Canning Stock Route

The Canning Stock Route near Tanami offers 4WD enthusiasts a rewarding medium-difficulty adventure through some of Western Australia's most remote and historically significant terrain. You'll experience a fascinating blend of outback culture and natural landscape as you traverse this legendary cattle droving route, following in the tracks of pioneering stockmen who carved this path through the Australian interior over a century ago.

You'll find the 153.5 km trail presents a generally forgiving driving experience with no steep grades, making it accessible for intermediate off-roaders while still delivering genuine outback authenticity. The terrain transitions between red dirt tracks, sandy sections, and scattered rocky outcrops, with sparse vegetation and wide-open vistas that epitomize the raw beauty of Western Australia's interior. The relatively flat profile means you can focus on navigating variable surface conditions rather than technical climbing, though you should prepare for corrugations and occasional washouts depending on recent weather.

Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is well-stocked with water, fuel, and recovery equipment—this is genuine outback country where help is distant. The 6.5-hour average completion time allows for exploration and photography stops. Check your vehicle's condition thoroughly, carry spare parts, and consider downloading the Newtracs app to track your progress and access detailed waypoints along this iconic route. The combination of historical significance, accessible difficulty level, and stunning isolation makes this an essential outback experience.