history and confirm it on the official maps. It's also wise to check in advance whether your contents (contents) insurance includes flood cover, and whether it's safe to keep valuables in a basement or garage.

How do I check flood insurance?

Before signing, get a quote from an insurer to confirm whether your home and contents insurance includes flood (flood) cover and what it costs. In high-risk areas, premiums may be much higher or flooding may be excluded from cover — and this in itself indirectly tells you the level of risk at that address. You can learn how flood insurance works on the government site Moneysmart (ASIC).

Where can I see whether there's a flood warning in our area right now?

Real-time flood warnings and forecasts are available state by state from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Selecting your state in this guide's search links you to BOM's warning page for that state. During the wet season, check these real-time warnings and guidance from your state SES (State Emergency Service) rather than a historical map, and never cross a flooded road.

How to Check Flood Risk in Australia — On Official Maps Before You Move, Rent or Buy - Cairns

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How to Check Flood Risk in Australia — Verify an Address on Official Government Maps Before You Move, Rent or Buy

Before you rent or buy a home, here is how to use official government maps to check whether that address has flooded in the past or sits in a flood-risk area. Choose your state in the search below and you'll be taken to that state's official flood map. This guide explains the difference between the three kinds of flood maps (historical extent, hazard overlays, and real-time warnings), how to read them, and what else to check before signing a contract. AUWith does not judge whether any address is safe — always confirm for yourself on the official maps.

Life in Australia Guide

How to Check Flood Risk in Australia — Verify an Address on Official Government Maps Before You Move, Rent or Buy

How to Check Flood Risk in Australia — Verify an Address on Official Government Maps Before You Move, Rent or Buy

Why check flood risk

What this guide can and cannot do

The three kinds of flood maps — don't mix them up

Why the three are kept separate

Finding the flood map for your area

What to look for on the map

Extra checks before renting or buying

Practical cautions

Reference links (flood data is updated, so check the latest version when you visit)

Frequently Asked Questions