Birdsville and Big Red Update

If the ferry does run, roughly how long would it run for?? or how long do you think it would be needed?

Cheers

D

Hi Dunworkin
From local reports, the amount of water that is coming down the Cooper is equal to, or more than the 1990 flood levels. Back then it ran for 9 months, so it is the type of thing that is will not be over with in a few weeks. There is a very good chance that it will be like it for most, if not all the tourist season.


Cheers


Stephen

Thanks for that Stephen L, we are hoping to go to the Birdsville races again this year, going via the Simpson desert this time so we are watching with great interest as to how things are going over there, I also hope we get a ride on that ferry too, would be great.

Cheers

D

Hi Stephen

Does the "no trailers" mean that I cannot take my Trak Shak + Nissan Patrol over the creek on the ferry or are they meaning larger trailers??
Might mean yet another change of plans for the trip this year

Cheers

Thanks for the up dates Steve.

Hey Steve,
Not sure if you can help, but "IF" the ferry goes into action, how wide is the crossing and/or how long does it take?

I'm trying to guage if the additional time taken will impact our "Marree to Birdsville in a day" plan we have for early October.

Cheers....Fab.

Hi Russ, John, Fab and others.
I have received a phone call today from a very friendly lady at Transport SA. She said that they are updating their outback roads report when they know the true facts. She said that they are receiving lots of phone calls, but this is what I can report so far.

They are receiving varying reports as to how quick the Cooper is heading south, so it is now purely at the mercy of mother nature as to just how long it will take to reach the Birdsville Track.

The Ferry will be limited to one vehicle at a time, to a maximum length to 7m and no trailers, and maximum weight of 10 tonne. Where the ferry is located, the water depth has to be 3 m deep before the ferry is put into operation, meaning where the Cooper goes over the Birdsville Track, it will have then closed the track.

As for the Trak Shak type trailers, please give Transport SA a call to confirm there thoughts on this, but I am led to believe it is no to all type trailers. The direct line regarding the ferry crossing is (08) 8648 5231.

Fab, in regards to doing the track in one day, yes it is possible, but if you have not been on it before, do yourself a favour and break it up over 2 days minimum. There is a lot to see along the way and Mungerannie has great overnight facilities to break to trip up so you are not pushing yourself.

I will not be able to get any updates for just over a week, as we are off up to the Riverland for kayaking and hopefully more new Trek Notes.


Cheers


Stephen

Thanks for the info Stephen.

I'll give Transport SA a call closer to the time of the trip.

Cheers

Thanks for the update Stephen, I will be following the progress as it goes along, I am hoping that it is all passable when we are due to go over.
Cheers

D

If it gets windy the ferry won't run been hold ups of up to 3 days in the past it's all about $$$$$$$$$$

Hi Doug, I can't believe that is Big Red, geez wouldn't get up it now!!!

Cheers

Deanna

Yeh...seems to be lot of water around, but it won't take long to soak in,
By the way ...have you been watching The Biggest Loser, they started showing the series shot around here at My Bundy on Sunday night with a quad bike in my Bog Hole, if you missed it check the internet, if you can't find it email me.

.

No Doug not a biggest loser fan but will check it out on the net. Thanks

Cheers

Deanna

Doug,

I saw the shorts for that and it looked like the quad was sunk to the seat or thereabouts! That sure makes it SOFT!

Kind regards