Hello Explorer's,

Steven & I are thrilled to extend an invitation to you for a once-in-a-lifetime journey along one of the most remote and iconic stock routes in the world - the Canning Stock Route in 2027.
This will be Stevens sixth expedition and Alison's fifth. 

Why Join Us?

Independent but not alone.

Adventure of a Lifetime: Feel the excitement of navigating one of the world's longest and most secluded stock routes.
Spectacular Scenery: Witness stunning desert landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and historical sites.
Camaraderie: Connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and create lifelong friendships & memories.
Self-Sufficiency: Develop skills & knowledges in remote travel, navigation, and bushfoods/craft.
 
About Us

Steven's childhood was spent in the Pilbara, where he relished adventurous 4WD excursions throughout the region. In contrast, Alison grew up in a wheatbelt farming community, cultivating a deep appreciation for nature and natural history from an early age.
Following their time in the Pilbara, the couple moved to the Goldfields, where they resided for a decade. Kalgoorlie became their base for exploration, enabling them to travel extensively and camp throughout the region, as well as in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and the deserts of Western Australia.

In the Goldfields, Steven's work involved wiring mining camps, operating gold mines, and maintaining processing and power plants. Currently, they reside on a rural property in the picturesque southwestern shire of Collie, where they continue to embrace their outdoor lifestyle.

Steven's background encompasses maintenance in the power and heavy industry, and he has owned and operated a truck, as well as run his own maintenance business. His diverse interests include motorcycle racing, farming, and general repairs and construction, making him adept at resolving various challenges.

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Alison's passion for nature, nurtured during her youth in the wheatbelt and the Fitzgerald area along the south coast, drives her business - Forest Explorers, where she leads wildflower, mural, heritage tours & trail transfers in Australia’s Southwest.
Steven never ventures anywhere without thoroughly researching the heritage of the area, while Alison brings a wealth of nature-based research, deepening their understanding of the flora, fauna, and ecosystems they encounter. Together, they create journeys rich in history and natural discovery.

Both Steven and Alison hold Senior First Aid certification and have completed training in various relevant fields over the years. They are also active members of the local Bush Fire Brigade, with Steven serving as Captain and Alison as the Community Preparedness Facilitator.

Expedition Details:
Twenty-Two days along the Canning Stock Route, embarking on a 4wd tag-along expedition (max 6 vehicles), navigating through the vast rugged Western Australian outback.

Depart Wiluna Caravan Park - Arrive Kimberley Hotel, Halls Creek
Mode of Travel: 4WD only (Sorry no trailers & no pets) 
Accommodation: Wiluna Caravan Park, Camping under the stars & The Kimberley Hotel Halls Creek WA
Cost: $6,200 per vehicle

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This package includes all necessary permits, Pre departure kits, vehicle inspections and support. access to the RFDS Support & Medical Chest. Evening BBQ & camp area at the new Wiluna Caravan Park, entry to Discovery Centre & Art Gallery. Accommodation (Motel room), dinner & breakfast at the Kimberley Hotel. Damper Cook Off, Casserole nights, Quiz Nights, Star Gazing.4WD knowledge sharing, expertise, and access to intellectual property insights of cultural, heritage, fauna and flora.

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What to Expect: ​

• Participating & support in daily 4wd driving challenges and off-road escapades. Spotting sand flags across the landscapes. Rotating convoy positions daily, shared mechanical tips and tricks.

• Opportunities for morning walks, hiking up breakaways to visit historical surveyors' cairns., photography, outdoor damper cooking competition or just relaxing.

• Evenings spent around the campfire, sharing stories from the people who join us. Our travellers come from all walks of life, from determined dairy industry farmers to retired nurses, and each brings their own stories to the campfire. Those stories become part of the journey.

• Historical publications of the people. Alfred Canning’s survey, the drovers, and the Aboriginal families whose country this is, including accounts like Eileen Lanagan’s, the first white woman to travel the route, read out at wells and in the place where it happened.

• Award-winning expert guidance every step of the way. As a twice-awarded small business, we bring 15+ years of experience in transport and inclusive touring to every trip. We’ll tell you what it’s really like between each well, from the days that went to plan to the ones that didn’t and share what we’ve learned from years of guiding this route. You get daily route briefings, so you’re supported from the first kilometre to the last

• Participants generally range from 40 to 85. The common factor is a love of adventure, self-sufficiency, and respect for the outback.

• A supportive community of like-minded explorers. Our travellers are usually 40 to 80, and they all love the outdoors, look after themselves and respect the outback. Over 22 days you’ll be part of a team, supporting each other through unforgettable and rewarding days in the outback and swapping stories around the fire.

• Respect, patience and a sense of humour are essential, and many travellers leave with friendships that last well beyond the trip.

• No book or website can give you the above small snapshots. The best stories on the Canning Stock Route are told by the people who live and love it, around a campfire under the stars.

                                              

FAQ 

Preparation and Planning

• How long does it take? - Most sources indicate 10-21 days minimum, with 20-28 days being more realistic for a comfortable pace. Forest Explorers offers 22 days for comfort and exploring the diverse landscapes.

• When will you send out the full itinerary? Itineraries will be provided once your deposit is paid.Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on track conditions, weather, vehicle issues, border restrictions etc. We have also factored in some spare days that can be used if necessary for contingencies.

