5 days/4 nights –  Tanami Track Broome to Alice Springs tour

Eastbound Tanami Track Tours – Includes Geike Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River, Outback Art, Wolfe Creek Crater, Balgo, Warlukurlangu artists at Yuendumu,  Tillmouth Wells art gallery, Balgo Art Community. Departs Tuesdays 1 pm after lunch, completes Saturday after rock art site & lunch in Alice Springs. As below itinerary excluding Newhaven. Price of 5 day tour of $2680.00 per person includes 4 nights comfy camping OR add 1 or 2 nights accommodation upgrade available at Fitzroy Crossing or Tillmouth Well for $150 twin share/night). Also, option to add last day's night in Alice Springs with breakfast add $280 twin share.  Departures on demand – please ask

Details of Tours – Broome to Alice Springs via Tanami Track – Eastbound Itinerary (Westbound is Reverse)

Day 1 – We depart Broome after the arrival of flights to meet incoming travellers (approx. 1pm after lunch). If you arrive this morning earlier, enjoy a free morning in Broome for Cable Beach swim or other activities. We will pickup from your hotel or airport as confirmed. We then travel through sweeping Kimberley grasslands and cattle country to cross the flood plains of the Fitzroy River. We stop by roadhouses and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea under a majestic boab tree. We start to experience some of the local lifestyles, and sense the spirit of this wide-open country as we witness stunning mesa landscapes (great photo opportunities). Late afternoon sees us check in for overnight at Fitzroy River Resort at Fitzroy Crossing before a relaxing night and tasty evening meal, with a chance to meet some of the locals. L,D

Day 2 – After breakfast enjoy a relaxing Geike Gorge river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, and marvel at the high cliffs, annual massive flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. After a morning cuppa, and comfortable highway cruising we enjoy lunch at a spectacular local lookout, on the major songline that crosses the Tanami Desert. Time permitting we stop in at Yiyili Aboriginal Art centre (beautiful colourful & contemporary artworks for sale here) and Halls Creek for last supplies before the Tanami Track. Late afternoon we arrive at Wolfe Creek Crater in time for a crater walk and set up camp prior to a spectacular Kimberley sunset over Wolfe Creek Crater. BLD

Day 3 – A chance this morning for stunning photos and memories at sunrise of Wolfe Creek Crater, the world's second-largest meteorite crater. Local stories say this is where the rainbow serpent entered the Earth. You can take a walk in the crater or enjoy the view from the crater rim. After a healthy breakfast, we take the Tanami Track to Billiluna Aboriginal community on the edge of the Canning Stock Route, before visiting the Balgo community & Balgo Aboriginal Art centre to witness artist sin action and, some wonderful and unique art styles of the western deserts available to purchase at significant discounts from the local artists. We lunch enjoying the spectacular view over the Balgo Hills and mesas stretching into the western deserts – The Great Sandy Desert & Gibson Deserts. This afternoon we make camp near Rabbit Flat for our overnight camp in the real Never Never, under a brilliant starry sky, and see the Milky Way and the heavens like never before. BLD

Day 4 – Travel today takes us by the great Tanami and Granites gold mines, some of the most productive in Australia and old abandoned wells from gold rush & cattle droving days. These are some of the remotest parts of Australia – a great place to reflect on our existence and experience the vastness and vitality of life – even in the desert. After a look over Chilla Well or Renahans Springs Bore we’re ready for the delights of the art centre at the Warlukurlangu artists Centre at Yuendumu, and a look around at this large and unique outback community. The 5 day tour travels on to Tillmouth Well for a restful overnight camp or upgrades to motel cabins if desired. If choosing the 6 day tour we divert to Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary for 2 nights, with Tillmouth Wells Aboriginal art shopping available on the last day. BLD

Day 5 – An easy start to the morning allows us to reflect on our experience at our oasis on the desert. A wide range of well priced art is available at Tillmouth Well Aboriginal art centre from surrounding communities including Mt Allan, Papunya, and Yuendumu. We may even meet some of the artists with their special offers. We head for Alice Springs, visiting a picturesque rock art site where we enjoy lunch.  Tour completes in Alice Springs after lunch,  in time to see the sights of Alice or if flights require, please ask. Optional overnight accommodation in Alice Springs at own expense BL

Next Day Post Tour – Now in the big smoke, you can explore the Araluen Art centre or other fabulous Aboriginal Art galleries of Alice Springs, or other sites such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, historic Overland Telegraph Station, all with the backdrop of the mighty MacDonnell Ranges – or just soak up this special atmosphere. 

