Stock FAQs

how long is the canning stock route

by Wilton Wehner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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to Wiluna in the mid-west region of Western Australia. With a total distance of around 1,850 km (1,150 mi) it is the longest historic stock route in the world.

What is the Canning Stock Route?

The Canning Stock Route has a strong connection to the story of Aboriginal art in the Western Desert. When droving along the stock route led to many family groups dispersing to the edges of the desert, communities were established in missions, towns, stations and settlements, and it was here that contemporary painting movements flourished.

How long is the Canning trail?

Following the route (or close to it) blazed by Alfred Canning back in 1906, this track covers roughly 1850km of pure off-road heaven, stretching from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region to Wiluna in Mid-West Western Australia.

What recovery gear do I need for the Canning Stock Route?

In your recovery kit you should not only have physical recovery gear such as traction aids and a shovel, but some form of satellite or emergency communication. At over 2000km long, and passing over more than 900 sand dunes, completing the Canning Stock Route is no small feat.

Can I take my Dog on the Canning Stock Route?

As for taking your own animals, it’s certainly possible. Yes, you can bring your dog on the Canning Stock Route. You will need to be mindful of the dingoes and potentially wild dogs in the area, as well as 1080 baits which are routinely set by both station managers and the Western Australian government.

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How much fuel does it take to cross the Canning Stock Route?

The size of your vehicle also needs to be considered as while you'll need to be prepared, you'll also want to be as light as possible. There is only one fuel stop along the CSR, so you'll need to be able to carry enough fuel to get over 1000km without a servo stop.

How difficult is the Canning Stock Route?

Those who tackle the Canning Stock Route by four wheel drive can expect to encounter unforgiving terrain, with long stretches of sandy track, short rocky sections and over 900 dunes to traverse. You'll need to allow at least 21 days for this extreme outback drive adventure.

Where is the fuel on a Canning Stock Route?

Kunawarritji CommunityThere's fuel at Kunawarritji Community (near Well 33) on the CSR. Access difficulties at the southern end of the CSR often force travellers to take alternative routes. Access to the CSR is possible via Glenayle Station, intersecting with the CSR at Well 9 and via Granite Peak Station, intersecting at Well 5.

Who made the Canning Stock Route?

Alfred CanningAlfred Canning surveyed the track at the beginning of the twentieth century, and by 1910 his party had successfully made 52 wells that would allow cattle to be walked for a day to reach the next watering point.

What is the longest track in Australia?

The Canning Stock Route is a track that runs from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia to Wiluna in the mid-west region. With a total distance of around 1,850 km (1,150 mi) it is the longest historic stock route in the world.

Will the Canning Stock Route be open in 2021?

COVID-19 AND PERMITS FOR THE CANNING STOCK ROUTE (CSR) CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY. The WA Government has issued Enforceable Directions to restrict access in and out of remote Aboriginal communities and Native Title Holders are exercising their rights in restricting access to Native Title Lands.

What is the population of Wiluna WA?

In the 2016 Census, there were 720 people in Wiluna.

Who is canning named after?

Alfred Wernam CanningIt is named after Alfred Wernam Canning who surveyed the route in 1906–07. With the assistance of unnamed Aboriginal people from many different language groups who lived along the route, he located water sources approximately one day's distance apart for a team of travelling stock and their drovers.

How much of the Great Central Road is unsealed?

Over 1,400 km of the route remains 'unsealed', including almost 800 km of Great Central Road which is the WA section of the route. A 50 km section was sealed in 2018 by the Shire of Laverton.

What state is the Gibson Desert in?

Western AustraliaGibson DesertCountryAustraliaStatesWestern AustraliaConservationConservation statusRelatively stable/intact9 more rows

When was the Nullarbor sealed?

The Eyre Highway, which connects Norseman in Western Australia to Port Augusta, was carved across the continent in 1941. At first it was little more than a rough track but was gradually sealed over the next thirty years. The last unsealed section of the Eyre Highway was finally sealed in 1976.

What is the Canning Stock Route?

The Canning Stock Route traverses extremely harsh arid terrain and sand dunes. Do not attempt this track unless you have extensive outback driving experience and a very reliable vehicle that is specifically prepared for long distance desert travel.

When is the best time to drive for canning?

Best time to drive. Travel on the Canning Stock Route should only be undertaken during the cooler months, between April and September, and in a well organised convoy.

How long is the Canning Stock Route?

At over 2000km long, and passing over more than 900 sand dunes, completing the Canning Stock Route is no small feat. Depending on your home location, the CSR can be travelled in either direction, from south up or north down.

How long does it take to do CSR?

Three weeks is generally considered the sweet spot for travelling the CSR. While it can be done in two weeks, you give yourself very little leeway time if an emergency should arise. Taking three weeks means you can relax and soak in the stunning desert scenery, without having to push yourself or your vehicle too much.

When was the 4WD track in Australia first blazed?

It’s not for the first time 4WDer, with experience and preparation being key to getting off the CSR unscathed. First blazed by Alfred Canning in 1906, the track hasn’t changed much since then and is one of the most remote travel experiences you can get in Australia.

Where to refuel in Kunawarritji?

