The Fitzroy River is slowly nearing an expected flood peak in the central Queensland city of Rockhampton.

The river has risen to 8.4 metres this morning and is with the latest weather bureau revision is now expected to peak at 8.5 metres overnight.

The 2011 flood reached nine-point-two metres.

Water has already crept into hundreds of yards in low-lying suburbs, and the Rockhampton Regional Council expects up to 1,100 properties are affected, but it is not expecting too much damage to homes.

Mayor Margaret Strelow says residents are well prepared and there should be minimal damage.

However, Banana Shire Mayor Ron Carige says flash flooding in rural areas has devastated prime cropping land.

"This is the land that this water's just ripped the heart out of so it's just dealt a massive blow," he said

The Bruce Highway is still open south of Rockhampton, even though there's some water over the road.

But the Capricorn Highway to Gracemere has been cut and several roads in Rockhampton are closed.

Fitzroy Hotel owner Tony Higgins says he expects to stay open during these floods.

"The old Fitzroy floatel," he said.

"I think after the last ones the Navy gave us a flag, one of the Navy boys who came in and he's written all over the flag that it's the Fitzroy floatel.

"He said that the Royal Australian Navy loves it becuase it's the only naval drive-through bottle shop, so no we're not going anywhere."