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Canning Stock Route Expedition

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Fully Guided Adventure Small Group 4WD
Our Price From 15,155 Per Person
 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Broome
 Trip Finishes
Perth
16 Day Canning Stock Route Expedition Itinerary (Outback Spirit)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
No Reviews
Trip Style
Desert Safari
Departures
Accommodation
Camping
Max. Group Size
19
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CSRE

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Outback Spirit's 16 Day Canning Stock Route Expedition. The Canning Stock Route passes through some of the most remote and isolated country in the world. Built in 1910 to break the West Kimberley beef monopoly, the route begins in Halls Creek and extends all the way to Wiluna in the mid-west, a distance of over 1800kms. The rugged terrain and sheer isolation of the stock route demands an unparalleled level of planning, expertise and competency. Very few people ever get to see this unique part of Australia. If you’re interested in being one of them, make...read more sure it’s with Outback Spirit.

Itinerary

Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Directors at the time and location specified above.

After some free time this afternoon you will meet your fellow adventurers at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa for a briefing over dinner about the journey ahead. Stay: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Broome (D)

After breakfast this morning we depart Broome along the Northern Highway to Fitzroy Crossing, where we'll stop for lunch.

This afternoon we continue east to our first campsite near Halls Creek. Your crew will help you get familiarised with all the camping equipment and prepare a sumptuous dinner under the stars. Stay: Lamboo (B/L/D)

Today we turn off down the Tanami Road before reaching the official start of the Canning Stock Route at Billiluna. From here we pass Bloodwood Bore, Well 51 and Well 49 - known as the 'Crystal Well" because of its reliable drinking water. Our first night on the stock route will be nearby at Canning's 303 Marker. Stay: Canning's 303 Marker (B/L/D)

After packing up camp we trek south down to Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank. Both areas gained their names from two members of David Carnegie's exploration party in 1896. As Carnegie's party searched the landscape for water, one of the party members, Godfrey Massie, found a huge natural stone catchment that was full, hence the name 'Godfrey's tank'. Joe Breaden, another member of the Carnegie party, also found water in a lower area and it was named 'Breaden Pool'.

Here we take time to explore the wonderful natural features of these waterholes before continuing further south down the Canning. We stop off briefly at Wells 48 and 47 before tackling the first of many large sand dunes common along the Stock Route. We arrive at Well 46 later this afternoon and set up camp for the night. Stay: Well 46 (B/L/D)

Today we tackle the Great Sandy Desert heading to an area known as Gravity Lakes. We briefly stop off at Well 44 before arriving at Well 43 - traditionally known as Billowaggi. A drive over the Guli Lake System will get us to our camping spot just north of the Helena Springs track. Set up camp amongst the gum trees and enjoy another magnificent evening under the desert stars. Stay: Well 42 (B/L/D)

Our first stop this morning is at Well 41, also called ‘Tiru' by traditional owners. The area surrounding ‘Tiru' has better than average soil which in turn provided good feed for the mobs of cattle that were driven down the track. Well 40 has some fascinating history regarding a fellow called Michael Tobin, who was part of the original 1906 survey expedition.

After morning tea we trek across Lake Tobin to arrive at Well 39, home to hundreds of budgerigars that thrive on the surface water provided by the well, now in ruins. We then arrive at Wardabunni Rockhole, the location of Well 38 which was created when members of Canning's party blasted a hole in the rocky creek bed. Water was abundant but it proved difficult to persuade cattle to drink at the site. Nevertheless, it makes for a lovely campsite. Stay: Well 38 (B/L/D)

After packing up camp our first stop today is Well 37. The area has a fascinating history which began in 1910 with the first cattle drive down the stock route. The 150 or so bullocks were being driven by George Shoesmith, James Thompson, Fred Terone and an Aborigine called 'Chinaman'.
After Fred Terone headed back to Halls Creek due to illness, the remaining men pushed on to Well 37 where they were later found dead under mysterious circumstances. Their graves have been preserved and are in close proximity to the well.

