
Where does the Canning Stock Route start and finish?
Australia, oceania
1,850 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure! The Canning Stock Route snakes its way through the heart of Western Australia's deserts, stretching 1,850 km from Halls Creek in the Kimberley to Wiluna in the Mid West region. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking about crossing the Gibson, Little Sandy, and Great Sandy Deserts, passing through native title lands.
This legendary stock route throws everything at you: think endless horizons, scorching sun, and over 900 sand dunes (some seriously huge!). You'll need around three weeks to tackle it, and your trusty 4WD better be up to the task. Forget luxury – this is about self-sufficiency. Pack enough food, water, and spare parts to last, and brush up on your car repair skills. There are no towns, no services, just you, your vehicle, and the raw beauty of the Aussie desert.
While some wells have been restored, don’t count on them. This route sees enough traffic to keep it somewhat accessible, but it's definitely not maintained. So, gather your convoy, make sure your four-wheel drives are in top condition, and hit the road during the cooler months (April to September). Just remember to secure your permits beforehand, and maybe leave the trailer at home – this is about serious off-roading!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,850 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhy is it called Porters Pass?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because Porters Pass in New Zealand's South Island is calling your name! This beauty tops out at 948 meters (3,110 feet), giving you some seriously stunning views. It got its name from the Porter brothers, local farmers back in the day, which is a cool little bit of history. The road itself? Smooth sailing all the way, baby! We're talking fully paved State Highway 73 that winds right through the Torlesse Tussocklands Park. Keep an eye on the weather in winter, though, because it can get a bit dicey and might close temporarily. But when it's open, get ready for mind-blowing views of the Canterbury Plains. The whole shebang stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (20.13 miles), cruising between the alpine charm of Castle Hill Village and the laid-back vibes of Springfield. Trust me, this isn't just a drive – it's an experience.
easyWhere is Moonbi Lookout?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're heading to Moonbi Lookout, a sweet spot perched high on a granite outcrop. We're talking 2,473 feet above sea level, people! The views? Unreal. You've got the whole landscape spread out before you, with gorgeous vistas of the Cockburn Shire Council area. On a clear day, they say you can even glimpse the distant peaks of something amazing – keep an eye out! Plus, there's tons of room to park at the top if you want to hang out for a while. The road up, called something unique, is pretty easy to navigate. It's paved the whole way from the highway and is a short distance. Sure, it gets a little narrow and steep in sections, but nothing your average car can't handle. It just winds its way up an easy grade. Caravans are welcome, too! Get ready for some serious scenery!
moderateA Journey on the Legendary Tasman Valley Road 4X4 Track in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a true 4x4 adventure in New Zealand's South Island, you NEED to check out the Tasman Valley Road. Hidden southwest of Tasman Lake, in the Canterbury region, this track is a bumpy, unpaved ride that will test your off-road skills. Forget smooth sailing; this route is all about rocky terrain, unpredictable conditions and the occasional flooding or avalanche risk. Seriously, a regular car just won't cut it here. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this bad boy, and even then, double-check with your rental company because some of them ban this track! This rugged road stretches for about 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) from the Tasman Valley Road car park, deep inside Mt. Cook National Park. But trust me, the views are WORTH IT. As you climb, prepare to be stunned by the incredible mountain scenery. You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Tasman Lake and the immense 27 km Tasman Glacier (the longest in New Zealand). Just a heads up: those pesky sandflies love this area, so pack some bug spray. Also, be prepared for anything weather-wise; it can change on a dime. Temperatures can drop super fast, so pack layers and be ready for all conditions. The road is usually open year-round, but heavy snow can shut it down, especially during winter.
moderateDon’t rely on your GPS on the South Face Road
🇦🇺 Australia
South Face Road, nestled in Victoria, Australia, is your rugged path up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive! Starting north of Rawson off Thomson Valley Road, you'll be tackling 30.3km (18.82 miles) of unpaved beauty. Think stunning views as you wind through the National Park on narrower roads towards Mt Baw Baw. The upside? This road isn't super twisty. If switchbacks make you queasy, you might prefer this route to the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. South Face Road’s more even gradient and easier turns are a godsend when the weather turns nasty! Be warned: "easy" doesn't mean flat! Some sections are seriously steep, hitting a max gradient of 17%. Cyclists, this is one of Australia's toughest climbs! Fuel up BEFORE you head up the mountain as there are no stations at the top, and don't trust your GPS implicitly, as coverage can be spotty. Watch out for logging trucks year-round, especially at intersections and around bends. Alpine weather is no joke – it changes fast! Pack for all conditions, especially during winter when snow is common. Warm, waterproof gear, sunscreen, and tire chains (mandatory during snow season, last stop for chains is Erica!) are essential. And diesel drivers, don't forget your anti-freeze!