Climate Risk in Applecross, WA

Applecross, Western Australia
Updated Mar 2026

Applecross is a suburb in Perth, Western Australia, that faces increasing climate risks. The primary concerns are coastal inundation, heatwaves, and flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Applecross Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Applecross, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Applecross

Flood

Applecross has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Swan River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Applecross is relatively low due to its urban location, but nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Heat

Applecross is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and frequency. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanisation

Coastal

Applecross faces significant coastal risks due to its proximity to the Swan River and the coast. Sea level rise and erosion are major concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Applecross

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Applecross is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and frequency. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanisation
  • ·Reduced green space
Data source

flood Risk

Applecross has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Swan River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Applecross faces significant coastal risks due to its proximity to the Swan River and the coast. Sea level rise and erosion are major concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Applecross is relatively low due to its urban location, but nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
  • ·Proximity to bushland
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase in the future due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to increased risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling options.
  • 4.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Install flood barriers

Near-term

Install flood barriers to protect properties from rising water levels during flood events.

Est. cost: $5,000 - $20,000

Learn more

Improve home cooling

Immediate

Install air conditioning or improve insulation to reduce the impact of heatwaves.

Est. cost: $2,000 - $10,000

Learn more

Plant trees and vegetation

Long-term

Plant trees and vegetation to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.

Est. cost: $500 - $5,000

Learn more

Elevate vulnerable structures

Long-term

Elevate homes and other structures in low-lying areas to protect them from sea level rise and flooding.

Est. cost: $20,000 - $100,000

Learn more

About Applecross's Climate Risk Profile

Applecross, situated along the Swan River, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to properties near the waterfront, with potential for increased erosion and inundation during storm surges. The suburb is also experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

Flooding from the Swan River is another concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other areas in Western Australia, the proximity to bushland areas requires vigilance and preparedness.

Climate projections indicate that these risks will intensify in the coming decades. Residents and property owners should take proactive measures to adapt to these changes, including investing in flood protection, improving home cooling, and staying informed about emergency warnings.

The local council is developing strategies to address climate change impacts, but individual action is also crucial. By working together, the community can enhance its resilience and protect the value of properties in Applecross.

Long-term planning should consider the potential for managed retreat from the most vulnerable coastal areas. Investing in green infrastructure, such as parks and trees, can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve overall quality of life.

Staying informed about the latest climate science and adaptation strategies is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring a sustainable future for Applecross.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Applecross?

The main climate risks in Applecross are coastal inundation, heatwaves, and flooding.

How will climate change affect property values in Applecross?

Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to increased risk of sea level rise and erosion.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can install flood barriers, elevate vulnerable structures, and improve drainage around your property.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Applecross?

You can install air conditioning, improve insulation, and stay hydrated during heatwaves.

What is the City of Melville doing to address climate change?

The City of Melville is developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Applecross, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Applecross's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

Climate Risk in Applecross, WA | ClimateNest