Delays at Cooper Creek Ferry

Hi Thomas,

I have actually just gotten off the phone with Bronwyn from the Birsdville Roadhouse. She advised that the delay was very minimal (if any) and not worth worrying about. I dont know how much will change in 10 days, but at the moment it is a non-issue.

Hope this helps.

Michael

Suggest you read the latest Exploroz newsletter 208 for great photos and information

Hi Thomas
The ferry crossing takes around 8 minutes, but the biggest timing is when you will be there????????

The first time we crossed from the southern side it was only about a 20 minute wait, as most people are making the crossing from the southern side.

The trip back over from the northern side was only less than 10 minutes.

The second time we crossed from the southern side it was around an hours wait, as there were 6 vehicles in front of us.

There are some big events up there within the next months, eg Lake Eyre Yacht Club Regatta, The West End Outback Odyssey and school holidays, which they are expecting big crowds.

On the Sunday of the long weekend, the ferry ferried the largest number of vehicle in 1 day, 44 vehicles and the operators did not have time to scratch themselves.

Outside if these times, it will be minimal. Do not be fooled by the number of cars when you get there, as there are a lot of vehicles that were just driving out to the site, just to see the ferry. The picture below shows such a crowd, with only 2 vehicles actually wanting to cross over.

Cheers


Stephen

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From memory when we crossed in 1990 it took approximately 2 hours from when we arrived at the ferry crossing till our group of five vehicles were all across. At the time there was only one vehicle ahead of us heading south and about five or six heading north.
As was discussed in an earlier thread in 1990 there were probably 24 vehicles a day crossing, now in 2010 there could be more than that in an hour in peak periods. Personally I don't think you would want to be there in school holidays or as Steven said when there are local events on. It could quite possibly extend to day(s) if heaps turn up.

Last Saturday it took us about an hour and a half to get over from the south side.
Didnt really notice how long the wait was as we were chatting with others waiting for the ferry.

On Sunday morning crossing from the northern side we were lucky and arrived at the ferry just as another car was coming off and drove straight on.

Definitely an experience not to be missed if you get the chance.


Rod

Thomas, I arrived back at 5:00 am this morning from spending a week waiting and watching - I have not checked Stephen L.'s stories and pictures yet but we camped together for a few days.
It is very important that MISINFORMATION not be put about = there is quite enough. As for the ferry - it was FANTASTIC! Those men on the ferry are doing a wonderful job - they go from daybreak to dark and if they can see the other side of the water then they will take you over or come and get you - their biggest restriction is Work Place Health and Safety compliance - and they are interesting and obliging.
If you have to wait 20 minutes at the ferry - so what - you are all on holidays and would normally stand around a camp site chatting to everyone else (well I hope would hope you did) about where they were going and so on. Do not believe the 'naysayers' (and there are a few around believe me) - it is the best fun. I was camped there for nearly a week - and watched what was happening.
VERY IMPORTANT - if you do happen to be at the ferry about lunchtime - would you spare a thought for the men on the ferry who get so busy they can't get back to camp so they really appreciate a sandwich and even just a cup of hot tea (black and sugar please).
Remember, you are on holidays - enjoy it all and take it in your stride. Happy travels to you all.
Ruth

Thanks for the responses. It could obviously get a bit busier over the next week or so, but it doesn't look to be an issue.
Appreciate the guys are working hard, and I'm more than happy to wait, was just seeking reassurance that it wouldn't be a 3 day wait!

Cheers

Tom

Hi Tom,
The delays are very minimal i have just read what others have said its all true just enjoy the experience. Ruth is very kind in what she said about the operators.
Ruth does very nice sandwiches i know as i was the first ferry master this time and i know Stephen enjoyed the paddle he had also.
cheers
Larry