Along the Canning, there is only one place to refuel, at Kunawarritji at Well 33. Along with fuel facilities, there is also a general store for basic grocery items. Because of this you will need enough fuel to get you the approximately 1000km that it takes to drive to Kunawarritji.

Where is the Canning Stock Route?

It runs to Halls Creek in the Kimberley region from Wiluna in the mid-west region, both in Western Australia.

How long is the longest stock route in the world?

With a total distance of around 1.850km (1,150mi) it is also the longest historic stock route in the world. It’s one of the Australia’s best 4WD tracks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trop on this road. The route traverses the Gibson Desert, Little Sandy Desert and the Great Sandy Desert and runs through 4 determined ...

How long does it take to get fuel to Kunawaritji?

Fuel drops typically need to be organised in advance and the 1,850 km (1,150 mi) trip will take two to three weeks. Fuel is now available at Kunawaritji Aboriginal community near well 33. The Canning Stock Route (CSR) is one of the most remote and isolated 4WD tracks in the world and holds it appeal as the "last frontier".

Where is the most remote trail in the world?

One of the world’s most remote tracks, running 1,850km between the towns of Wiluna and Hall’s Creek, the dust-tinged, take-no-prisoners toughness of this old drover’s trail is tempered by the opportunity to meet the traditional owners of this isolated land and visit rock art sites that date back tens of thousands of years.

What is the need to travel along the canning stock route?

Planning to undertake a trip along the Canning Stock Route requires significant planning and research, with fuel, water and food (your basic requirements for survival) being your foremost priority. But there are many logistical issues that you may not yet have contemplated.

What birds live near the canning stock route?

Over 100 species of birds are reportedly living in close proximity to the Canning Stock Route with honey eaters, finches, doves, galahs, pigeons, budgerigars, and parrots being predominant and widespread although Durba Springs with its almost permanent water supply is one of the best birdwatching areas of the stock route.

How many wells did Canning build?

From 1908 to 1910 he led a team to construct the 51 wells between Halls Creek and Wiluna a distance of 1850km. Wells were constructed one day's travel apart for a mob of cattle.

When was the fuel dump established?

When the fuel dump was established at Well 23 in the 1980's, travellers intrigued by the Canning Stock Route heritage and the challenging overland adventure across Australia's most remote deserts, began to travel the Canning Stock Route in greater numbers.

When did the stock route go back to operation?

During WWII (1942 - 1944) the stock route was again refurbished, with the wells brought back into operation in anticipation of an emergency evacuation if the NW was bombed. At the end of the war, shipping of livestock resumed and slowly the stock route fell into disrepair.

Where is the airstrip in the Tanami track?

An airstrip is located near the track at Kuna warritji Community Well 33, backed up with weekly RFDS nurse support. Other airstrips are located at each pastoral lease to the south; Panngurr Community (Cotton Creek) 100km west of Well 23); and at Billiluna community at the far north near the Tanami Track.

How long does it take to complete the canning stock route?

You won’t find mechanics, fuel stops or the local Woolies anywhere on this route. You’ll even need a permit to start it too. It will require up to 17 days to complete the entire length of the Canning Stock Route. Some people have finished it in less than 4 days, however this is tough going.

When to do the canning stock route?

Generally it’s best to do complete the Canning Stock Route during the winter months. From early May to late September. July and August are ideal to complete the trek either by motorcycle or 4×4.

Where to find toilets in the Canning Stock Route?

There are toilets on the Canning Stock Route and these are only found at certain wells. For most travellers, a shovel does the job. Pro-tip: Bury it deep and bring the insect repellant as there are lots of flies, especially in the winter months. As for food, you’ll need to bring your own.

Can you bring a dog on the canning stock route?

Yes, you can bring your dog on the Canning Stock Route. You will need to be mindful of the dingoes and potentially wild dogs in the area, as well as 1080 baits which are routinely set by both station managers and the Western Australian government. Bring a muzzle just in case.

Is there a fuel station in Halls Creek?

There are no fuel stations on the way. Both Halls Creek and Wiluna have fuel, and depending on the season, there may be a fuel dump at Well 23 on the route. Alternatively, we’ve heard reports of the Parngurr community having fuel for emergency use but this shouldn’t be relied upon.

Can the Royal Flying Doctor help people on the Canning Stock Route?

While the Royal Flying Doctor can help people on the Canning Stock Route, there are almost no functioning landing strips apart from some nearby stations. And so if you do get stranded or seriously injured, you’ll endure a long trip first to find a functional airstrip.

What do you need to do before canning?

The first thing you need to do before you even consider doing the Canning is to ensure your vehicle is up to the challenge. You need a robust four-wheel drive with high clearance, strong suspension and both high and low range capabilities.

Where to get fuel in Kunawarritji?

Once you’re on the track, you can only get fuel at Kunawarritji, about 1,000km from Wiluna, or arrange a fuel drop in advance with Capricorn Roadhouse. If you’re thinking of hiring a four-wheel drive vehicle, make sure that the company will insure it.

How long is the Loneliest 4 wheel drive track in the world?

It’s called the ‘loneliest four-wheel drive track in the world’ with good reason. It’s wonderful, exciting and surprisingly scenic, but the 100-year old stock route is also wild, harsh and very remote. Stretching over 1,800km, the route passes through three deserts and has more than 900 sand dunes to traverse - some of them higher ...

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