Cooper Creek Ferry to run Today

Gday Stephen,
I'll be there next week - doubt I'll be the first EO up there.

They extended the ferry by 2 metres to 9.8m.....pity they didn't extend it another 600mm.

My Landcruiser and TVan comes in at 10.4 metres, so a simple combination like that still won't fit on the ferry. So we're heading up just for a look.

Thanks for the updates!

Cheers
Phil

Well, I guess that answers the question I had last week about if we should go up the Birdsville or Oodnadatta ... won't be able to take the van on the ferry, so Oodnadatta it is.

Stephen, how wonderful. Hard to believe that it is a year since we hd such fun camped at the Ferry!
Ian coming back from Birdsville this weekend for two weeks (get some more gear) - project very slow (far too much red tape)
0 degrees here and frost up to the bird bath at the side of the shed (only 8 degrees inside at the table as I write this) sun is shining on the top of the nearby mountain and looks clear and beautiful.
Off to work - love your reports - I have little time to be part of this at the moment.
Love to Fiona as well

Hi all,

just to confirm Stephen L's info the following was posted on DTEI's Intranet site today:

"Cooper Creek ferry back in service
Thursday, 23 June 2011 - Transport Services Division

Queensland’s floodwaters are about to hit the state’s outback and Birdsville Track, allowing the Cooper Creek ferry to be relaunched for the second consecutive year.

The department has extended the ferry hull approximately two metres, making it 9.8 metres long, to provide additional room for both the local community and visitors to the region.

The iconic ferry will be relaunched once floodwaters from Queensland close the Birdsville Track.

Modifications to the ferry will ensure the local community retains access to the Birdsville Track once floodwaters force the closure of the causeway across the Cooper Creek.

The ferry service will operate during daylight hours only, seven days per week, granted the weather is favourable. The ferry is powered by two 15hp outboard motors fitted on either side of the vessel and guided by cables between the banks. It can carry up to 10 tonnes with a maximum length of 9.8 metres for vehicle or vehicle/trailer combinations.

Conventional caravans are prohibited, however some high clearance off road vans may be permitted.

Operational restrictions will be in place with signage erected at both Marree and Birdsville to advise potential travellers of the arrangements once the ferry is reinstated.

During normal conditions, the Birdsville Track carries approximately 40 vehicles a day. The department continues to work with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor hydrological patterns in the far north.

Information is available online at www.sa.gov.au/ferryservices and also on the Outback Road Conditions website at www.dtei.sa.gov.au."

I trust those heading up there have a great time - pity work's got the better of me for the moment.

Thanks a heap for your regular updates in this area, Stephen. Your blood's worth bottling.

Charlie

A question for all you good folks. Do any of the creeks on the Birdsville Track require a snorkel to be fitted? On my fourby, of course.
Kevin