Bellingen River Heights

This page shows a summary of current river conditions across our region.

You can also check the live flood cams for a number of rivers across our region on this page. Current flood status for key rivers in the North East of NSW are shown on the image below. It is important to note that the rainfall and river data shown below includes real-time operational data from automated telemetry systems and has not been quality controlled. This information is provided in good faith and should never be relied on when travelling during floods or heavy rain. Please always check with the SES before taking any chances!

We have added below the heights at which we believe significant local bridges are inundated. Because of changes in river flow and sediment deposition (or flood debris washed up against bridge supports) this can change significantly - if you know of any changes or corrections needed please email me at this address and I will update the site as soon as possible.

We have also added Recent Rainfall Data from the BoM on this page.

The Bureau of Meteorology provide more detailed live river data for the Bellinger and Kalang rivers as well as for the Never Never Creek (which flows into the Bellinger just above the town of Bellingen). The data is updated every thirty minutes. They use the following indicators of flood state:

Minor flooding: Causes inconvenience. Low-lying areas next to watercourses are inundated which may require the removal of stock and equipment. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.
Moderate flooding: In addition to the above, the evacuation of some houses may be required. Main traffic routes may be covered. The area of inundation is substantial in rural areas requiring the removal of stock.
Major flooding: In addition to the above, extensive rural areas and/or urban areas are inundated. Properties and towns are likely to be isolated and major traffic routes likely to be closed. Evacuation of people from flood affected areas may be required.

The flood heights for the Bellinger at Bellingen Bridge are:

Minor Flood Level - 3.7 metres, Moderate Flood Level - 6.7 metres and Major Flood Level - 8.2 metres.

The level of flooding in Bellingen depends on the flow coming from the Upper Bellinger (which drains the mountains to the West of Bellingen) and more immediately by the Never Never Creek (which drains the range to the North of Bellingen).

Lavenders Bridge in Bellingen currently floods when the level in the chart below reaches approx. 4.5 metres. At approximately 6.5 metres the Waterfall Way is likely to be closed at Camerons Corner, blocking off the town from the coast. At approximately 7.5 metres the Waterfall Way is likely to be blocked between Bellingen and Thora. Major Flood level is reached at 8.2 metres with extensive flooding and isolation likely at this height.

Live 4 days plot for the Bellinger River at Bellingen Bridge:

For the Bellinger at Thora the flood heights are:

Minor Flood Level - 3.0 metres, Moderate Flood Level - 4.3 metres and Major Flood Level - 5.8 metres.

Darkwood Road bridges in the Thora valley start flooding when the level in the chart below reaches approx.3 metres.

Live 4 days plot for the Bellinger River at Thora:

The Never Never Creek feeds into the Bellinger River just upstream from Bellingen. It rises and falls much more quickly than the Bellinger river (take care on roads in the Promised Land at this time - it is easy to get caught in quickly rising waters). Live 4 day plot for the Never Never Creek:

The Bellinger flows through Repton before arriving at the ocean. Minor Flood Level is 2 metres, with the Major Flood Level at 3 metres. Live flood plot for Repton:

The Kalang River is now included in the BoM Flood Warning System. We believe Moodys Bridge in the Kalang Valley currently floods when the level in the chart below reaches approx. 3 metres. As with other bridges this figure can vary significantly depending on local sediment deposition.

Live 4 day plot of the Kalang River at Kooroowi:

The Kalang River then flows through to Urunga. Flood levels are indicated on the live graph below:

Coffs Harbour has been subject to significant flooding from Coffs Creek on many occasions.

The current 4 day plot for Coffs Creek can been seen below:

If you have information about other local bridges that you would like us to include please contact us and we will add them to the site.

Further information on the BoM Flood Warning Service can be found on their website.