Birdsville Track In SA Re-opens
The final remaining closed section of the Birdsville Track in South Australia is now open to road users following the completion of minor works near the Cooper Creek causeway.
The re-opening of this final five-kilometre section will allow freight operators, locals, and tourists with heavy vehicles and 4WDs to fully access the Birdsville Track in South Australia.
This important development means use of the Cooper Creek Barge is no longer required.
The $27.4 million barge, jointly funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements transported approximately 13,200 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.
With the barge wholly owned by the State Government as a long-term investment, it will be ready to operate and minimise disruption during any future major flood events if required.
The operation of the barge provided a vital lifeline when implemented last year, particularly for the livestock and freight industry, who would have otherwise needed to detour hundreds of kilometres to reach Adelaide or sell their cattle in Queensland – significantly impacting the South Australian economy.
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 traveling in the state’s far north and outback should check the Outback Roads website at dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads for the most up-to-date information, including any closures or warnings in place.
It is important to always drive to the conditions and take particular care when traveling at night where visibility may be reduced and wildlife can be more active.
Road users are also advised the Birdsville Track remains closed in Queensland.
As put by Emily Bourke
It’s great to see the final section of the Birdsville Track in South Australia re-open, restoring a vital road link for freight operators, locals and visitors in the state’s far north.
The Cooper Creek barge played a critical role while the track was flooded, transporting thousands of passengers and cattle – keeping livestock and freight moving and protecting South Australian jobs and industry.
As a government-owned asset, the barge is ready to deploy quickly during future major flood events.
If you’re traveling in the outback, please take care as conditions can change quickly.