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Road Closures & Track Conditions- 15th January
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 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 (9 inner city Sydney councils, NSW). 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 ridge over central Australia is weakening, allowing a trough south of the Top End to drift southwards and allowing more humid easterly winds to develop across the eastern and central districts. Clear skies will maintain a heat wave across most parts of central Australia this week. A trough from WA enters the southern districts later in the week, followed by a slightly cooler change.
- With La Niña conditions, the weather is looking wetter than average over the next couple of months.
- The Garden Road - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Stuart Highway intersection and Arltunga.
- Port Keats Road - Flooding - Road Closed - Between Daly River crossing and Mango Farm intersection.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Western Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Travel from QLD, VIC, NSW into WA is now classified as ‘Medium 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
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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 extends from the inland Kimberley to the inland Pilbara and will remain near stationary over the next few days.
- Low/Moderate Fire risk
- Very Hot temps expected with Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- Road Closed: Gibb River Rd from from Mount Barnett to Pentecost River - Flooding.
- Pilbara:
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- A trough extends from the inland Kimberley to the inland Pilbara and will remain near stationary over the next few days.
- High to Servere Fire risk
- Very hot and sunny with a few Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- Road Closed: Marble Bar Rd from Jigalong to Marble Bar - Flooding.
- South West WA:
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- A ridge lies to the south of the State with a broad trough over the inland Gascoyne. The ridge will strengthen to the south of the State over the next few days.
- High to Very High 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 |
Restrictions on Australian travellers and those from NZ (who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot area). All travellers coming to South Australia are required to complete a Cross Border Travel Registration. |
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 pressure system centred over the Tasman Sea will move slowly southeastwards. A low pressure trough will remain slow-moving over the north of SA then move over Queensland during Thursday. A ridge of high pressure will extend over waters to the south this week.
- Birdsville Inside Track Closed due to flooding (updated: 13/1/20).
- Far North East of SA, Floods closures reopened, some tracks with caution. (updated: 13/1/20).
- 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 |
From 6pm, 11 Jan 2021, All travellers will need to apply for a permit to enter Victoria from anywhere in Australia.? |
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 trough will move over the west this morning and move across Victoria during the day, with a cold front to follow behind it overnight tonight. A high pressure system south of WA extends a ridge over the state on Thursday. A cold front will cross the southern half of Victoria on Friday associated with a low pressure system moving close by Tasmania. The high will continue to track slowly eastwards over the Bight during the weekend, maintaining a southwesterly flow across the state.
- Haunted Stream Track:
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- Haunted Stream Track - Tambo Crossing is closed. DELWP are undertaking repairs. Re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions.
- High Country:
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- 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. The only restriction is from ‘high risk’ areas and premises which includes: Greater Brisbane Councils, The Greater Sydney Region, Northern Beaches LGA and Wollongong LGA and some Victorian sites. People from these areas are not permitted to travel to Tasmania. |
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 near the southeast of Tasmania will weaken today with a trough to cross the state this afternoon and evening in a northerly flow. A cold front approaches the west late tonight and is expected to cross Tasmania Thursday morning, as winds shift westerly, with a trough to then cross the state before stalling near the east coast. Another cold front will cross Tasmania Friday morning, as northwesterly winds shift fresh and gusty west to southwesterly, while an associated low passes south of the state. Another cold front will cross Tasmania during Saturday in a continuing fresh and gusty west to southwesterly flow.
- 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. |
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 slow-moving high pressure system over the eastern Tasman Sea extends a ridge towards the northern New South Wales coast, and is drawing warm air from central Australia into the state. A trough is expected to enter the far southwest later today before moving across from the west on Thursday, stalling as it reaches the northeast on Friday. This trough will bring milder conditions, with unsettled weather increasing in the east.
- Tibooburra To Fortville Gate:
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- Closed - Flooding. (Updated: 13/1/2021).
- Sturt National Park:
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- Toona Gate Road is open with caution to 4WD's only.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Queensland
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Travellers who have visited Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, City of Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong, Parramatta, northern beaches and other hotspots, may not enter QLD. Travellers from Victoria in the past 2 weeks will need to get a Covid test upon entering Queensland. |
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 trough extends over Cape York Peninsula to a weak low east the Cairns Coast, with a trough down to the east coast around Hinchinbrook Island, and is expected to move slowly north over the next few days. A southeasterly wind surge lies off the central coast, and is also expected to move slowly north and gradually weaken. A high in the Tasman Sea extends a ridge along the east coast south of Mackay. A trough over central Australia will move east into far southwestern Queensland on Thursday, and then move further east across the south of the state later in the week.
- Cape York:
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- Burke Developmental Road - Closed at the Lynd due to Flooding.
- Fraser Island:
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- Ngkala Rocks – due to current conditions Ngkala Rocks is currently impassable and is closed until further notice.
- Ungowa boat ramp is closed to all vessels, vehicles and pedestrians.
- South West QLD :
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- Duck Creek Road, Kerry - Vehicle access is closed to all vehicles and will remain closed until further notice.
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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