The destruction from heavy flooding continues in Northern Queensland, with about a metre of rain falling in nor-eastern parts since Friday

A woman has died when a rescue boat capsized, and homes are being evacuated in Townsville.

Sky News' Kaiser Shields says heavy rain and wind have damaged trees and roads.

She says part of a bridge on the Bruce Highway has collapsed overnight, isolating several communities.

It's the opposite extreme 2000 kilometres away in Victoria - where a three-day heatwave has caused raging fires.