What the route involves

The Canning Stock Route runs about 1,900 km through the Western Australian deserts, from Wiluna in the south to Halls Creek in the north, past the old stock wells numbered from 1 to 51. The track is not maintained, and almost all of it crosses native title land. Fuel is sold at the Kunawarritji community near Well 33; plan the fuel range for the distance on either side. Travel is advised from May to September only, because of the heat and wet, boggy tracks outside those months.

What permitted means for your hire

Permitted means the conditions of hire allow the camper on the Canning Stock Route, and only a handful of campers are. The conditions differ per camper: some are permitted from May to September only, some only with at least one other vehicle, and some only as part of a tag-along tour. Read the conditions on each camper before you inquire. Permitted does not reserve a vehicle or a date, and you add the permit, the fuel range and the spare parts.

Questions about the Canning Stock Route

Do I need a permit for the Canning Stock Route?

Yes. Apply online through the Canning Stock Route permit system; the permit is issued on behalf of five native title corporations and covers the formed track and the wells and campsites between Wells 5 and 51. Carry it in the vehicle and show it to Traditional Owners and rangers when asked.

Does the permit cover everything along the route?

No. Several areas are excluded, among them Biella Spring, the Calvert Range and Percival Lakes. Paruku (Lake Gregory) needs a separate permit, and the Glen-Ayle, Granite Peak and Cunyu stations near Wiluna need their own permission.

Can I camp anywhere along the track?

No. Keep to existing campsites where you can, and camp less than two kilometers from the track. Leave the track only to camp or in an emergency.