The Wiluna to East Kimberley Stock Route was explored and equipped with a series of wells during the period 1906 – 1910. Alfred Canning, a surveyor with the Department of Lands (now Landgate) together with his team and the local aborigines as guides, played a major role in opening up the remote desert areas of Western Australia. The name of the stock route was later changed in recognition of the service the pioneering Canning had provided to the emerging state.

The Canning Stock Route stretches almost 2000 kilometres from Halls Creek in the Kimberley region to Wiluna in the South. It was once a vital overland link for transporting Kimberley cattle to the hungry miners in the expanding goldfields.

Today, it is a haven for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts from around the world who travel to Western Australia in search of a unique and challenging outback adventure.

The stock route is rich in Aboriginal history and is an invaluable historical reminder of the courage and endurance of the people who explored the area and constructed a pathway through some of Australia’s most isolated and harsh outback country.

The year 2010 marks the centenary of the completion of this remarkable feat.  There are a number of projects in which Landgate is involved that will also celebrate their conclusion in 2010 – the Projects link gives details.

The projects are aimed at sustaining and enriching the experience of travelling the stock route and preserving the very significant Aboriginal culture and heritage that abounds along the route.