Where are we now? Cook

When I went to Perth on the Indian Pacific in 1980 with Emma the train called into a number of small communities, whose sole purpose was to service the train and the railways. All goods were brought to the towns by the train.
On this trip the train stopped for water and fuel at only one community, Cook, but much has changed.

Canning Stock Route – Things along the way

Camping under desert oaks at Lake Disappointment

The land we travelled through was mostly Indigenous Protected Areas (IPA lands) which require a permit for access.

An Indigenous Protected Area is an area of Indigenous-owned land or sea where traditional owners have entered into an agreement with the Australian Government to promote biodiversity and cultural resource conservation. Indigenous Protected Areas make a significant contribution to Australian biodiversity conservation – making up over a third of Australia’s National Reserve System.

Canning Stock Route – 2

We were 16 passengers of mature age who had all travelled with Outback Spirit previously. There were 4 terrific blokes who drove the purpose designed vehicles, set up camp, cooked our meals, provided information on the track and the Surveyor Alfred Canning, and kept the show on the road.

Canning Stock Route – 1

Canning Stock Route

Sign at intersection at the start, the intersection with the Tanami Track

Map of the Canning Stock Route from Wikepedia.

Travelling the Canning Stock Route was an incredible experience. We were 16 passengers of mature years with 4 incredible blokes in 2 4 wheel drive vehicles towing trailers and 2 6 wheel trucks. We are on the track for 14 days and saw half a dozen other vehicles and one Polish fellow riding a bike along the route.