Tinnies have replaced cars as the main form of transport in Depot Hill after floodwaters transformed the Rockhampton suburb's roads into canals.
After days of anticipation and preparation, the Fitzroy River was edging towards its expected nine-metre peak late on Thursday morning, inundating low-lying areas and flooding more than 200 homes.
But many Depot Hill locals, known affectionately as "Swampies" because of how often the area floods, are going about their lives with the help of boats and kayaks.
Wayne Wisley took his wife and son from their house in Depot Hill to the edge of the floodwaters so they could go into town to do some shopping, before taking AAP on a tour of the flooded suburb.
He said the water was as high as three to four feet in some parts, which was deep enough the drive his six-foot tinnie down the middle of the street.
As the boat passed houses, some residents were out on balconies, waving and smiling, while others called out for a lift.
"I need to get to the shops!" one man yelled.
"I'll come back around and get you in a minute," Wayne promised.
Another said he thought about throwing a line in and catching some fish for dinner, but "to be honest I wouldn't want to eat anything that had been swimming in that", referring to the mud-brown floodwaters.
There were rumours on Thursday that a crocodile had been spotted in the deep water near the sports fields, but no one who spoke to AAP could confirm that. Authorities have warned crocs and snakes are a risk during flooding.
The flood line at Bolsover Street had become a makeshift jetty, with boats parked in the water and cars parked on dry land.
While most residents seemed to be taking the flooding in their stride, there were others who were less than enthused about the situation.
Nell, who didn't want to give her last name, said she had moved to Rockhampton from Redcliffe north of Brisbane just before the 2011 flood, and had now seen three floods and a cyclone.
"I reckon I'll go back to Redcliffe, we don't want to go through this again," she said.
Water police and SES crews were doing patrols through the area, while mounted police and regular cars ensured rubberneckers were kept to a minimum.
Police have already handed out a handful of fines of up to $731 for people driving past 'Road Closed' signs, and have urged people to stay away from areas they don't have to go.
The waters are expected to stay up until at least sometime over the weekend, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calling for a local Mud Army to gather once the waters recede to help Depot Hill residents clean up.
