Birdsville Tk & Flood Bypass Tk (South) - SA

The use of the bypass track gives access to a barge crossing over the Cooper Creek during floods when the Birdsville Track becomes impassable. The bypass is normally closed and is only open during flooding.

Floodings causing closure of the Birdsville Track have occured in 1990, 2010-2012, and 2025.

The Birdsville Track has been closed from June 2025 but the old ferry was not operational so there has been no through traffic until November 2025 when a new $27M barge was purpose-built and began operations on Wednesday 5th Nov 2025. Significant embankment works have been done to accommodate the new barge operations.

The new barge is built to carry heavy, long loads to enable movement of livestock cattle trucks and eventually, travellers. There is a fee to use the barge - and bookings need be made online. See link to check bookings. The Birdsville Track remains closed as at November 2025 and unlikely to reopen anytime soon due to the volume of water still in the Cooper Creek at the crossing of the BVI Track.

From the detour it's nearly 50 km back to the Track via the barge instead of 20 km with the Track open. The Birdsville Track is not expected to reopen before Christmas.