The most devastating flood in Melbourne’s history was a catastrophe that left scars. But it also laid the foundation for a transformed city.

Unparalleled devastation

The rivers – including the Yarra – burst their banks, creating a vast inland sea from Toorak to Warrandyte.

At the Johnston Street bridge connecting Abbotsford and Kew, a record-breaking 11.9 metre river reading was a stark reminder of the flood’s unparalleled size.

As a result:

• Suburbs were cut off from each other and became inaccessible
• Infrastructure Melbourne relied on was washed away: roads were underwater, bridges were torn down and tramlines were severed
• Property and livelihoods were destroyed: 400 homes were damaged and fields of crops were wiped out
• More than 6,000 people were left homeless and tragically, 36 lives were lost

Amid the devastation, stories appeared that illustrated the human spirit: from the desperate efforts to save homes, machinery and livestock in Heidelberg, to police rescuing families stranded on their rooftops.

A path of resilience and innovation

This catastrophe could have left Melbourne in despair, but was instead a catalyst for reimagining the urban landscape.

To prevent such widespread devastation from reoccurring, city planners created a development boundary along the edge of the flood-prone area. This ensured that houses and new development would be built outside of the area where possible.

This decision led to many of Melbourne’s cherished parks and open spaces that we now find along the lower Yarra. Areas once inundated by floodwaters are now sports ovals, golf courses and public gardens – more suitable uses for a flood-prone area.

The flood also spurred changes in urban flood planning, driving a clearer understanding of hydrological impacts and the need to balance development with environmental foresight. Drainage systems were also improved, and flood mitigation strategies embraced.