Windorah and Cooper Creek

by Peter Hume
(London)

Best time to visit Windorah and Cooper Creek?

I will be in Australia in January to mid February 2010.
Is it possible/feasible to visit you part of the country at this time, or is it too wet?
My main aim would be to spend some time in the area and to see the Dig Tree.

Thanks for any info you can offer.

Peter Hume

Rita's response - Not recommended in summer

Hi Peter,

You plan your visit during the hottest and wettest months in south-west Queensland.

The average maximum temperatures for Windorah are 38.1°C in Jan, and 36.6°C in Feb. Minimum temps are still over 20°C in these months, and it is getting hot as soon as the sun is over the horizon.

Mean rainfall statistics are 43mm (Jan) and 49mm (Feb). Actually, the average number of rainy days is only between 3 and 4. However, Windorah and Cooper Creek are in the Channel Country. Rivers and channels are subject to flooding if there is rain up north. The Barcoo and Thomson rivers merge to build Cooper Creek about 40 km north of Windorah, and they drain a huge area.
In the wet season, the Cooper can be up to 40 km wide at Windorah. This won't happen every year, but it is hard to predict.

The Dig Tree... Are you aware that this historical site is about 420 km south-west of Windorah? More than 300 km of this route is on unsealed roads, which get quickly impassable if it rains.
You need to be well prepared, carry lots of water, fuel, spare tyre and tyre repair set, and some tools to help yourself when something happens to your car.

I don't want to discourage you. However, in my opinion travelling to the Dig Tree is not what I would recommend in summer, especially not, if this is your first Outback trip.

What is you complete itinerary? Where else do you travel before and after Windorah?

Windorah, in fact the entire south west of Queensland is a beautiful area. But I wouldn't plan a holiday there in summer, the weather could spoil it all.

Rita