On 25 June 1852, the Murrumbidgee River at Gundagai experienced an extreme flood that swept through most of the town and the surrounding countryside, leaving only three houses standing. In total 89 people died which was approximately one third of the entire population. Gundagai was later relocated to a higher and safer position.

On 25 June 1852, the Murrumbidgee River experienced an extreme flood that swept through Gundagai and the surrounding countryside.

The town had experienced flooding in previous years, though not to the same extent. The 1852 flood left only three houses standing. Residents sheltered in trees to escape the flood waters. They were assisted by local Wiradjuri men who navigated the flood waters in a canoe and saved residents from the trees. It is estimated that between 80 and 100 people died, which was approximately one third of Gundagai’s population at the time.

In October 1852, the New South Wales government met resident’s pleas to exchange land at risk of flooding for higher allotments. By 1860 the entire town had been relocated to Mount Parnassus.