๐Ÿ“ฎ Warrawong postcode: 2502

Flood Risk in Warrawong, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Warrawong, New South Walesยท City of Wollongongยท 2502
Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.Updated 30 May 2026

Flood Risk Score

6.5/10

Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.

Key Facts

Flood Risk
Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Warrawong, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2502
Highest high-risk exposure
11.2% of land (bushfire)

Flood Risk Analysis

Warrawong, located in New South Wales, has a notable flood risk profile based on available data including proximity to waterways, elevation, and historical flood events. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) maintains river height and flood warning data for catchments across New South Wales.

Several properties in Warrawong have a history of flooding during major rainfall events. The council is undertaking studies to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce flood risks.

Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.

For a comprehensive property-specific flood assessment including address-level elevation data, flood overlay mapping, and insurance cost estimates, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool. General suburb data cannot replace a site-specific evaluation.

Warrawong sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 6.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 68.8% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Warrawong.

Warrawong (postcode 2502) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (11.2% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (9.9% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (6.5% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Warrawong โ€” individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Nearest WaterwayLake Illawarra
Elevation Range0-10 meters
Flood Zone ClassificationAreas adjacent to Lake Illawarra and creeks are designated flood zones.

Historical Events

2020
Moderate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in Warrawong, affecting some residential areas.

2011
Moderate

Major flooding occurred in the Wollongong area, including Warrawong, following heavy rainfall. Several homes and businesses were inundated.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Implement Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Develop a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal management strategies to protect against erosion and inundation, such as beach nourishment and seawalls.

Est. cost: Very High

Raise Community Awareness

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through public awareness campaigns and community workshops.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

City of Wollongong
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 30 May 2026

Explore Warrawong Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warrawong at risk of flooding?

Based on available data, Warrawong has a notable flood risk profile. Flood risk varies by address โ€” check your specific property for precise flood zone mapping and elevation data with ClimateNest.

What flood insurance costs can I expect in Warrawong?

Insurance costs for flood cover in Warrawong depend on the property's flood zone classification, elevation, and proximity to waterways. ClimateNest provides address-level insurance cost estimates based on your property's specific hazard exposure.

Does flood risk affect property values in Warrawong?

Yes, flood risk can affect property values in Warrawong. Properties in mapped flood zones may experience lower buyer demand, reduced valuations, and higher insurance costs. Lenders increasingly assess flood exposure as part of mortgage risk evaluation.

How does elevation affect flood risk in Warrawong?

Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within Warrawong typically have lower flood exposure than those near waterways or in low-lying areas. Address-level elevation data combined with BOM flood mapping provides the most accurate picture.

What share of Warrawong is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.2% of Warrawong in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 69.8% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform โ€” individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Warrawong Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Warrawong, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 ยท Australian addresses only ยท 8 hazard scores ยท Insurance trajectory ยท 2030 & 2050 projections