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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". This Trek Note contains extensive trip planning information for those that wish to travel self-sufficiently. The Canning Stock Route can be traversed from top to bottom or vice versa. The northern end is approached in the southern Kimberley, near the Billiluna Community on the Tanami Track and as such is affected by wet season conditions throughout the Australian summer and often into Autumn. It is typical for the section containing Wells 36 - 51 to be extremely boggy and can even become impassable at the salt lake areas. Access is totally weather dependant.

In times of wet weather, the section between Wells 2 - 5 through Cunyu Station may be closed to all traffic. This section is also permanently closed to all vehicles towing trailers and "oversize" vehicles. i.e.., any wide track vehicle over the size of a Toyota Troopcarrier (PC) - definitely no Okas, or Akas. Alternative entry points are via private station tracks through Granite Peak (meets CSR Well 5) and Glenayle Stations (meets CSR at Well 9). From the south these tracks are approached from the Gunbarrel Highway or can be used as exit points off the Canning Stock Route for southbound travellers. Both stations charge a fee of approximately $20.

There are 2 alternative access/exit points to the Canning Stock Route being via either of the other 2 stations further to the north (near Well 5, and Well 9) accessed off the Wongawol Road (maintained by Wiluna Shire) about 50km to the east of Wiluna and CSR. Both these stations charge a small fee which is used for track maintenance.

 Interactive Route Map

All vehicles, whether private or in commerical tours, are required to hold permits. Tourist operators can obtain a permit valid for one year, while each vehicle in the tour will be required to obtain an indivudal permit for the duration of the trip.

The permit system is implemented jointly by the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) representing the Martu native title holders and the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council (ANFWDC). The permit is to enable the public to have the right to access the CSR, WAPET road and Talawana Track for the purposes of travel as determined native title land lies along and within the CSR reserve and in the land adjacent to the Canning Stock Route between wells 15 and 40. Travellers should note that even with a permit, access is restricted to several sites, some located within the CSR reserve where their registration as Aboriginal sites under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) allows them to govern access to these sites, which are:

• Mt Shoesmith


• Wandurba Rockhole


• Billigilli Well


• Jenkins Track


• Percival Lakes


• Callowa Track


• Savoury Creek Track


• Killagurra Spring


• Durba Hills (not to be confused with Durba Springs)


• Biella Spring


• Calvert Ranges AND the track east to Constance Headland

From 1 May, 2007 the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council website (www.anfwdc.asn.au) is the main point of contact for the issuing of Permits. The website has an on-line Permit application and payment process. Current prices are $50 per vehicle Permit and $15 postage for the package if it is to be mailed to an address within Australia. Postage outside Australia is $27. Permits are valid for a one month period.

For activities other than travel, such as well restoration and scientific tours, an application should be addressed to Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa PO Box 504 Newman WA 6753.

If accessing or exiting the CSR via Glenayle or Granite Peak Stations you need to apply direct for permission and pay a small access fee to these private landowners.