Flash flooding in Victoria: Cars Washed Out to Sea in Wye River
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WYE RIVER, VIC – A scenic summer getaway turned into a scene of coastal carnage on Thursday as "tsunami-like" flash flooding tore through the popular Great Ocean Road holiday spot, dragging vehicles out to sea and leaving campgrounds submerged.
A relentless thunderstorm cell dumped a staggering 175mm of rain on the region in just six hours, triggering an emergency "Move to Higher Ground" warning for Wye River, Kennett River, and Cumberland River.
Cars swept out to sea
Shocked onlookers watched from the shore as the swollen Wye River burst its banks, transforming the local caravan park into a waterway. Dramatic social media footage captured the moment multiple vehicles were plucked from their parking spots and carried down the river mouth into the surf.
"Wye River has had flash flooding," local resident Michelle MacKenzie posted alongside a video of the destruction. "Cars washed out to sea from caravan park. Please stay safe everyone."
In one heart-stopping clip, a witness can be heard shouting, "There goes another car!" as a vehicle is swept past toward the Bass Strait.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Victoria Police and the Air Wing were deployed to the scene to assist with search and rescue efforts. Rescue teams are currently working to check dozens of stranded and submerged vehicles to ensure no occupants were trapped inside as the waters rose.
The Great Ocean Road—one of Australia’s most famous tourist drives—has been closed in both directions between Skenes Creek and Wye River. Authorities have warned that the extreme rainfall has significantly increased the risk of landslides and debris blocking the winding coastal road.
Towns on High Alert
The impact of the storm has been widespread:
Power Outages: Nearly 2,000 properties in the region are currently without power.
Business Closures: In Lorne, the local Foodworks grocery store was forced to shut its doors after water inundated the premises.
Ongoing Danger: VicEmergency has maintained a "Very Dangerous" status for the area, urging residents and campers to avoid all floodwaters.
"Floodwater can be very deep, rise quickly and move fast," a spokesperson for VicEmergency warned. "You are in danger. Avoid low-lying areas."
As the cleanup begins, the Otways region remains on high alert for further landslips. With more rain potentially on the horizon, authorities are urging holidaymakers to stay informed via the VicEmergency app and to never drive through floodwaters.
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