Travelling the Canning Stock Route

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 22:47

ThreadID: 85904 Views:2484 Replies:4 FollowUps:2

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aimee

Is there anyone out there who has travelled the Canning Stock Route just recently? I would like an update on the condition of the "lower" section (Well 5 to 23) and also if there is much water on the Savoury Creek crossing? Thank you.

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Reply By: Olsen's 4WD Tours and Training - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 07:43

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 07:43

Well 5 to 23 is a long way and covers lots of different terrain. Up to about well 5 it is pretty easy going though heavily corrugated in parts and quite stony.

Savory Creek the last 3 years has water in it but not at the crossing.

I would like to impress upon everyone who does the CSR to drag something behind your vehicle in the corrugated areas. I am using two large dragline chain links, but anything that will knock the tops of the corrugations would be welcome. It does not affect the fuel consumption that much but makes the track better.

Also there are too many people out there who are poorly prepared for what is the toughest and most remote trip you can do. If you car breaks down, can you fix it? If not you better have $10K spare if you want it retrieved.

In my view the CSR is not for beginners.

AnswerID: 452521

Follow Up By: Crackles - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 10:12

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 10:12

No doubt by your resonse Olly you are noticing an increase in unprepared people tackling the route & likewise more & more breaking down. It's hard to convey the remoteness of the area to people particually when there is so much info available in books, videos & on the web that makes it look almost straight forward.
Love your suggestion to drag a chain to smooth out the bumps which with the incresed traffic are making some of the biggest corrugations in Oz. There was an idea already floating around to have several railway iron scrapers with a few tyres left at key positions on the track for people to hook on & tow up & back. Have seen where this works exceptionally well but would require some coordination & possibly signage from the local communities or the WA 4x4 association.
As for the Savory creek Aimee even when it's flowing it's rarely that deep to cause major problems particually if you air down additionally. As you drive up the stock route if there is water flowing, word on the track will tell you where the best crossing points are & then is usually marked by a 44 gallon drum or such. If you have a HF radio in your group then up to the minute conditions will be broadcast on VKS737, very handy if there has been local heavy rain while you are on the track.
Have a great trip.
Cheers Craig.....................

FollowupID: 725229

Follow Up By: Paul & Tracy - Friday, Apr 29, 2011 at 00:00

Friday, Apr 29, 2011 at 00:00

Thing I can never quite get is why people insist on NOT driving in 4wd on these tracks. Nothing causes corrugations like lack of traction and nothing fixes this like driving in 4wd.

If everyone simply engaged 4wd when they got onto a track the corrugation problem would pretty much resolve itself.

Of course it would also help if they lowered tyre pressures too but 4wd is a real good start.

Never forget coming up behind a a vehicle on the Connie Sue some years ago which appeared to be axle hopping badly only to find it stuck in soft sand with the driver out twisting his hubs in. After he'd totally destroyed a section of the track getting it out I asked him why he simply wasn't always in 4wd on the track and he said he was saving fuel! How?!!

Lets just hammer the message: on tracks 4wd is best - for you and the track.

PaulBKal