We just completed a fantastic adventure over the
Canning Stock in two VDJ78 Troopies and one VDJ79 Double Cab WorkMate. Based on the lack of tracks, we suspect our group was the first across this season, although we did encounter another few vehicles at
Well 33 (nice couples in an 80 series and a Patrol).
It was a bit wet in the south, with only a few
places lacking an established bypass. The one spot resulted in a nice stuck and a few hours to get those heavy machines winched through, including about 10 MaxTrax.
Well 33 is really an oasis in the desert and there are new(er) accommodations, a
well-stocked store and plenty of diesel at $3.40L. Part of me wishes it all didn't exist and we needed to be fully self-sufficient the entire 1,800KM.
The track was a bit more challenging then expected, and we engaged diff-locks a few times. Overall, it is the distance and remoteness that makes the route difficult, not any one climb, dune or bog.
You are all blessed to live in such a beautiful country, so sparsly populated (particularly in the center). We have driven over 6,000kms of dirt since arriving, including the distance of the
Outback Way and the Tanami Road. For navigation, we primarily used a HEMA Navigator and AU 1:250,000 topos, along with a back-up paper map, spare GPS and compass.
The night sky was breathtaking!
I have enjoyed researching on ExplorOz and found the reports and information invaluable. I thought a few images and a current report might give back a little. If I can help answer any questions, please ask. Overall, the track is in good shape and after driving around the world a few times, I can attest it is one of the earth's greatest overland adventures!
Scott Brady
Arizona, USA