Hi All
I have again been asked about the
Cooper Creek ferry, so I have again spoken to Patsy and Etadunna Station and one of the chaps at the DTEI in
Port Augusta. (My usual contact is on annual leave, so I have spoken with someone new)
Speaking with Patsy first and she gave me the latest most reliable local details.
On Tuesday night they had 37mm of rain and today they had 25mm so far and it was still raining. The ferry was still running but for how much longer will be the big question.
My next phone call was to the DTEI, Northern Office in
Port Augusta. My usual contact was still on annual leave and I explained the situation and was put through to someone else in change. I was informed that the
Birdsville Track that has been under water is now officially open to 4X4 vehicles only because of sections still are under water, the water are at a safe depth to cross. Those that did not want to take the chance, the ferry is still running. When water levels do drop more, the ferry will then be taken out of service until the next body of water arrives which no one seems sure of just how long it will take. Once again it will be a guessing game with just how much water does come down still unsure, but it looks like that when the ferry does go back into service, it may run to
well into mid to late 2011. So at this very early start of 2011, it looks very much like the Track will be cut for nearly all the tourist season again and those that missed out in 2010, will have another chance again this year for a ride over the flooded
Cooper Creek over the
Birdsville Track.
My next question was the
Birdsville Track going to be closed, as it was still open . The chap was not aware of the rain around Etadunna Station and said that he would make a few phone calls.
The reason that I asked this question, was Patsy said that even though the Track was open, vehicles were cutting it up and Patsy thought that it should be closed to stop further damage. I notice now the whole
Birdsville Track is closed yet again due to very wet weather and muddy conditions on the full length of the
Birdsville Track. 2010 set records on the number of times the Track was closed due to wet weather and lets hope that 2011 does not follow in the same trend.
It is bad enough for anyone wanting to travel the Track, but the locals have had enough of the rain would love to see some blue skies to dry things out.
Until my next update, hopefully in early February with the very latest details and ferry figures.
Cheers to All.
Stephen