In the early 1890s, pastoralists of the east Kimberley region lobbied for an overland stock route across the desert regions. They wanted to bring their cattle to the thriving goldfields of Kalgoorlie. Although explorers, such as David Carnegie, reported that it would be impossible to bring cattle through the waterless wasteland, surveyor Alfred Canning was appointed to find a practical route. In May 1906, with second-in-command, Hubert Trotman, and 6 other men, Canning left Wiluna to find a practical route. Their destination was Halls Creek, 2000 kilometres to the north.
Thirteen months later they returned to Wiluna after having found the sites for over 50 wells.
In 1908 Canning headed the well sinking expedition, leading a team of 30 men, 70 camels and over 100 tons of equipment. It was 2 years before they returned to Wiluna and it wasn’t long after before the first cattle drive came down the stock route.
Today the Canning Stock Route is one of the great four-wheel drive adventures. From Halls Creek to Wiluna the track crosses through 3 deserts – the Tanami, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts. It weaves its way over sand dunes and rocky sections, passing breakaways and hillsides, often through gardens of wildflowers. Since the last cattle drive in 1958, the wells had fallen in disrepair, but many of these have now been repaired and refurbished. Many of the wells still supply good water.
There are many top spots along the Stock Route, but a favourite spot of most travellers is at Durba Springs in the Durba Hills. Here a gorge opens into a wide, treed area, ideal for setting up a campsite and staying awhile.

2010 marks the centenary of the first cattle drive on the Canning Stock Route and this year there will be several tours on the stock route to commemorate that historic event.

Canning Stock Route DVD

You will see all this and much more in our video of the Canning Stock Route, including the sand dunes, many of the wells, the colourful wildflowers and the superb vistas. Peter Ikin of Cape York Connections was our experienced tour leader and travel guide. Featured are the Breaden Hills, Lake Disappointment and Durba Springs. Visit the wells and graves, explore the history and become bogged on the sand dunes along with the 9 convoy members.