Canning Stock Route, WA

Canning Stock Route, WA

Dust hangs in the air as AG’s 2006 Canning Stock Route Expedition embarks on the historic, 1800 km desert track that runs from Wiluna to Halls Creek, WA.

Towering above sand and gibber, Thring Rock, lies just off the Canning Stock Route (CSR) near Well 29.

The CSR meanders between the dune swales in a vast sea of golden spinifex. On average, this area receives less than 250 mm of rainfall a year.

Termite mounds punctuate recently burnt spinifex near the northern end of the route.

Smooth-barked coolibahs slake their thirst in an ephemeral lake in the CSR’s northern section. The lake formed after flood- water from Sturt Creek filled Lake Gregory and spilled across the flats.

Dawn’s mauve hues soften the look of Lake Disappointment’s salt-encrusted bed, which glares from the Canning’s side between wells 18 and 21.

Near the CSR’s southern end, a crested pigeon enjoys a drink. These birds used to be restricted to inland and parts of western Australia, but increased water availability after European settlement has seen them spread over most of the country.

The lonely grave of Jack Smith, a stockman who died after falling from his horse, keeps vigil over good water supplies at well 49.

AG expeditioner John Cameron inspects a steam-powered winch winder in an original miners’ hut preserved at Gwalia, near Lenora.

Although many of the Canning’s 51 wells are no longer usable, some, such as Well 18, still have enough water to reflect inquisitive AG expeditioners.

Kids play barefoot footy in the salmon sands of their homelands.

Near the northern end of the CSR, Kunawarritji elders (from left), Nora Wompi, Marjorie Yates and Deuja Nungapa, spoke softly of their deep-seated desire to keep living in their homelands.

Gwalia ghost town and museum, WA.

Windmill at sunrise on the CSR.

Aboriginal rock art site on the walls of the Killagurra Gorge, WA.

A Brown Falcon, also known as a Brown Hawk, perches atop a tree in search of prey.

The expedition party at Well 51 on the CSR, WA.