Canning Stock Route
About this track
The Canning Stock Route is the world's longest and most remote stock route, stretching 1850 km across the Western Desert from Halls Creek in the East Kimberley to Wiluna in the Goldfields. Established in 1910 to muster cattle, it's a legend among off-road adventurers: unrelenting desert terrain, 51 historic wells, and a landscape that offers no mercy to the unprepared. This is extreme 4WD territory—total self-sufficiency, a fuel drop, convoy travel and an EPIRB are non-negotiable.
Highlights
- 51 heritage wells (unreliable water; carry all supplies)
- 1100 km fuel-free section—fuel drop essential
- Sand dunes, deep corrugations, gibber plains
- Extreme remoteness; no mobile coverage
- May–Sep only; wet season impassable
- Dual-vehicle minimum; recovery gear mandatory
What to expect
Relentless corrugated tracks, soft sand dunes, rocky jump-ups and gibber flats. You'll navigate by GPS and marker posts; visibility can be poor in dust storms. Water sources are scattered and often silted or undrinkable. Expect 60–80 km per day in low range. No fuel stations, no help, no mobile signal for ~1000 km in the middle. Heat, isolation, mechanical stress on your vehicle and high sand-driving skill required.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: Yes — DBCA + traditional-owner permits — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Severe.
- Remoteness: Extreme — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
Permits from DBCA and relevant Traditional Owner groups are mandatory—confirm current requirements and arrange in advance. Operate May–Sep only; wet season closes the route. Fuel drop must be pre-arranged at a nominated point. Carry all water (3–4 L per person daily minimum), full recovery kit, sand flags, extra tyres, dual battery, UHF radio and EPIRB. Travel as a convoy of at least two vehicles. Notify someone of your route and expected return. Check vehicle condition: suspension, cooling, diff and engine will be tested hard.