Flinders Ranges Condition Reports - Skytrek Willow Springs

Friday, 28th January 2011

The Cooper Creek ferry ceased operation on Friday 21 January 2011. The road conditions will continue to be monitored and it is expected that the ferry may need to be recommissioned when flood waters from Queensland reach South Australia in the next few months. While the ferry is out of action, minor modifications will be undertaken to increase the flexibility of this ferry if and when flood waters return.

Sections of the Strzelecki Track are still closed and the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks are open but have sections with warnings due to wheel rutting or washouts. Flinders roads are all open and in reasonable condition.

We are experiencing rather high temperatures, even in the Flinders region, so be sure to travel with plenty of water and check road conditions before setting off. If bush walking (not really a good idea at present) please carry plenty of water, only do short walks and do them early in the day.

Thursday, 13th January 2011

Welcome 2011! Happy New Year to all! The locals in this area are gearing up for another good year of visitors with more water in Lake Eyre. As rain is expected in the Flinders Ranges and Pastoral districts this week it is advisable to check road conditions before heading this direction.

Earlier in the week most roads were open, some 4WD only and others with warnings that included care at creek crossings due to wheel rutting and slippery sections. On Strzelecki Track and Birdsville Track several sections are closed due to rain. The Oodnadatta track has the Bopeechee to Roxby Downs and to Maree sections closed.

Heavy rain is supposed to fall on the Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta track and Strezlecki Track over the next few days. Please be advised they might be closed. The police say no people are allowed on the tracks until after the rain for safety reasons.

When the Birdsville track opens the ferry will probably be closed soonish as the track will be open. There is water inches over the road so one must take it slowly and carefully some detours are also in place. More water arriving around April and ferry will be open again.

Police are advising and asking motorists not to head towards Queensland until the devastating floods are over. Our thoughts and prayers are with those in these areas.

Thursday, 30th December 2010

Most roads in the Flinders Ranges are now open but some still with warnings so it is important that you take care at all times. This is due mainly to flood damage that has still to be attended to. No major wet weather but the springs are still flowing so quite a picture. For the first time in almost 10 years we can hear the frogs.

Thursday, 16 December 2010

On a trip north from Wilpena to Nepabunna it was so surprising to see the hillsides covered in pussytails. What a picture! This good season is just not stopping this year.

Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges are still closed due to flood damage and the Parachilna Gorge road is 4WD only and certainly in need of repair. Some of the roads to Arkaroola are still 4WD only as well so be sure to check locally before heading off north. Certainly much quieter on the roads now but the weather is still perfect so a great time to visit the Flinders.

- Brendan and Carmel Reynolds

Willow Springs - Skytrek
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
www.skytrekwillowsprings.com.au
(08) 8648 0016