A Desert Tapestry: Hiking on the Canning Stock Route in 2027
- samelvin2
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Canning Stock Route 2027 Tour
The Canning Stock Route is more than a 4WD track, it’s a living masterpiece of ancient geology and resilient heritage. At Forest Explorers, we trade the rush for a 22-day "slow-trek" that puts your boots on the ground.
Starting in Wiluna, we pay our respects to the legendary bushman Tommy Ningebong before heading north to the Ingebong Hills. From the historic Wiluna Discovery Centre to the vibrant "layered geography" of the desert, join Steve and Alison for a wildflower-season expedition that reveals the hidden threads of this iconic landscape.
A 22-Day Journey Through Deep Time & Heritage
For July 2027 and 2028, Steve and Alison return to the Canning Stock Route (CSR) for an expedition that prioritises the "Explore" in our name. While others rush the 1,900km crossing, we embrace a "slow-trek" philosophy, giving you the time to step out of the vehicle and truly immerse yourself in the desert’s ancient geography, vibrant wildflowers, and rich human stories.
Starting with Respect: Day One in Wiluna
Our journey begins with the people who shaped this land. Before we head north, our first day includes:
The Canning & Gunbarrel Discovery Centre: Housed in the historic old Wiluna Hospital, we explore the art gallery and museum to understand the grit and artistry of the Martu people and the early explorers.
A Tribute to a Legend: We visit the Wiluna Cemetery to pay our respects at the resting place of many including Tommy Ningebong 1908 - 1978. Officially recognised by the Federal Court as native title holders in the Birriliburu Native Title Determination June 2008. A master Bushman, Tracker, and Drover born at Well 9, Tommy’s legacy as a pastoralist and stockman is woven into the very fabric of the CSR.
Expedition Hike:
The Ingebong Hills: Named for Tommy, by Ronele and Eric Gard of Western Desert Guides who wrote to the Nomenclature Committee of the Lands and Surveys Department WA in 1996. Name approval was given on 20th Jume 1996
700m above sea level at the summit, we allow two hours to explore the masterclass in layered geography. We take the time to see the remarkable way the force of nature can shape a rock formation with deep force pushing up bands of sandstone - a magnificent example of the seabed solidification
Botanical Discovery: Native White Cypress Callitris columellaris have gnarled grey limbs with deep green contrast foliage. On the shaded slops we discover the delicate ferns.
Dynamic Views looking east from Ingebong Hills, Canning Stock Route 2025 
Ancient formations of a Sandstone Seabed
Join the 2027 or 2028 Trek
Walk the ancient Ingebong Hills with Steven and Alison. With six traverses under their belts, they bring a wealth of knowledge to every well, wildflower, and campfire story.
Dates: July 6th – July 27th, 2027
Strictly limited to 6 vehicle positions to ensure an intimate and eco footprint group experience.
Focus: Heritage storytelling, 4wd support, hiking, and botanical discovery.
Steven and Alison enjoying the refreshing petrichor of rain at Well 15, surrounded by historical landscapes and seed dispersed Spinifex. Looking Toward the Horizon: 2028 Expressions of Interest
With our 2026 season already at capacity and 2027 filling fast, we are now accepting Expressions of Interest for our 2028 CSR Expedition.
Our 22-day "Slow-Trek" philosophy means we only run a limited number of vehicles positions each year. This ensures that every guest receives a personal, educational, and immersive experience from the art galleries of Wiluna to the ancient peak of the Ningebong Hills.
Plan ahead to secure your place in the vast Canning Stock Route tapestry.
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