“The waters rose four feet over the river bank and covered both approaches to the newly constructed road bridge in Fitzroy Street, and was within a few inches of the decking. A great portion of the town on the eastern side of the river was under water and several Derby Street residents had to vacate their homes. This flood is said to be the highest since 1864.”

The February 1864 flood washed away a substantial footbridge across the river in Fitzroy Street and caused serious loss of property, produce and fencing. The lower parts of Walcha were inundated with some houses having several feet of floodwaters in them.

The Public School teacher, Edmund Baines, reported that only half the normal number of pupils attended school in that February because those who lived in the western portion of the town were unable to cross the river safely.

John Connal, who arrived at Surveyor’s Creek in April 1841, wrote of two floods he witnessed.

He came close to drowning on August 25, 1843, while attempting to cross the flooded Macdonald River on horseback.

He said the river was about 130 yards wide at the time and he was carried a fair way down the river before being dislodged by his frightened mount.

He struck out for the nearest bank but was carried a further 100 yards down river before managing to scramble to safety. The horse also survived.

Connal was out in stormy weather early in December 1843 searching for strayed livestock and was preparing to camp for the night.

He said: “I was making a pot of tea when I heard a tremendous roaring, as if the rocks on the hills were tumbling down. I ran to see what was happening and there was a six-foot high torrent rushing down the creek, carrying immense trees and logs. It was the grandest sight I have ever seen on land.”