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Road Closures and Track Conditions 11th December
Australia
Border Update -
Closed to international visitors (ex New Zealand) |
Australia’s international borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. |
Restrictions on New Zealand visitors |
New Zealand visitors (from non-hotspot regions) are permitted to travel to Australia without requiring quarantine except if they are visiting Queensland and WA. |
For more information refer to: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international-travellers
La Nina -
The Bureau of Meteorology announced the beginning of a La Niña on the 29th September, which most likely means a wet summer period for eastern and northern regions.
La Niña is a recurring event in our weather cycle, not to be confused with the warmer El Niño, that operates over periods of one to eight years. It manifests when strong equatorial trade winds change ocean currents, drawing cool water up to the surface in parts of the Pacific Ocean, resulting in a pile up of warm surface water east of Australia. This leads to a boost in convection that has a pronounced effect on the global climate.
Every La Niña event is different, but according to the BOM this time Australia is likely to see:
- More rainfall in Eastern, Central, and Northern Australia
- Decreased daytime temperatures south of the tropics
- More tropical cyclones
- Increased chance of widespread flooding
- Longer, less intense heat waves in south east of Australia
- Earlier First Rains across Northern Australia
- Less risk of fires in areas that receive more rainfall
Northern Territory
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
All arrivals to the Northern Territory must complete 14 days of supervised quarantine at your own expense, if you have recently been in an active declared COVID-19 hot spot (currently none -Update 9/12/20). No quarantine required for the rest of Australia and NZ (from non-hotspot areas) |
No internal travel restrictions |
There are no internal restrictions although any non-residents wanting to go into a remote community must still follow all the requirements of land councils and local communities, including checking if you need a land council permit to go there. |
For more information refer to: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine
Regional Update -
- A weak ridge over the eastern Top End is contracting showers and thunderstorms to the western Top End. A trough near the base of the Top End will cause a slow return of showers and thunderstorms across the Top End later in the week. Meanwhile, a ridge of high pressure developing over central Australia is contracting showers and thunderstorms northwards across the Territory before a strengthening trough over WA brings areas of rain to the Lasseter and Tanami Districts later in the week.
- With La Niña conditions, the weather is looking wetter than average over the next couple of months.
- Litchfield National Park - Flooding - Road Closed - Bamboo Creek and Walker Creek Day Use Access (Update: 09/12/20)
- Jim Jim Road - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Arnhem Highway intersection and Kakadu Highway intersection (Update: 09/12/20).
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Western Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Travel from Victoria and New South Wales into WA is now classified as ‘very low risk’. From 12.01am, Friday 11 December 2020, and subject to no further outbreaks, South Australia will move to ‘low risk’. Very low risk states and territories (No community cases in 28 days)
Low risk states and territories (Less than 5 community cases per day on a 14-day rolling average)
- Currently includes SA - Must not enter WA unless exempted. - Must quarantine for 14 days, unless exempted. |
Internal travel restrictions |
Travel is now permitted throughout all regions within WA, except for entry into remote Aboriginal communities. |
For more information refer to: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa
Regional Update -
- Kimberley:
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- A trough in the inland Kimberley extends through the North Interior and to the Pilbara.
- Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- Road Closed: Gibb River Rd from Kimberley Downs turn off to Kalumburu turn off - Flooding.
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- Pilbara:
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- A trough in the inland Kimberley extends through the North Interior and to the Pilbara.
- Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- Road Closed: Nanutarra Munjina Rd/ Bingarn Rd to Nameless Valley Dr - Flooding.
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- South West WA:
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- A ridge of high pressure lies to the south of the State. A deep surface trough lies near the west coast and remains near stationary over the next few days. The trough will move inland from the west coast on Saturday.
- Quite extensive road works being undertaken on the South Coast Highway over October and November.
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View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
South Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
No restrictions on Australian travellers and those from NZ (who haven't been in a COVID-19 hotspot area). SA and Victorian cross-border community members will be able to travel within a 70 km border zone, without needing a reason to do so. SA/VIC Border has reopened to travellers heading into SA. |
No Internal travel restrictions |
Travel within South Australia is unrestricted. People are free to visit regional areas. |
For more information refer to: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves. More rainfall expected in the north/central areas of South Australia.
Regional Update -
- A high 1022 hPa in the Bight will move eastwards to be over the Tasman Sea on Wednesday afternoon. A new, stronger high will move in south of Western Australia later Wednesday and then move slowly eastwards to be just west of Tasmania Friday night. A tropical low may move inland over the north of Western Australia on Friday.
- Birdsville Inside Track Closed due to flooding (updated: 9/12/20).
- Far North East of SA, Floods closures reopened, some tracks with caution.
- Road Works: Road Sealing - Strzelecki Track (472km). The SA government will seal the first 50-kilometres, Starting just north of Lyndhurst (until late 2021).
- Bore Track South – Closed until further notice.