After some morning tea our journey continues south to Well 36 where you'll learn about Eileen and George Lanagan. Arrive at Well 33, located on the outskirts of the remote Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, late afternoon and set up camp. Well 33 has a large water tank and windmill providing plenty of fresh water, so it's a good spot to catch up on some washing. Stay: Well 33 (B/L/D)

The Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community is one of the most remote communities in Australia. This morning we visit the community store before meeting our re-supply truck, which has come down from Broome. We stock up on diesel and food before continuing further south down to Wells 32 (Mallowa), 31 (Wullowla) and 30 (Duna Jinnda). After enjoying some lunch under the shady trees surrounding Well 30 we trek on to Thring Rock, named by Larry Wells in 1896 after members of John McDouall Stuart's 1862 expedition across Australia. Thring Rock is an impressive sandstone outcrop and after a short climb to the lookout this afternoon we are provided with exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.

Tonight we set up camp at the base of Thring Rock. Stay: Thring Rock (B/L/D)

After breakfast we pack up camp and move further down the Stock Route. After traversing a number of sand dunes we arrive at Well 27 where we enjoy a short break and some morning tea. We continue to Well 26 which has recently been fully reconstructed and provides excellent drinking water. We take the opportunity to replenish our convoy's water tanks before pushing on to Well 25 for lunch under the shade of some beautiful Desert Oak trees.

Later this afternoon we arrive at Well 24, located just past the intersection of the Talawana Track and this is where we set up camp and get ready for another superb sunset. Stay: Well 24 (B/L/D)

This morning we pass by the Capricorn Roadhouse fuel dump. This section of the track is also part of the Talawana Track and if followed to the west for 450kms will take you to Newman. Before fuel was available at Kunawarritji, anyone travelling the Canning Stock Route would have to pre-organise a 'fuel drop' through the Capricorn Roadhouse, located in Newman. Fuel would be carted out in 44 gallon drums and dropped off with your name written on top of each drum, a practice some still prefer today.

We arrive at Georgia Bore for a stop and a look around. Georgia Bore is not one of the traditional wells sunk by Canning, but a bore well which was drilled and equipped by CRA for use by their survey crews in the 1970's.

This afternoon we trek on towards Lake Disappointment, an ephemeral salt lake named by Frank Hann in 1897. After following the direction of a number of creek beds, Hann was expecting to find a large fresh water lake. He instead came across a large dry salt lake, hence the name Lake Disappointment. This afternoon we set up camp on the banks of Lake Disappointment. Watch the spectacular panorama come alive as the sun sets. Stay: Lake Disappointment (B/L/D)

After breaking camp this morning we follow the western edge of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek. This section of the lake is likely to have a good cover of water if there has been recent rainfall. Getting across the Savory Creek can be difficult after rain so we may need to travel further west to avoid the muddy creek bed.

Continuing along the western edge of Lake Disappointment we pass by Well 19 and Onegunyah Rockhole before arriving at one of the most scenic parts of the entire stock route - Durba Springs (Jilikuru). We'll camp here for two nights to get the most out of this truly magnificent area. Stay: Durba Springs (B/L/D)

Durba Springs was always a popular spot for drovers to rest up for a few days while driving cattle down from the east Kimberley. The area, traditionally called 'Jilikuru' by the Martu people, is also home to a number of distinctive Western Desert Aboriginal rock art sites. This morning we enjoy a series of walks around the Durba Hills, taking in some of these art sites. The afternoon can be spent at your leisure. Stay: Durba Springs (B/L/D)

Today we get an early start and continue south down to Well 16. Here you'll learn of the area's torturous history before moving on to Well 15 and a lookout where we stop for morning tea. Next it's on to Wells 14 and 13 before reaching Well 12 which, in recent years, has been fully restored and offers excellent drinking water. After replenishing our water supplies we continue on to McConkey Hill near Well 10 where we camp for the night. Stay: McConkey Hill (B/L/D)

This morning we depart our camp spot and trek south to Well 9, also known as Weld Springs. This is where Glen-Ayle Station begins, evident by the cattle yards and infrastructure. It's also where John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia, was forced to build a small fort in 1874. It's here that we deviate from the official Canning Stock Route and travel through Glen-Ayle Station and south to Wiluna. We arrive in Wiluna mid-afternoon to refuel before continuing back to the stock route and setting up camp at Well 1. Stay: Well 1 (B/L/D)

After packing up camp for the last time we travel northwards to meet up with the Great Northern Highway and arrive into Newman early this afternoon. We check in to the Seasons Hotel for the final night of our expedition. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure before re-grouping for a final celebratory dinner in the hotel restaurant. Stay: Newman (B/L/D)

After our final breakfast together you'll be transferred to the Newman Airport for your included QANTAS flight down to Perth. You're booked on flight QF1093 Newman to Perth departing at 09:35am arriving into Perth 11:25am.

