The Municipality of Surf Coast Shire ranges from inland agricultural land south over the Otway Ranges to the coastal fringe of the Great Ocean Road. The major river and creek systems that are subject to periodic flooding are along the coast, with the exception of the inland catchment of the Barwon River. The coastal river and creeks consist of sand blocked estuarine systems that are occasionally opened naturally, but in general need to be manually opened. The other listed rivers and creeks can be subject to flash flooding.

There are approximately 25 named waterways, including rivers, creeks and water bodies within the Surf Coast Shire. The main waterway within the shire is the Barwon River, which begins with the Colac Otway Shire to the west and traverses its way through the Surf Coast Shire to the north and into the Golden Plains Shire and then on to and through the City of Greater Geelong, before it discharges into Bass Strait.

There are many waterways that begin and end within the shire, either discharging into Bass Strait or flowing into other waterways. The waterways within the Otway Ranges are short in distance and may be susceptible to flash flooding or short duration floods.

The lead time to respond to a flood event may be limited. All households and businesses at risk of flooding should develop an emergency plan and beware of their flood risk.