Inclusions

• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 per vehicle)
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian, unless noted in the itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or Comfy Camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• Guided tours by locals of Geike Gorge and Fitzroy River
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contribution of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• Learn practical skills –
  • Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
  • Camping, tent, food health & safety
  • Rock art symbols guide / earth energy connection
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Ask Now: 1300 763 188

6 days/5 nights –  Tanami Track Broome to Alice Springs with Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary tour 6 days

Includes Newhaven 2 nights, Geike Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River, Outback Art, Wolfe Creek Crater, Balgo, Warlukurlangu artists at Yuendumu, Tillmouth Wells art gallery, Balgo Art Community. Departs 1pm after lunch, completes Saturday after rock art site & lunch in Alice Springs. Includes 2 nights at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary and sanctuary tour.Price of 6 day tour includes 5 nights comfy camping . Option to add last night in Alice Springs motel, with breakfast add $280 twin room.  Departures on demand – please ask

Details of Tours – Broome to Alice Springs via Tanami Track – Eastbound Itinerary (Westbound is Reverse)

Day 1 – We depart Broome after the arrival of flights to meet incoming travellers (approx. 1pm after lunch). If you arrive this morning earlier, enjoy a free morning in Broome for Cable Beach swim or other activities. We will pickup from your hotel or airport as confirmed. We then travel through sweeping Kimberley grasslands and cattle country to cross the flood plains of the Fitzroy River. We stop by roadhouses and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea under a majestic boab tree. We start to experience some of the local lifestyles, and sense the spirit of this wide-open country as we witness stunning mesa landscapes (great photo opportunities). Late afternoon sees us check in for overnight at Fitzroy River Resort at Fitzroy Crossing before a relaxing night and tasty evening meal, with a chance to meet some of the locals. L,D

Day 2 – After breakfast enjoy a relaxing Geike Gorge river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, and marvel at the high cliffs, annual massive flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. After a morning cuppa, and comfortable highway cruising we enjoy lunch at a spectacular local lookout, on the major songline that crosses the Tanami Desert. Time permitting we stop in at Yiyili Aboriginal Art centre (beautiful colourful & contemporary artworks for sale here) and Halls Creek for last supplies before the Tanami Track. Late afternoon we arrive at Wolfe Creek Crater in time for a crater walk and set up camp prior to a spectacular Kimberley sunset over Wolfe Creek Crater. BLD

Day 3 – A chance this morning for stunning photos and memories at sunrise of Wolfe Creek Crater, the world's second-largest meteorite crater. Local stories say this is where the rainbow serpent entered the Earth. You can take a walk in the crater or enjoy the view from the crater rim. After a healthy breakfast, we take the Tanami Track to Billiluna Aboriginal community on the edge of the Canning Stock Route, before visiting the Balgo community & Balgo Aboriginal Art centre to witness artist sin action and, some wonderful and unique art styles of the western deserts available to purchase at significant discounts from the local artists. We lunch enjoying the spectacular view over the Balgo Hills and mesas stretching into the western deserts – The Great Sandy Desert & Gibson Deserts. This afternoon we make camp near Rabbit Flat for our overnight camp in the real Never Never, under a brilliant starry sky, and see the Milky Way and the heavens like never before. BLD

Day 4 – Travel today takes us by the great Tanami and Granites gold mines, some of the most productive in Australia and old abandoned wells from gold rush & cattle droving days. These are some of the remotest parts of Australia – a great place to reflect on our existence and experience the vastness and vitality of life – even in the desert. After a look over Chilla Well or Renahans Springs Bore we’re ready for the delights of the art centre at the Warlukurlangu artists Centre at Yuendumu, and a look around at this large and unique outback community.we
travel off the tanami track now, and head for the hills, and beautiful mountain ranges surrounding Newhaven. Then relax at our beautiful campsite among the Desert Oaks,  with hot showers, and running water amenities.Overnight Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary BLD 

