Canning Stock Route — Well 23 to Well 36 via the Gibson Desert Central Corridor
The world's loneliest stock route, earned in sand.
Alfred Canning surveyed this route between 1906 and 1910, and the desert hasn’t softened much since. The section from Well 23 to Well 36 runs through the true core of the Gibson Desert — a relentless series of east-west sand ridges that must be crossed at right angles, one after another, for hundreds of kilometres. Well 33 (Libral) marks the approximate halfway point and is a useful camp, though the well itself requires a hand-pump bucket to access. Gunbarrel Highway intersects near Carnegie Station to the south, but out here you won’t see it — you’ll see spinifex, mulga scrub, and the tracks of the last group that came through weeks before you.
This is Extreme-rated terrain. High-lift jacks, two full-size spare tyres, a minimum of 200 litres of fuel (no resupply), and satellite communication are non-negotiable. Maximum tyre pressures drop to around 18–20 PSI for the dune crossings. Travel May through August only — summer heat kills people and engines. The CSR requires a permit from the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC). You are entering Aboriginal land, and the traditional owners have the right to close the route. Budget 10–14 days for this segment alone, and carry enough food to be self-sufficient the entire time. What you get out of it is rare: genuine wilderness earned at walking pace.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 248 mi / 399 km |
| Duration | 10-14 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | May-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with long-range tanks and recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Wiluna, Western Australia |
| Land manager | Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) / Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | DBCA Canning Stock Route WDLAC Permit & Access Info |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser 200 Series handle Well 23 to Well 36, or does it need mods?
A stock 200 Series will struggle and potentially strand you. You need a modified 4WD with a lift, all-terrain or sand tires, dual long-range fuel tanks (minimum 180–200L capacity for this segment), and a full recovery kit. Engine snorkels are strongly advised given fine red dust and the occasional clay pan crossing after rain.
When does this section of the CSR close, and what happens if you go in the wrong season?
May through August is the only realistic window — winter in the Gibson Desert means manageable heat (days around 20–25°C) and dry, trafficable sand. Go in summer and you're looking at 45°C+ temps, catastrophic heat-related mechanical failure, and a very real survival situation. The route has no formal seasonal closure, but the land managers and common sense both say stay out October through March.
Do you need a permit to drive through this corridor, and who issues it?
Yes — a permit is required to cross Aboriginal land, which covers the vast majority of this route. Apply through the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC) before you go; do not show up without one. There is no fee listed for the permit itself, but you must carry it and respect all conditions, including no drone flying and strict campfire rules in certain areas.
What's the hardest section between Well 23 and Well 36, and what makes it brutal?
The sand dune crossings in the Gibson Desert Central Corridor are relentless — you're hitting transverse red dunes repeatedly, often with steep, powdery faces that demand precise momentum management and tyre pressure drops to around 15–18 PSI. One wrong line on a loose crest and you're bogged with nobody coming for days. Recovery from a serious bog here without a winch anchor point and a second vehicle is a serious problem.
Is there any water at the wells between Well 23 and Well 36, and how much should I carry?
Do not rely on the wells for potable water — most are dry, collapsed, or contaminated, and the 'working' ones are unpredictable. Carry a minimum of 10 litres per person per day for the full duration, plus emergency reserve. There is zero resupply between Wiluna and Carnegie Station, and no cell service anywhere on this segment to call for help if you miscalculate.
Trail track
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