Let our expert guide lead you along "The Loneliest 4WD Track in the World" on a challenging 4WD outback adventure in the safety of a small convoy... independent but not alone!

Together, we'll explore this historic cattle route and the numerous wells which have been constructed along it. There will be time to take side trips to various points of interest & to relax & enjoy the surroundings. We'll spend two nights in one camping area on two, or possibly three, occasions to give everyone a much-needed break and let us fully appreciate this wild and remote area. The Canning stretches from Wiluna to Halls Creek in Western Australia crossing the Great Sandy Desert, the Little Sandy Desert and parts of the Gibson Desert. It stretches over 1900 kms and there are over 1000 sand dunes - it's harsh and tough and challenging, but it also has some of the most beautiful country you'll find in the outback. The Canning is also a historical track, and the legends come alive on this tour.

The Canning can be done in a shorter timeframe, but we don't want to rush this unique experience. We want to enjoy the scenery and minimise any possible vehicle damage. We are also very environmentally conscious and want to leave the track in the same, or better, condition than we found it.

The expedition will run from Erldunda to Alice Springs (or join up for just part of the tour commencing in Wiluna if preferred). We'll travel via Warakurna, Carnegie (incorporating the Gun Barrel Highway), Wiluna, Canning Stock Route & Bililuna.

The tour is self-catering. Vehicles must be robust and reliable. For environmental and track sustainability reasons we will take a maximum of ten vehicles and camper trailers will not be permitted. No children under 16 please. Please note that once we get on the track there are no showers, shops, cafés, hotels, medical or other facilities.

For communication purposes, a vehicle-mounted two-way radio with externally mounted antenna is mandatory - BYO or hire one from us at special rates. We also strongly suggest a dune flag for each vehicle. You will be required to carry adequate supplies of water, food and fuel as we will need to be completely self-sufficient. Planning and preparation is extremely important on this tour & participants will be provided with more information upon booking.

Your Tour Leader will be David Olsen, experienced 4WD'er, Tour Leader, business partner & friend of Global Gypsies. Read more about him below!

This adventure will fill quickly so book early!

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this challenging expedition :

What kind of vehicle do I need to have?
The Canning Stock Route requires a robust 4WD vehicle that is very well prepared for remote desert travel. Your Tour Leader can assist you with this preparation and you will receive an information pack once you confirm your booking & pay your deposit.

What are the total kms?
4346 (Erldunda to Alice) or 2865 kms (Wiluna to Alice)

How much fuel is required?
Somewhere between 150 and 200 litres of fuel depending on vehicle. Your Tour Leader will discuss this with you personally.

How much water should I take?
Participants should carry a minimum of 30 litres per adult. Your Tour Leader will provide approximately 160 litres of additional water.

Is the tour catered or self-catering?
It is self-catering. Participants must supply their own meals & carry & refrigerate their own supplies. Your Tour Leader can help with meal planning, purchasing, packing & cooking advice.
Your Tour Leader will have such communal cooking equipment as BBQ Hotplates & Camp Ovens.

Can I tow an off-road camper trailer on this tour?
No, sorry, trailers are not permitted on this tour. You will need to sleep in a tent, swag, or in your vehicle (if suitably fitted out). Be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag & sufficient blankets for cold nights.

What clothes should I pack?
Minimal, casual & comfortable. Days can be hot but nights can get very cold in the desert! Hats, sunglasses, mozzie net, warm jacket, raincoat, beanie, working gloves & comfy covered shoes are a must!

What are the toilet facilities like?
There are no toilet facilities along the Canning. Your Tour Leader will provide a pit toilet and seat and privacy tent when in camp. Please carry your own paper for en-route toileting between camps.

What about showers?
There is a privacy tent with two rooms - one for showering & a dry room for changing. The shower is heated by the vehicle's engine. Please remember water supplies are limited! Showers are only available when there is sufficient water. When there is insufficient water for a shower, your Tour Leader will provide the shower tent and buckets & you can have a quick wash down or sponge bath' using a small amount of your own water.

Do I need to have a two-way radio?
Yes, a UHF two-way is mandatory. Participants who do not have one fitted in their vehicle can hire one from the Tour Leader. The escort vehicle is equipped with a UHF and HF radio.

What about spare parts?
Your Tour Leader carries a comprehensive tool kit and tyre repair kit. You will need to carry an additional spare tyre (no wheel required) ie 2 spares, and 1 x suitable tube. More details will be provided later.

What about recovery gear?
Participants must carry their own snatch strap and rated shackles if shackles are required. Your Tour Leader will carry extra recovery equipment and winch.

Do I need to pay extra for national park permits & camping fees?
No, these are included in your tour price.

Can I join for just part of the tour or do I need to join for all 23 days?
Most clients from the Eastern Seaboard prefer to join the tour in Erldunda (23 days). However, Global Gypsies clients and other participants from WA may prefer to join the tour in Wiluna (17 days). Either option is fine and to accommodate this we will host two separate welcome functions with complementary BBQ dinners. However, please note that once you are on the actual Canning Stock Route, for safety & duty-of-care reasons, participating vehicles will not be permitted to leave the tour and travel alone.

What is the price of the tour?
To join the tour in Erldunda costs $3518 per vehicle (two people)
To join the tour in Wiluna costs $3000 per vehicle (two people)
Additional passengers in your vehicle cost $350 per person
Sorry, no passenger seats are available in the escort vehicle.

Who is the Tour Leader?
Your Tour Leader will be David Olsen, a friend & business colleague of Jan & Jeremy at Global Gypsies. David & his wife Justine run their own highly reputable tag-along-tour & 4WD training company in Townsville, Queensland and, along with Global Gypsies (who are based in Perth), are part of a closely linked national network of professional touring and training experts.

David & Justine Olsen are passionate about the Australian outback. For years they have been guiding small groups of people to the places they love. David has been guiding others around his favourite places for 27 years and has led numerous expeditions to some of the most exciting remote area destinations in Australia. He is not only an experienced off-road driver but also a writer and photographer. He was born in Queensland and took up an interest in photography at 14 years of age. Beginning as a freelancer for his local newspaper, he travelled to Nicaragua in 1985 and Mexico in 1986 working on social documentaries.

Upon returning to Australia he took up an interest in off-road cycling which eventually led to his combining the two skills and doing freelance work with several cycling magazines covering World Cup and World Championship Mountain Biking events. His interest in driving off-road began with go-carts, then rally cars and later 4WD vehicles. He and Justine decided some time ago to begin introducing others to the stark beauty, people and wonders of the outback.

David is an experienced traveller, camper and four-wheel driver and has led numerous Canning Stock Route Expeditions. He has been Trip Coordinator and trip leader for the Townsville and District 4WD Club, is a certified 4WD and Towing instructor with a Senior First Aid certificate, has years of training experience in various fields and is a Level II flying instructor (gliding) with the North Queensland Soaring Centre. He loves to tell a story, and his knowledge of the outback will ensure you experience it in all of its glory while reliving its amazing history. Above all safe travel is the key, and with David you couldn't be in better hands.