Flood Risk in Manly, QLD: 2026 Assessment
Flood Risk Score
6.5/10Manly is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas near the coast. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Key Facts
- Flood Risk
- Manly is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas near the coast. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Manly, QLD
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 4179
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 13.2% of land (bushfire)
Flood Risk Analysis
Manly, located in Queensland, 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 Queensland.
Manly has experienced several significant flood events in the past, highlighting its vulnerability to flooding.
Manly is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas near the coast. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
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.
Manly sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 11.6% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 59.7% 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 Manly.
Manly (postcode 4179) 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 (13.2% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (13.2% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (11.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Manly 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
Historical Events
The 2011 Brisbane floods caused significant inundation in Manly, affecting homes and businesses.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve drainage infrastructure
ImmediateUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Develop a heatwave preparedness plan
Near-termImplement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Implement coastal protection measures
Near-termConstruct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and sea level rise.
Est. cost: Very High
Raise awareness about climate risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Manly Risk Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manly at risk of flooding?
Based on available data, Manly 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 Manly?
Insurance costs for flood cover in Manly 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 Manly?
Yes, flood risk can affect property values in Manly. 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 Manly?
Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within Manly 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 Manly is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13.2% of Manly in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 81.7% 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 Manly Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Manly, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
What A$69 could save you from
*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