Day 5 -  Explore Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary – 2 nights at Newhaven to explore this ex Birds Australia haven now managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. We explore the region by 4WD and witness sunset at Lake Bennett, remote mountain ranges & mesas, preserved, and various rich native wildlife habitats home to bilbies, dunarts and many rare birds.  Overnight Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary BLD

Day 6 - Some more early exploring in Newhaven on our way to Tillmouth Well with Aboriginal art from surrounding communities including Mt Allan, Papunya, and Yuendumu. We may even meet some of the artists with their special offers. We head for Alice Springs. Tour completes in Alice Springs after lunch,  in time to see the sights of Alice. Optional overnight accommodation in Alice Springs at own expense. Shared dinner together to celebrate the journey BL

Next Day Post Tour – Now in the big smoke, you can explore the Araluen Art centre or other fabulous Aboriginal Art galleries of Alice Springs, or other sites such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, historic Overland Telegraph Station, all with the backdrop of the mighty MacDonnell Ranges – or just soak up this special atmosphere. 

Inclusions

• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 per vehicle)
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian, unless noted in the itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or Comfy Camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• Guided tours by locals of Geike Gorge and Fitzroy River
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contribution of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• Learn practical skills –
  • Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
  • Camping, tent, food health & safety
  • Rock art symbols guide / earth energy connection
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine
  

NOTE THIS IS MOSTLY REMOTE CAMPING AND TRAVEL

The Canning Stock Route 23 day journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Glen Ayle Station, then Wiluna to Carnegie Station via Gunbarrel Highway and Heather Highway to Warburton, then Great Central Road to Warrakurna, Giles, Docker River to Yulara then Alice Springs.

Tour includes travel by Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (max. 3-4 persons per vehicle), 4 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek Kunawarratji and Warburton all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The route includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakesCanning Stock Route ToursJoin us Departing on this 16 day tour from Broome to Newman WA to fly out or return to Broome via Marble Bar - 17 days.OR – Depart from Alice Springs. Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo /  Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours travel together and overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Wells 1 and  2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (created by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs  

Canning Stock Route Tours – Itinerary from Broome to Alice Springs 

Day 1 – Broome - Meet in Broome at 6 pm for evening meal with your guide and fellow travellers at our groups pre-arranged accommodation. Enjoy your leisure time in Broome during the day and join us for a debriefing and group dinner that evening and a good nights rest before the big adventure.

Day 2 - After breakfast we depart via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare. Travelling on we stop at a giant boab tree over a thousand years old, and appreciate more of the uniqueness of these trees. We travel via the Erskine Ranges to historic Fitzroy Crossing where we have time to visit the local Aboriginal Art centre and purchase art if desired. We travel adjacent the Napier Range, the ancient Devonian era limestone reef that was formed 350 million years ago by coral like creates, when this area was under seawater. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the Fitzroy River. Travel on viewing ancient mesas and stopping at scenic Ngumban Cliff lookout, and later Marys Pool, popular with many native birds, and crocodiles. We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight.  B, L, D

Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crate. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.     Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises. Our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.

Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.

Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.

Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.

Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 

Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.

Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.

Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.

Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.

Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight at the southern end of Canning Stock Route near Wiluna.

Days - 15- 20 - Broome to Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway & Great Central Road (surveyed by Len Beddell) via Carnegie Station, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, overnight Yulara then Alice Spring completes approximately 5pm Day 20

Tour Includes  -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles

•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners 

•    Special diets catered

•    4 nights hotel / motel accommodation 

•    15 nights camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.

•    Hot showers and real toilet 

•    Professional Driver / Guides 

•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required

•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles 

•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications

•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source

•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones 

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points

•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

The Canning Stock Route 16 day journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

Tour includes travel by luxury Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (4 persons per vehicle), 3 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Price of 16 day Canning Stock Route tour from Broome to Newman. Marble Bar option – Add return to Broome 2 days including extra 1 night accommodation (optional BHP Whaleback mine tour available) plus sightseeing at Marble Bar & 80 Mile Beach  - Add $ 680. (can be paid after online booking)

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The route includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes
 
Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory region (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.
Tour includes Toyota Landcruiser GXL 100 vehicles (max. 4 persons per vehicle in convoy) , 4 nights motel accommodation (Halls Creek, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wiluna, and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, comfortable most modern camping gear supplied including full height easy up tents, stretchers if required, comfortable mattresses or swags if preferred, linen and pillow cases, showers & real toilet.
Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

Broome to Newman or Broome. 16 days from Broome to Newman WA (to fly to Perth) or return to Broome via Marble Bar – 17 days. Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.  SEATS AVAILABLE – ASK FOR DETAILS 

Canning Stock Route Tours

Join us Departing on this 16 day tour from Broome to Newman WA to fly out or return to Broome via Marble Bar - 17 days.
OR – Depart from Alice Springs.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo /  Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours travel together and overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (created by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs
 
Canning Stock Route Tours – Itinerary from Broome – see note at end re from Alice Springs
 
Day 1 – Broome - You will be collected from the airport in Broome or meet at our groups pre-arranged accommodation. Enjoy your leisure time in Broome during the day and join us for a debriefing and group dinner that evening and a good nights rest before the big adventure.
Day 2 - After breakfast we depart via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare. Travelling on we stop at a giant boab tree over a thousand years old, and appreciate more of the uniqueness of these trees. We travel via the Erskine Ranges to historic Fitzroy Crossing where we have time to visit the local Aboriginal Art centre and purchase art if desired. We travel adjacent the Napier Range, the ancient Devonian era limestone reef that was formed 350 million years ago by coral like creates, when this area was under seawater. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the Fitzroy River. Travel on viewing ancient mesas and stopping at scenic Ngumban Cliff lookout, and later Marys Pool, popular with many native birds, and crocodiles. We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight.  B, L, D
Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crate. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.
   
Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.
Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises.
We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.
Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.
Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.
Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.
Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.
Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 
Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.
Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.
Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.
Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.
Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight camp at Well 2 on the southern end of Canning Stock Route.
Day 15 - Tour completes after breakfast. Flight options to Perth.

Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    4 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    12 nights Deluxe camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Perth option

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Perth option - tour completes Wiluna in WA, or travel on to Uluru or Alice Springs or fly to Perth (extra costs)

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

 

Note: we have extended the 19-day tour to now 22 days, which gives us more time to spend at waterholes that have water and gives a more relaxed experience. The itinerary will be adjusted shortly. 

Canning Stock Route from Alice Springs return 22 days includes Tanami Billilluna Aboriginal Community Stretch Lagoon - bird watching near Paraku IPA Durba Springs Onegunyah Rockhole Wiluna Mt Beadell Warburton Giles Uluru Gunbarrel Highway

Tour includes travel by luxury Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (Maximum 3-4 persons per vehicle), 4 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek, Wiluna and Kunawaratji), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo / Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (built by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The CSR includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes

Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

From Broome ther journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Durba Springs, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna. 

OR Depart from Alice Springs and return to Alice Springs - 22 days

Canning Stock Route Tour

Canning Stock Route Tours – see note at the end re from Alice Springs
 

Day 1 – Alice Springs depart 7 am for Tanami Track with stops at Tillmouth Well and Yuendumu. Visit the World renowned Warlu Aboriginal Art centre here. Remote desert travel via Renner Springs, and Tanami Gold Mine to camp that evening under the stars near Rabbit Flat. BLD

Day 2 - After breakfast, we depart to see more remote gold mines, and cross the WA border. We meet the group from Broome for overnight.  B, L, D

Day 3 – Heading south to arrive at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock Route. From here we pass by waterholes of Streak Lagoon and check out the birds and wildlife. 

We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.

Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.

Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.

Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.

Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 

Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.

Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.

Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.

Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.

Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight camp at the southern end of Canning Stock Route.

Day 15 - From our last camp here we travel to the BHP mining town of Newman and check into our welcome hotel after lunch. You can explore Newman or just catch up with all those photos at your leisure. Group dinner this evening in Newman.

Days - 15-22 - Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway & Great Central Road (surveyed by Len Beddell) via Carnegie Station, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, overnight Alice Spring overnight completes 5pm Day 19

If returning to Newman / Broome If available - see the other tour here

Note: we have extended the 19-day tour to now 22 days, which gives us more time to spend at waterholes that have water and gives a more relaxed experience. The itinerary will be adjusted shortly. 

Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    2 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    15 nights camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188