Cooper Creek Barge to reconnect key freight and tourist routes

Wednesday 5 November 2025

Pastoralists and tourism operators, cut-off by the record flooding in outback South Australia, are once again reconnected with a new heavy vehicle barge securing the state’s beef supply and supporting local jobs in the tourism and meat processing industries.  

The $27.4 million barge, jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will allow for safe crossings in Cooper Creek until permanent road access is reinstated.

This is the biggest barge of its type in South Australia, capable of transporting a fully loaded A Double truck.

Its operation reopens a crucial transport route in the state’s outback for the movement of livestock and essential goods.

The barge initially opened for livestock transportation to assist in clearing pastoralist backlog. There are approximately 10,000 cattle dispersed across remote parts of the state due to the flood waters.

The flooding in the northeast of South Australia is the result of significant rainfall in Queensland earlier this year, causing major flooding in Thomson, Barcoo, and Cooper Creek. At its peak, Cooper Creek reached one of the highest levels on record at Innamincka, surpassing the 1974 flood event. The flood waters covered approximately 32,000 square kilometres, an area approximately half the size of Tasmania.

The Birdsville Track is a 517-kilometre road between Birdsville in south-western Queensland and Marree in South Australia.

It is a popular route with tourists as well as an important connection for the livestock industry. The commissioning of the Cooper Creek barge will return regular transportation to the region for the first time since the flood event.

The barge is constructed from 12 modular pontoons, which were first floated in the water and then bolted together. Two cranes had to be transported to the site to help assemble the giant freight link.

Rigorous testing was undertaken before the barge opens to the public for bookings from today.

Throughout preparation works for the barge, the State Government has worked closely with pastoralists and locals in the area, to find an effective solution that responds to their needs and suits the unique requirements of the location.

To prepare for the launch, significant works have been undertaken on both approaches to the crossing to ensure the road is suitable for traffic when the barge is in operation. Additional works are currently being carried out for the next few weeks to maintain the road surfaces.

The government ownership of the barge will futureproof the location against future flood events.

An online booking platform is available on the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport website which will allow livestock owners and other barge users to select a timed slot for passage. Information on availability, cost and terms of service are also available on this page.