Destinations > Canning Stock Route, Part 1

Finally it's time to head into the beautiful Durba Springs, it is hard not to be impressed by this oasis. The road leads into a gorge that is surrounded by red rock escarpments that are just brilliant in the afternoon sun. The camping area is uniquely level and grassed; respect the areas being regenerated for future use. There is even an enviro cycle loo here for your convenience. You may have seen few travellers on your journey along the CSR, but at Durba you will find they all congregate to enjoy the peaceful setting. This place deserves some of your precious time and a minimum two day stopover is suggested. To make the most of Durba Springs plan to explore the gorge on foot. Last time I visited the area I walked right up the gorge marvelling at the colours and the overhanging rock ledges, stumbled and climbed over, under and round huge house-sized boulders and watched birds sip at the cool waters of the permanent swimming holes further up the gorge. The return journey was along the cliff face on the top of the escarpment and it was one of those journeys that will stay with me to the day I die. Heaven in the midst of one of the most remote locations in Australia.

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In the next part, our journey continues into this hostile land, we encounter sand dunes like never before and trash expensive shock absorbers.

YOUR VEHICLE
Any vehicle undertaking a trip as rigorous as the CSR needs to be meticulously prepared. The route is littered with examples of poorly conceived safaris and equipment. Your vehicle preparation needs to commence several weeks before you depart with any known faults attended. It is almost certain that you will need to upgrade your suspension with aftermarket springs and shocks. This is no place for wild six inch lifts, though a standard 50mm is all that is required with a top quality shock absorber. But you will need to carry spare shock absorbers as they take a pounding and many will fail. Spare wheel bearings, centre bolts for leaf springs and the usual fuel filters, hoses and fan belts are all mandatory. A well thought out storage system especially for the carriage of the extra fuel and water is essential, and a cargo barrier to keep it off your head should be compulsory. Good tyres such as Cooper STs rather than your standard highway issue are mandatory and an additional spare and the equipment and knowledge to change tyres on the track and re-inflate them. An essential item is your communications, as a minimum you must carry either a satellite telephone or a HF radio. Of course the ability to be self sufficient, fix things, perform bush welding and improvise are all necessary and if you don't have these qualities, then join Great Divide Tours on its next Canning Stock Route trip in June 2006. Visit www.4wd.net.au

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