Travelling the Canning Stock Route

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 at 22:47
ThreadID: 85904 Views:2416 Replies:4 FollowUps:2
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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.....................
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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
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FollowupID: 725356

Reply By: SIF4X4 - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:55

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 12:55
The CSR doesn't change much from year to year. It is just an unmaintained track through the scrub where the vagaries of weather conditions and traffic wear the surfaces on an annual basis.

On our first CSR expedition before the turn of the century we met a group of vehicles a short way from Savory Creek. They were covered in salt and black mud and by their account spent almost a day getting through with a lot of winching and snatching involved. They told us that we would not have a hope in hell getting through as we were travelling solo. Not sure where they made their way across Savory as there was less than 50mm of ponded water where we crossed with a hard surface underneath. Should you get to Savory Creek and it is deep with water, then the best idea is to scout around for a better place to cross.

You will need to research the CSR in depth, manage your tyre pressures with some common sense and keep your speed low if you want to survive the trek. Also do not overload your vehicle as things tend to break when overloaded.

If you are well prepared a solo trek isn't that daunting.

Cheers

Spero
AnswerID: 452545

Reply By: aimee - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 21:21

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 21:21
Thanks everyone for your replies on the past conditions of the C.S.R. The reason I was curious about "up to date" information. The lower section (around Well 5) was closed a couple of weeks back because of heavy rains. Also the top end I have been told is awash at the moment. Was just wondering about Savoury Creek, as there has been heavy rainfalls for the last two months in that location. The dragging of chains on the track is a great idea but I think tyre pressure and low speed is the only way to go. Over the years that I have been travelling the Stock Route (about 28 times) I have noticed a huge increase in traffic and neglect of the track. Happy travelling and see you on the Stock Route one day.
AnswerID: 452645

Reply By: Member - Brenton - Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 23:02

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 at 23:02
We're heading up that way end of May through June... I rang a few places a while back and will ring again to check on conditions. The people at Kunawarritji Community are very helpful and willing to share information. Give them a call on 08 9176 9040.
AnswerID: 452664

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