Cooper Creek flood response
Flooding in the Queensland Cooper Creek catchment, together with heavy rainfall in South Australia, has resulted in the creek flooding over the Birdsville Track.
Birdsville Track
Works to repair the Birdsville Track between Cooper Creek and Mungeranie have been completed following flooding earlier this year.
The Cooper Creek Causeway remains impassable. The Cooper Creek barge service has been reinstated for public use.
For the latest road condition information, visit the outback road closures and warnings page.
For information about the Birdsville Track in Queensland, visit QLDTraffic.
Cooper Creek barge service
The Cooper Creek barge provides temporary transport for people affected by inland flooding. This helps remote communities, businesses and travellers, and keeps the region connected.
Operating hours
The barge will operate 7 days a week at the following times:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:00am to 5:30pm
- Wednesday: 12:00pm to 5:30pm
Availability will be indicated at time of booking.
Book a crossing
The Cooper Creek barge service will be reinstated for public use from Saturday, 24 October 2026, subject to weather conditions.
You can book up to 14 days in advance. The booking link below provides information on availabilities, cost and terms of service.
We are currently giving priority to freight and essential services. If you can't find a booking on your selected date, please check a later date.
The barge may have to close for safety reasons, such as strong winds or severe weather. Booking slots are updated in real-time to reflect any changes. You can also check the outback road closures and warnings page for latest conditions before booking.
If road closures or barge maintenance affect your booking, we will:
- notify you by SMS and email
- process a refund.
Booking fees
| Vehicle length | Vehicle type | Fee (one way) inc gst |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 metres | Motorcycle | $10 |
| Up to 7 metres | Light vehicle | $26 |
| Up to 12 metres | Vehicle and caravan/ trailer combination | $41 |
| 12.1 to 14.5 metres | Medium vehicle, small truck or bus | $52 |
| Up to 19 metres | Heavy vehicle and trailer combination | $388 |
| 19.1 to 36.5 metres | Heavy vehicle and trailer combination | $775 |
Booking fees are subject to indexation and may change.
Fees will not be charged to emergency services, residents and workers of local pastoral stations.
Accommodation
There is no public accommodation at the crossing or camping at the crossing. The nearest facilities are located in Marree (south of the crossing).
Limits and requirements
Vehicle and passenger limits
Vehicles permitted on the barge include:
- light vehicles
- caravans and trailers towed by a light vehicle
- heavy vehicles (up to 36.5 metres long A-Double combination and a gross combination mass of up to 91 tonnes)
- buses with 12 seats or less, including the driver
- approved dangerous goods.
Limits per crossing:
- Up to 12 passengers
- Up to eight standard light vehicles or one heavy vehicle.
The number of vehicles on each crossing will be limited by the total number of passengers.
Drivers and passengers must follow directions from the Barge Master and crew while on board.
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods permitted on the barge include:
- class 2, 3, 4 and 9 goods
- fuel containers (one, secured 20 L approved fuel container per passenger)
- LPG or propane cylinders (9 kg for general use and one additional 25 kg bottle for caravans or campers).
LPG/propane cylinders must be:
- within the 10-year certification date
- secured upright
- properly fastened to the vehicle or trailer
- turned off.
If you plan to carry other dangerous goods, you must get permission. To do this, email DIT.CCBarge@sa.gov.au.
Public access will be restricted while dangerous goods are in transit.
Make safety your priority when you travel in the area
Due to floodwaters and weather, road conditions can be unpredictable and may change quickly.
Road users should:
- check the latest outback road closures and warnings before travelling and plan accordingly
- check the local weather
- drive to the conditions
- avoid closed roads
- follow traffic management directions.
Contact us
Phone: 1800 018 313