- Open to 4WD - Cullyamurra Waterhole, Burke’s Grave, Queerbidie, Policemans.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Victoria
Border Update -
No Interstate Restrictions |
There are border closure ‘Colour restrictions’. Travellers from Green and Orange Zones are allowed to apply for a Cross border application, with ‘Red Zone’ visitors unable to enter Victoria (Updated: 02/12/20). |
No Internal Travel Restrictions |
Last Step restrictions are in place but the internal travel restrictions between Melbourne Metro and Regional Victoria have been lifted. |
For more information refer to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
Regional Update -
- A high pressure system centred near Adelaide currently extends a ridge over northern Victoria that will weaken today as a cold front moves over Tasmania, and another high moves well south of Western Australia. The front is expected to clip Gippsland and the southern coasts of Victoria early Thursday, with the high to then extend a ridge over Tasmania Thursday evening as it passes south of the Bight. This ridge will strengthen on Friday as the high moves eastwards, to be centred east of Tasmania on Saturday.
- Haunted Stream Track: Haunted Stream Track - Tambo Crossing is closed. DELWP are undertaking repairs. Re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions
- High Country: Seasonal Closures have finished, with tracks reopening from 30/11/20.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Tasmania
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
People travelling from all states (plus NZ) will be able to travel to Tasmania without being required to quarantine (Except SA). The Tasmanian Government opened the border to Victoria on 1st Dec. |
No internal travel restrictions |
No restrictions on internal state travel. |
For more information refer to: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
Regional Update -
- A high pressure system centred near Adelaide currently extends a ridge over northern Victoria that will weaken today as a cold front approaches Tasmania from the southwest, crossing the state overnight as another high moves well south of Western Australia. The front will continue northeastwards early tomorrow as the high moves south of the Bight, extending a ridge over Tasmania Thursday evening. This ridge will strengthen on Friday as the high moves eastwards, passing near southern Tasmania Friday night to then be centred east of the state on Saturday.
- Upgrading the Bruny Island Ferry Terminals. Construction of a second ferry berth to take place Sep 20 - Mar 21
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
New South Wales/ ACT
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Anyone travelling into NSW who has been to South Australia in the last 14 days must complete a NSW entry declaration form before entering NSW. Permits are not required for Travelers from other states and Territories. |
No internal travel restrictions |
There is currently no limit on the distance that a person may travel, however NSW Health recommends non-essential domestic travel should be avoided. |
For more information refer to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
More rainfall expected in most of New South Wales.
Regional Update -
- A high pressure system over the Bight is currently extending a ridge across New South Wales but will weaken later today allowing a trough to move through southern and western parts of the state on Thursday. At the same time, a new high pressure system is forecast to strengthen south of the Bight then drift slowly east through the weekend. This system looks set to be the dominant feature in the region for a number of days, and has potential to bring significant rain to parts of the coast, particularly in the north.
- Cameron Corner: Omicron to Cameron Corner - Flooding expected.
- Tibooburra to Wompah Gate, Silver City Highway: Has reopened. (Updated: 09/12/2020).
- Packsaddle: Yancannia Road - Mulga Valley To Cobham. Exercise caution, Allow extra travel time
- High Country: Seasonal Closures in place.
- Sturt National Park: Toona Gate Road is open with caution to 4WD's only.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Queensland
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
On the 1st December 2020 travelers only need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if, in the last 14 days, you have been in a hotspot or overseas and didn’t fly into Queensland when you arrived in Australia. |
No internal travel restrictions |
You can travel anywhere in Queensland for any reason. There is no limit on distance. You can stay overnight anywhere in Queensland for as many nights as you like. |
For more information refer to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/border-restrictions
La Niña -
More tropical Cyclones than normal. Prepare earlier - Rain expected a month earlier, more than 70% chance of above-average rainfall and increased flood risk.
Regional Update -
- A weak ridge lies over the northern tropics of Queensland. A trough near the central coast will move a little further north and gradually weaken. A high over eastern New South Wales extends a ridge along the southern Queensland coast, and this ridge will gradually develop along the tropical east coast in the next day or two. An inland trough will move slowly west into the central and southern inland over the next few days, and become active by the end of the week as an upper level trough develops over the south of the state.
- Cape York: Kennedy Developmental Road - The Lynd to Hughenden upgrade underway (Updated: 09/12/20).
- Gregory Developmental Road: Pavement Repair, Greenvale / Southern Cross, Works both directions Until mid Dec (Updated: 09/12/20).
- Fraser Island:
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Fraser Island: A Wildfire is currently active on the island.
Closed roads (From 25/11/20 until 12/12/20) include: Cornwells Road: between the Eastern Beach and Northern Road, Lake Wabby Road: between Cornwells Road and Northern Road, Postans (Poyungan) Road: 500m west from the Eastern Beach, Lake Garawongera Scenic Drive: west from Happy Valley. - Ungowa boat ramp is closed to all vessels, vehicles and pedestrians.
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Fraser Island: A Wildfire is currently active on the island.
- South West QLD : Tickalara Road, Orientos Road, Camerons Corner Road, Wompah Gate Road, closed due to Heavy rains/Flooding (Updated: 09/12/20).
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
For more state by state travel information head over to our Travel Information Hub.
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