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Road Closures & Track Conditions- 12th February
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 |
The safe travel zone allowing quarantine free travel from New Zealand to Australia resumed at 14:00 AEDT on Sunday 31 January. |
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 2020, 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 (VIC Hotspots include: Maidstone, Sunbury, Sunshine, Taylors Lakes, THE HOLIDAY INN at Melbourne Airport (Hotel) updated 11/02/21. |
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 tropical low over Western Australia is dragging tropical moisture into central Australia with showers and thunderstorms spreading throughout the Territory. Later today trough will approach the southwest and interact with the remnants of the tropical low, increasing the chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain in the Lasseter District. A ridge developing across central Australia during the weekend will contract thunderstorms northwards again. Meanwhile, another trough forming in the Gulf of Carpentaria is expected to move westwards across the Top End during the weekend.
- With La Niña conditions, the weather is looking wetter than average over the next couple of months.
- Vaughan Springs Property Access - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Tanami Road intersection and Vaughan Springs station.
- Sandover Highway - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Ammaroo and Eelkedra.
- Nathan River Road - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Ryans Bend road intersection and Roper Highway.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Western Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Effective Thursday, February 4, travel from NSW and VIC is permitted, subject to 14 days of self-quarantine and COVID-19 testing. Travel from VIC, NSW into WA is now classified as ‘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)
Medium risk states and territories
(Last Update: 11/2/21) |
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 broad trough lies over the Pilbara and extends to a weakening tropical low over the northern Interior. The tropical low will continue to move slowly south and weaken further during Thursday before contracting east on Friday.
- Low/Moderate Fire risk.
- Warm - Hot temps expected with a chance of showers/thunderstorms throughout the week.
- Road Closed: Gibb River Rd from Mount Barnett to Pentecost River - Flooding (updated: 11-02-21).
- Pilbara:
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- A broad trough lies over the Pilbara and extends to a weakening tropical low over the northern Interior. The tropical low will continue to move slowly south and weaken further during Thursday before contracting east on Friday.
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Fire Risk:
-East Pilbara Coast: Low-Moderate
-West Pilbara Coast: High
-East Pilbara Inland: Low-Moderate
-Ashburton Inland: High
-Exmouth Gulf Coast: Very High - Partly cloudy and sunny with a chance of Showers/thunderstorms throughout the week.
- Road Closed: North West Coastal Hwy from Blowholes Road to Burkett Road - Flooding (Updated: 11/02/21)
- South West WA:
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- A ridge of high pressure is developing near the south coast and will be the dominant feature during Thursday and Friday. A high pressure system will move into the Bight during Saturday and a trough will form near the west coast. The trough will deepen further on Sunday near the west coast.
- Low-Moderate Fire risk.
- Quite extensive road works being undertaken on the South Coast Highway over October and November.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
South Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
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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 -
- An intense low pressure system at or below 990 hPa to the west southwest of Kangaroo Island at 4 am, is forecast to move eastwards south of the Island this morning and then southeastwards to be centred near Carpenter Rocks late evening. The low will move further southeastwards overnight, then a high pressure ridge will extend over waters south of the Bight during the weekend and persist into early next week.
- Birdsville Inside Track Closed due to flooding (updated: 11/2/20).
- Flinders ranges Floods closures (Southern Flinders), some tracks open with caution. (updated: 11/2/20).
- Road Works: Road Sealing - Strzelecki Track (472km). The SA government will seal the first 50-kilometres, Starting just north of Lyndhurst (until late 2021).
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Victoria
Border Update -
No Interstate Restrictions |
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No Internal Travel Restrictions |
There are no internal travel restrictions. |
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 east of Tasmania extends a ridge along the NSW coast. A low pressure trough over South Australia will enter western Victoria later today as a low pressure system moves southwest of Tasmania. The trough and an associated cold front will clear eastern Victoria on Friday. A high building from the west will extend across Bass Strait on Saturday and consolidate on Sunday as it approaches the southwest of the state.
- Haunted Stream Track: Haunted Stream Track - Tambo Crossing is closed. DELWP are undertaking repairs. Reopening 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 |
Travellers who have only spent time in a low-risk area in the 14 days before arriving in Tasmania do not need to quarantine when they arrive, (excluding the high-risk areas). |
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 lies to the east of Tasmania. Northerly winds will strengthen today ahead of an approaching cold front. The front will cross Tasmania Friday morning, followed by a trough in the westerly flow. Another cold front will cross Saturday morning, with a trough to then linger about the north as a ridge of high pressure extends over the south. The ridge will lie over Tasmania on Sunday while a cold front will move to the south of the state late.
- 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 -
No Interstate Restrictions |
Travelers from other Australian States and Territories, who have not been overseas, may enter without applying for a permit. Guidelines in place for travellers from interstate hotspots. |
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 near Tasmania is extending a ridge along the New South Wales coast while a weak trough lies over the west. The high will move eastwards across the Tasman Sea over the next few days. A new low pressure trough will move eastwards across the state from Friday, and will gradually cross the state bringing unsettled conditions to most areas.
- Bogan Shire: Canonba Rd is closed - Flooding (updated: 11/2/2021).
- Sturt National Park: Toona Gate Road is open with caution to 4WD's only (updated: 11/2/21).
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Queensland
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Travellers who have visited Perth and surrounding LGAs and other hotspots, may not enter QLD. Border permits apply for VIC, NSW and WA. |
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 -
- The monsoon trough extends from a tropical low over northern parts of the Western Australia, across the Cape York Peninsula near Cooktown and into the northwestern Coral Sea. An inland trough extends from northwest to the southern interior and continues to move slowly westward, deepening over western parts over the weekend. A southeasterly wind surge will move northwards over the North Tropical Coast, easing on Thursday. A high moves into the Tasman Sea, strengthen a ridge along the east coast over the next few days.
- Cape York: Burke Developmental Road - Closed at the Lynd due to Flooding (updated: 27/01/21).
- Fraser Island:
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- Ngkala Rocks – due to current conditions Ngkala Rocks is currently impassable and is closed until further notice (updated: 27/01/21).
- Ungowa boat ramp is closed to all vessels, vehicles and pedestrians (updated: 27/01/21).
- Most of the West coast is closed to beach driving (Updated 11/02/21).
- North of Cornwells road and south of Woralie road: Temporarily CLOSED for maintenance. Please obey all signage and do not enter closed areas.
- South West QLD : Jackson Wandoan Road, Jackson North - Floods - Vehicle access is closed to all vehicles and will remain closed until further notice (updated: 27/01/21).
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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