The South Australian section of one of the nation’s most iconic outback roads – the Birdsville Track – has re-opened following the completion of minor works near the Cooper Creek causeway.
The re-opening of this final 5km section will allow freight operators, locals and tourists with heavy vehicles and 4WDs to fully access the Birdsville Track in SA.
This important development means that the use of the $27.4m Cooper Creek Barge – jointly funded by the Federal and State governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – is no longer required.
The barge has transported approximately 13,200 head cattle, securing the state’s beef supply and supporting local jobs in meat processing industries.
A total of 760 vehicles, including 330 heavy vehicles and 1295 passengers, used the barge during operations from early November 2025.
Given flood events have historically occurred in consecutive years (1974-1975, 1989-1990 and most recently 2010-2011), the barge will remain on site in the immediate future as conditions and water coming down from Queensland are monitored.
The re-opening of the Birdsville Track has been a high priority for the State Government, with works to repair the road surface undertaken as soon as the water had sufficiently receded.
Those travelling in the state's far north and outback should check the Outback Roads website at dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads (external site) for the most up-to-date information, including any closures or warnings in place.
Road users are also advised the Birdsville Track remains closed in Queensland.
