Destinations > Canning Stock Route, Part 1

MAPS & BOOKS
Hema Maps have excellent maps in its Great Desert Tracks series covering the entire Canning Stock Route.

A must-have book for the area is Craig Lewis and Cathy Savage's Explore Australia by 4WD, this is an excellent reference with up-to-date information, distances and GPS recordings.

For a long time the 4WDer's bible for the area was Ronele and Eric Gard's Canning Stock Route. It carries detailed history on the CSR and the work performed by Alfred Canning. Some info is a little dated these days, but it should accompany everyone who dares to venture up the route.

THE CALVERT RANGE
Situated 38km east of Well 16, the Calvert Range is one of those places missed by most although it should be included on every visit to the Canning. Its stunning red ochre cliff face and jumbled rocks that have been torn away from the plateau make for a dramatic backdrop, especially at sunset. Make sure you pick a campsite on the western side to ensure that you catch these wonderful colours at the end of the day.

The track leads past Sunday Well (no reliable water) and over numerous soft sand hills, which will catch you out if you don't have the correct tyre pressures and driving technique. In 2005 this whole area was burnt out by a massive wildfire. Expect it to be bursting with new growth in 2006 providing a variety of colours in the vegetation. The access track leads directly to the escarpment with a shaded campsite found where the track intersects with the trail that circumnavigates the range.

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There are several secluded campsites around the base of the range and on the northern side where the country is relatively flat, camping is also quite good, if not a little open. Take time to explore the range as you follow the track around its base. On the eastern side there is a track that follows a rough gorge for a little way and then by exploring the range on foot you will be rewarded with amazing rock formations and ancient rock art sites. The track crosses over the top of the escarpment at its southern end and drops down to the western side where the best art sites are found. Make sure that you explore every small gorge running off the western side and you will see some huge areas of aboriginal rock art, but please respect it and do not touch. You should allow at least two days to properly explore Calvert Range.

 

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