Simpson Crossing late April 2011

Eyre Creek will not be passable until July on present estimations. A heap of water has yet to come down.

I'd watch that South to Birdsville from Mungerannie rumor tells me river flooding out near blue ute.
Major flooding still in system from Marion Downs in the Eyre Creek and even though not major but still very much flooding the Diamintina is still coming down from the Diamantina Lakes it will be another 6 - 8weeks before the flood water passes past from up there and then it needs to dry.
I have had 2 fly overs up near Goyders and there is a lot of water.
Try ringing Birdsville info centre really informative as well.

Not sure where you got the idea you could get into Birdsville from the south - seeing as there is still water over the road into Birdsville. There is a rumour going around that the supply truck is coming up from Adelaide this week - we couldn't get into Birdsville from east last weekend and had to do enormous detour via Winton , east of Boulia, east of Bedourie, east of Lake Machattie (no fuel from Winto on) and into Birdsville from the north.
Came out vie east of Lake Machattie turn right along Bedourie to Windorah - , through the water at Monkira and on.
This weekend making attempt at going straight into Birdsville from the east, watching the levels in the Diamantina each day though - and not so heavily laden as last week.
As for Big Red - not a hope in heck. Not even using the local knowledge of overlanding on the dunes - that's why in a previous post yesterday or the day before I have said that my Easter camp will be in the dune behind the Tip - who cares, it's closer to the Desert than I am at the moment and I will still be able to see all the stars and if I'm bored sitting in the camp I can work out ways to catch the long-haired rats that are running rife in town. What a way to spend Easter - YES!
As I will be there with camera and computer (and now mobile phone of all things) I will put up some photos - too much water to be able to go fishing (hoping the yabbie hole is ok though) and give you first hand.
Don't stress about the Desert trips there is nothing wrong with going in and back out via the western side - there are still a number of tracks you can do without going back over. Just a matter of planning - having enough fuel - being open to anything that happens (including good experiences) - becuase Birdsville will always be there, Big Red will always be there and doesn't have to be experienced ONLY in a desert crossing (still think there are better ones in the Desert, especially down the eastern end of the Rig Road when it has been a blowy summer - they are GOOD.)
Have fun - let you all know.

Well everyone - the weather is STUNNING! Clear no sign of rain, light southerly blowing, cool mornings, beautiful days and gloriously starry night with a waning full moon (now not so full). Plenty of tourists around, muddy vehicles, quite a few caravans.
You can get within two sand dunes of Big Red (that is travelling on the road), I'm going adventuring tomorrow to see what there is to see.
Yabbies are scarce - got enough big ones for a good feed in white curry sauce last night.
Diamantina is just under the bridge and flowing very quickly. Flying out was fantastic - over Wivenhoe and Somerset - then over the channels and the Cooper - everything so green, even the gibbers.

Thanks all. Just returned from the Simpson entering from the West. Very green, sand firm, great fun.
Cheers