Canning Stock Route

The Canning Stock Route is a historic track that spans from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia to Wiluna in the mid-west region. It is known to be the longest historic stock route globally, stretching over 1,850 km (1,150 mi) with over 48 wells and 51 water sources.

The construction of the Canning Stock Route in the early 20th century has impacted the cultural and social life of more than 15 Aboriginal language groups, which is slowly being recognized through their oral and artistic traditions.

The Canning Stock Route was proposed at the beginning of the 20th century as a way of breaking a monopoly that west Kimberley cattlemen had on the beef trade. Construction work began in March 1908, and by April 1910, around 48 wells were completed along the route. Commercial droving did not become popular until a Royal Commission into the price of beef in Western Australia led to the repair of the wells in 1928. Despite impacting the cultural and social life of more than 15 Aboriginal language groups, it remains a testament to the ingenuity of the workers who put their sweat, blood, and tears into the construction of the route.

The Canning Stock Route is now known for being a well-travelled but challenging four-wheel drive trek, typically taking 10 to 20 days to complete, but it has also been crossed by horses, motorcycles, a Buggy and even on foot. The route is approximately 1,850 km (1,150 mi) long, and there are two small settlements en route where drivers can obtain fuel and other necessary supplies: Kunawarritji, approximately 1,000 kilometres (620 mi)