The final section of the Birdsville Track in South Australia is now fully open following repairs at the Cooper Creek causeway. This 5km stretch restores full access for freight, locals, and 4WD tourists, meaning the Cooper Creek Barge is no longer required for daily transit.

The $27.4 million Cooper Creek Barge served as a “vital lifeline” during the floods, ensuring the state’s beef supply remained stable.

The Cooper Creek Barge has transported13,200 cattle and 760 vehicles since November 2025; preventing costly detours of hundreds of kilometers, protecting local meat processing jobs. 

In future readiness, because floods often occur in consecutive years, the State Government will keep the barge on-site for now. As a permanent state asset, it is ready to be redeployed if water levels rise again.

Advice to travellers and commuters: Track is open, but drive to conditions and watch for wildlife at night.     On the Queensland side,the Birdsville Track remains closed across the Queensland border. Updates: Check dit.sa.gov.au/outbackroads.

Emily Bourke Member of Parliament said,”It’s great to see… the final section re-open, restoring a vital road link.”

“The Cooper Creek barge played a critical role… keeping livestock and freight moving and protecting South Australian jobs.”

Emily Bourke MLC
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Photo: Department for Infrastructure and Transport