Note: Please confirm the time of your included flight with us. This flight can be excluded from the package. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Moments of Magic

  • Casuarina Camp, Lake Disappointment ;- Watch the panorama come alive as the sun sets over Lake Disappointment, a vast salt-lake named in 1897 by Frank Hann. Imagine his disappointment when expecting a large fresh water lake, he found this dry salt-encrusted expanse instead! ;
  • Starry Nights ;- In the desert, the Milky Way seems so close that you can almost reach out and touch it. Gaze in awe as the night sky comes alive with millions of stars, a truly incredible experience.
  • In Alfred's footsteps ;- Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Canning, the surveyor who established the longest stock route in the world. Learn the rich history behind many of the 51 Wells and experience the harsh, but magnificent desert landscape.
  • Discovering Durba ;- Durba Springs has been described as one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Towering red cliffs, swimming holes, shady gums and Aboriginal rock art make this special oasis a spectacular spot to camp.

Tour Highlights

  • Journey down the longest and most remote stock route in the world, from Billiluna to Wiluna (or vice-versa)
  • Spend 12 nights on the stock route in scenic locations, including the oasis of Durba Springs, described as one of the most beautiful locations in Australia
  • Learn the rich history behind many of the 51 Wells installed in 1910 to provide drinking water to the cattle (and drovers!)
  • Visit Breaden Pool, the Breaden Hills and Godfrey's Tank
  • Camp on the banks of Lake Disappointment for an unforgettable sunset over the salt flats
  • Travel through the traditional lands of the Martu People. Gain an insight into their ancient culture and view Western Desert rock art
  • Camp in comfort with hot showers, flushing toilets & exceptional catering
  • Travel in a convoy of 5 incredible Mercedes Benz ‘G' Wagons

  • Small group size - 19
  • All meals, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners whilst on tour
  • 2 nights of exceptional accommodation
  • 13 nights of deluxe camping with full facilities. All equipment is provided and is the most modern, comfortable and user friendly available
  • Specially designed toilets and showers will be available every day for your comfort & convenience. These amenities are custom made modules built on the back of the 6x6 vehicles
  • Services of 5 professional Driver Guides
  • One way airfare with Qantas from Newman to Perth
  • Travel aboard specialised tour vehicles - the Mercedes Benz 'G' Wagon
  • Outback Spirit Explorer Pack featuring handy travel items (for first time travellers only)

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • This tour also operates with a reverse itinerary. Please contact us for reverse itinerary dates. ;
  • Prices are for land tour only, flights not included unless specified
Inclusive Small Group Adventures
Inclusive Small Group Adventures

Enjoy an intimate and enriching touring experience with other like-minded people on an inclusive Outback Spirit small group journey. Read more

Expert Drivers & Guides
Expert Drivers & Guides

Highly professional, passionate and always willing to go the extra mile, Outback Spirit's guides provide a seamless touring experience. Read more

Mercedes Benz G Wagon's
Mercedes Benz G Wagon's

Highly professional, passionate and always willing to go the extra mile, Outback Spirit's guides provide a seamless touring experience. Read more

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4WD Adventures

Outback Spirit 4WD Adventures (2024)

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Wednesday 01 May 2024
Thursday 16 May 2024
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Sunday 09 Jun 2024
Monday 24 Jun 2024
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Thursday 18 Jul 2024
Friday 02 Aug 2024
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Monday 26 Aug 2024
Tuesday 10 Sep 2024
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Saturday 14 Sep 2024
Sunday 29 Sep 2024
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Wednesday 01 May 2024
Thursday 16 May 2024
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Sunday 09 Jun 2024
Monday 24 Jun 2024
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Thursday 18 Jul 2024
Friday 02 Aug 2024
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Monday 26 Aug 2024
Tuesday 10 Sep 2024
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Saturday 14 Sep 2024
Sunday 29 Sep 2024
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Outback Spirit. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Outback Spirit. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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