RoadAtlas
Canning Stock Route — Australia — Desert
Australia & Pacific

Canning Stock Route

Australia

In short: Canning Stock Route is a 1,850 km desert road trip in Australia, typically driven over 14–21 days (4WD, expedition planning essential), best in May–Sep. Highlights: Wiluna, Well 9, Well 23.

Distance
1,850 km
Duration
14–21 days (4WD, expedition planning essential)
Best Season
May–Sep
IconicExtreme4WD onlyDesertOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

The big one, the most challenging 4WD track in Australia, from Wiluna north to Halls Creek through the Great Sandy, Little Sandy, and Gibson Deserts. 51 wells once watered the cattle drives; today a truck visits Well 23 once a year and leaves a 50-gallon drum of fuel if you've pre-arranged it. Serious expedition territory.

~3 refuels
~6 charges
Practical notes
Permits are required to cross Aboriginal land along the route. This is Australia's most demanding 4WD track; travel only in well-prepared convoys with extensive fuel, water, and spare parts. A satellite phone or PLB and thorough mechanical preparation are non-negotiable before departure.
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Stops along the route

Wiluna — Departure — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Departure
Wiluna
Last resupply before 1,850 km of desert. Alfred Canning completed the stock route in 1910, sinking 51 wells to water Kimberley cattle driven south to the railhead.
Hotels
Halls Creek — Arrival — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Arrival
Halls Creek
Kimberley cattle-country town marking the northern terminus and return to sealed road. Purnululu National Park's Bungle Bungles lie 250 km to the east.
Hotels

Things to Do

Well 9 — Landmark — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Landmark
Well 9
First major camp deep in the Little Sandy Desert, where the rhythm of dune crossings and well stops sets in. Some wells are restored; others long collapsed into red sand.
Well 23 — Landmark — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Landmark
Well 23
Critical mid-route fuel cache in the Gibson Desert heart. Pre-arrange a 50-gallon drum drop before departure; without it most vehicles cannot complete the crossing.
Well 33 — Landmark — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Landmark
Well 33
A key northern-desert camp in the Great Sandy Desert, where the dune fields begin to relent and the Kimberley's red rock country edges closer on the horizon.
Wolfe Creek Crater — Nature — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Nature
Wolfe Creek Crater
World's second-largest meteorite crater accessible by road, 880m across and 60m deep, formed around 300,000 years ago. The eerie silent rim walk takes 45 minutes.
Wiluna Heritage Trail — Historic Site — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Historic Site
Wiluna Heritage Trail
A self-guided walk showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Wiluna.
Gunbarrel Highway — Scenic Drive — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Scenic Drive
Gunbarrel Highway
An iconic outback track offering adventurous travelers a rugged and remote driving experience.
Halls Creek Visitor Centre — Visitor Center — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Visitor Center
Halls Creek Visitor Centre
Provides information on local attractions, history, and cultural sites in the Halls Creek area.
China Wall — Natural Feature — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Natural Feature
China Wall
A natural quartz formation resembling a miniature Great Wall of China, located near Halls Creek.
Purnululu National Park — National Park — Canning Stock Route — Australia
National Park
Purnululu National Park
Home to the Bungle Bungle Range, offering stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.

Where to Eat

Wiluna Roadhouse — Local Diner — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Local Diner
Wiluna Roadhouse
A convenient stop offering hearty meals and refreshments for travelers on the Canning Stock Route.
Halls Creek Motel Restaurant — Australian — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Australian
Halls Creek Motel Restaurant
Serves a variety of Australian dishes in a comfortable setting, perfect for unwinding after a long drive.
Russian Jack's Bar & Restaurant — Pub Food — Canning Stock Route — Australia
Pub Food
Russian Jack's Bar & Restaurant
Offers classic pub fare and a selection of beverages, named after a local legend.
Kimberley Hotel Restaurant — International — Canning Stock Route — Australia
International
Kimberley Hotel Restaurant
Features a diverse menu with international flavors, set in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bakery
Halls Creek Bakery
Provides freshly baked goods and light meals, ideal for a quick breakfast or snack.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Canning Stock Route drive?

The Canning Stock Route covers 1,850 km from start to finish.

How long does the Canning Stock Route take to drive?

Most travellers spend 14–21 days (4WD, expedition planning essential) on the Canning Stock Route, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Canning Stock Route?

The recommended season for the Canning Stock Route is May–Sep.

Where does the Canning Stock Route start and end?

The Canning Stock Route runs from Wiluna to Halls Creek.

What are the main stops on the Canning Stock Route?

The Canning Stock Route passes through Wiluna, Well 9, Well 23.

How difficult is the Canning Stock Route to drive?

The Canning Stock Route is rated extreme and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Canning Stock Route?

Yes — the Canning Stock Route includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Canning Stock Route?

Yes — the Canning Stock Route requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Permits are required to cross Aboriginal land along the route. This is Australia's most demanding 4WD track; travel only in well-prepared convoys with extensive fuel, water, and spare parts. A satellite phone or PLB and thorough mechanical preparation are non-negotiable before departure.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Canning Stock Route?

Plan around 3 refuels (or about 6 EV charges) along the Canning Stock Route, based on its 1,850 km length.

Is the Canning Stock Route safe to drive?

Permits are required to cross Aboriginal land along the route. This is Australia's most demanding 4WD track; travel only in well-prepared convoys with extensive fuel, water, and spare parts. A satellite phone or PLB and thorough mechanical preparation are non-negotiable before departure.

What scenic tier is the Canning Stock Route?

The Canning Stock Route is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.