Wet weather chaos in Mackay and Whitsundays with airport closed, roads flooded, and power outages

Roads to key tourism spots are blocked as one operator says it is not safe to be out weather “sightseeing” and planes are diverted across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. LATEST.

Cascading waterfalls are a main attraction in Eungella National Park but raging rivers and heavy have turned the scenic route into a disaster zone.

Multiple roads into area are cut while back in Mackay the airport is closed, and hundreds are without power as North Queensland is slammed with rain. 

Eungella roads are covered in torrents of water as Broken River continues to rise.

Oskar Krobath, who operates Broken River Visitor Information Centre and Platypus Lodge Restaurant said he had been keeping an eye on the area to make sure no visitors were stuck or stranded.

“I hope people are not going sightseeing or for a drive because it’s not very safe, there’s a lot of rocks and debris coming down,” he said.

Mr Krobath has been forced to close the information centre and restaurant for the day with the carpark already flooded.

He just hopes the water doesn't make it inside.

He said generally the water came up quickly and could cause some flooding but did go down quickly too so he hoped to be back up and running soon.

And when the sun does come out, it will be a beautiful time to visit the area.

“All the waterfalls going up the range are still running pretty heavily for a few days after the heavy rain event so makes it a nice, pretty place,” he said.

Flooding at Mackay Airport. Photo: Fritz Leitner

Inbound flights were forced to divert on Saturday as heavy rainfall impacted roads in and out of the Mackay Airport with all flights now cancelled for the day.

Mackay Airport posted to its Facebook that Milton Street, Casey Ave, Jack Connor Drive and the aerodrome were under with the afternoon high tide likely to impact water levels even further.

The airport’s CEO, Richard Barker, said the safety of passengers, the community, and stakeholders was their highest priority.

“Operations at Mackay Airport have ceased for today due to the water level within the aerodrome’s operational areas, caused by the ongoing weather conditions,” he said.

“Customers with flights departing or arriving at Mackay Airport are advised to contact their airline directly for additional information. “Please do not attend Mackay Airport today and follow the advice of local authorities.

“We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide updates via social media and on our website.

“Please take care, and thank you for your understanding and co-operation.”

Flooding at South Mackay. Photo: Jenni Wingate

There are numerous roads closed throughout the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, including parts of the Bruce Highway, and hundreds are without power in Bloomsbury and Homebush and conditions don’t look likely to improve this afternoon.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in Mackay, Sarina and Eungella as well as a minor flood warning for the Pioneer River.

Originally published as Wet weather chaos in Mackay and Whitsundays with airport closed, roads flooded, and power outages