The Canning Stock Route, in Western Australia, is the ultimate destination for the 4 wheel drive adventurer. As it crosses three deserts and is over 1700 kilometres long, available resources are few along this very isolated track. There are places to top up supplies and fuel from. These are Bililuna in the north, Wiluna in the south and Kunawarritji and Parngurr in between.
The track is hard as the high sand dunes test the capability of drivers of all abilities. There are corrugations in between the sand dunes to test the resilience of all the travellers. All travellers need to be self-sufficient and travel in the company of others.
But despite all this, the rewards of travelling the Canning Stock Route are many. There is history following in the explorers’ footsteps and desert scenery that surprises and delights. And finally the satisfaction that comes from the achievement of travelling one of the most difficult of Australian 4-wheel drive adventures.
There were many highlights for us when we travelled the stock route. The weather was perfect, there was a profusion of colourful wildflowers and many great spots to camp after a hard day’s driving.
There are quite a number of reconditioned wells with good water available. Two that stood out were Wells 6 and 46, at opposite ends of the stock route. Both wells are surrounded by eucalypts, Well 6 by river red gums and the flat plain of Well 46 by white gums.
And for a change from sand dunes, explore Breaden Hills in the north and Durba Hills in the south. There are many salt lakes, such as Lake Disappointment and Lake Aerodrome and Savory Creek, which always carries some water.
But for a different perspective on the Canning Stock Route take a look at the video from an eagle’s eye view and a summary of our adventure. John has never had so much fun with a camera.