Helicopters to Extract Flood-Stranded Cars from Great Ocean Road Beaches

A large-scale vehicle recovery operation using helicopters is set to take place along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, as authorities continue clean-up efforts after flash flooding swept dozens of cars onto beaches and coastal terrain, disrupting tourism traffic and forcing major road closures.

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The recovery mission, scheduled for Thursday, 22 January 2026, will see helicopters lift flood-impacted vehicles from remote beaches and roadside areas where flash floods, triggered by record rainfall, left cars stranded and battered by fast-moving water.

The intervention aims to clear debris and assist in reopening stretches of the coastal road that remain impassable due to flood damage and safety hazards.

The Great Ocean Road, a world-famous coastal highway that runs between Lorne and the South Australian border was hit by severe flash flooding earlier this month after intense thunderstorms dropped heavy rain in a short period.

Local emergency authorities reported sudden inundation of rivers and low-lying towns such as Wye River, Kennett River and Cumberland River, sweeping vehicles, caravans, camping gear, and debris onto beaches and into surrounding floodplains.

In some areas, rainfall totals approached or exceeded 170–180 millimetres within hours, overwhelming drainage systems and causing the Cumberland and Wye Rivers to swell beyond capacity.

Roads were submerged, bridges compromised, and coastal communities evacuated as emergency warnings were broadcast to residents and holidaymakers alike.

To facilitate the recovery operation and ensure public safety, the Great Ocean Road will be closed in both directions between Lorne and Skenes Creek from early Thursday morning, with authorities warning that the closure may extend depending on weather and logistical conditions.

Motorists are being urged to plan alternative routes via the Princes Highway through Colac, a detour that is expected to add significant travel time for those attempting to bypass the flood-impacted section.

Victorian transport officials have also confirmed adjustments to public transport services, including V/Line coach service reroutes that will skip stops at flood-affected towns and additional coaches to support passengers between Lorne and Apollo Bay while the road remains closed.

Travelers are advised to monitor VicTraffic and Transport Victoria updates for real-time information on closures and detours.

Since the flash floods struck, emergency services and community support groups have been mobilised to aid affected residents and visitors.

Emergency relief centres opened in towns like Lorne, providing shelter, food, clothing and assistance, as floodwaters ravaged homes, inundated recreational areas, and trapped cars in dangerous conditions.

Authorities have also highlighted the risk of continuing hazards, such as landslips, debris fields, and unstable road infrastructure, which remain concerns even after floodwaters recede.

Local SES (State Emergency Service) personnel and police are urging residents and motorists to stay informed and exercise caution around impacted zones.

The Great Ocean Road is not just a scenic tourist route, it is a critical transport artery for coastal communities, linking residents, businesses, and visitors along Victoria’s rugged south-west coastline.

The flood events that displaced vehicles and disrupted travel underscore the vulnerability of vital road infrastructure to extreme weather, as well as the importance of proactive disaster management and resilient transport planning.