• What preparation should I do before the trip? We provide a comprehensive pre-departure information pack covering vehicle preparation checklist, equipment requirements and what to expect. We also offer monthly pre-trip preparation consultation via phone, email, zoom, or in-person prior to departure.

• When is the best time to go? - April to September (cooler months) is consistently recommended, with travel outside this period not advised due to extreme heat or wet conditions. Forest Explorers travels with our group of six vehicles in July, this is mid/season. We have experienced in the past that most traffic has been through by July.

• Can you recommend any preparatory training? While a 4wd training course would be handy, it is not necessary. we will provide guidance and tuition as required during the tour. We also recommend you have basic vehicle maintenance knowledge.

• Do I need permits? - Yes, permits are required for most sections of the route through the Canning Stock Route Visitor Permit system. These are included in your tour cost.

• What permits are needed? - Different permits for different sections and traditional lands. These funds go towards land management, native fauna and flora research and preservation, Introduced species control and prescribed burn management. More information can be found on the permit website.

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Vehicle & Equipment Questions:

• How much fuel do I need? - Fuel consumption estimated around 15-18L/100km. 1100km at heavy consumption. Fuel at Well 33 Kunawarritji. ¾ way heading north from Wiluna.

• What you'll need? A well-maintained 4WD vehicle with appropriate modifications and equipment, including, UHF radio, quality all terrain light truck tires, fuel capacity for 1100km of hard driving and a minimum 60L of water.  A detailed list of other recommended vehicle preparation will be provided.

• How many spare tyres? - Minimum of two light truck spare tyres recommended, one can be a case.

• Can I tow a trailer/camper? - No sorry from Forest Explorers, it’s an extra set of wheels and axles to care for. Trailers where actually banned at one time between Wiluna and Well 5 due to station road maintenance.

• What tyre pressure should I use? - Sources mention letting out 60/80% of air (around 20psi or below) to handle corrugations and comfortable dune crossings.

• There are several 4WD Accredited Tours and Guides in Western Australia - Tony at Keogh Adventures, Toby at Rough as Guts Tours and Pemberton Discovery Tours 

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Route Difficulty Questions:

• How many sand dunes are there? - Over 900 sand dunes.

• How difficult/challenging is it? – another reason we take 22 days to complete. You need to get you and your vehicle safety to the north. There are corrugations, dunes, rocks and more corrugations. These are all bearable with the right suspension and shorter days of travel. Our participants have told us it’s an average technical track, though 1850km.

• Should I travel alone? - No, two vehicles or convoy travel is strongly recommended. There are people that do travel alone.

• What are the corrugations like? - Described as severe though once again short itinerary travel days and the scenery make it bearable. - right suspension, we are very happy with https://dobinsons.com

 

Logistics Questions:

• Where can I get fuel? - Only at Kunawarritji  8km from Well 33 (about 1,000km from Wiluna

• Where can I get water? Washing and shower water at most wells, though some of the northern wells have been burnt out. Carry at least 60l of fresh for drinking with top up at Kunawarritji  8km from Well 33. Trackcare WA have refurbished northern Wells check their website.

• Is there mobile phone reception? - No mobile coverage along the route - Starlink, Garman or Sat phone.

• What vehicle damage should I expect?  You shouldn’t if your vehicle is well prepared and carry the least weight possible. Even down to dehydrated foods. Suspension needs to be in top order, consider upgrades or replacing shock absorbers even if the vehicle is a few years old. Thought the top damage could possibly be staked tyres, pack a plug kit. Shock absorbers, bushes, and various mountings commonly need replacement after the trip. Consider Bushwrapz to protect your vehicle paintwork, lastly what your speed

• For ease of mind, enjoy your Canning Stock Route journey with an accredited tour operator.

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​Can we hire a vehicle for the Canning Stock Route? Yes, for local to overseas enthusiasts we are able to offer 4WD rental from 

Gino Reservations Manager 

at Adventure West 4WD Rentals, Gino's an outback expert & when he’s not booking your dream WA trip, Gino is also out exploring the Aussie wilderness.

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Environmental & Cultural Considerations

How do you minimize environmental impact? We follow strict Leave No Trace principles: camp only in frequented areas, remove all rubbish, use existing tracks only, protect water sources, and minimize campfire impact. Respect for this fragile desert environment is mandatory.

Are there Aboriginal art & cultural sites along the route? Yes, the Canning Stock Route crosses many traditional Aboriginal lands with significant cultural heritage. We visit historic sites respectfully, follow all cultural protocols, and share the fascinating Indigenous, Afghan Cameleers and Droving history of the route.

Can we collect firewood? Firewood collection is extremely limited in the desert environment. Firewood are non-hollow, dead trees 15km from camps. Any wood collection must follow environmental guidelines provided in your pre-trip briefing.

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If you are as excited about this 4wd expedition as we are and ready to take on the challenge, please contact us to express your interest.

Kind Regards

Steven & Alison Melvin

Ph Alison 0427 981 187 0r Ph Steven 0447 107 951

Collie 6225, WA.

www.forestexplorers.com.au 

"Our Sustainable and Eco Tourism Accreditation is a national standard owned by the Australian Tourism Industry Council ATIC. It is verified in Western Australia by Tourism Council WA, and the framework is recognised globally by Travalyst"​

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