CSR Trip Start

CSR Trip Winter 2010

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Canning Stock Route (CSR) is considered one of the longest and most remote 4wd expeditions in the world and is certainly the most challenging in Australia.

The CSR is close to 1900kms from Wiluna to Halls Creek in WA. Access to facilities and assistance is almost non-existent. The track takes 2 weeks to drive. The full expedition must be absolutely self-reliant.

Fuel is available by arrangement at Well 23 - 710kms from Wiluna or at Kunawarritji Community almost 1000 kms from Wiluna. Well 23 requires a fuel drop in 44 gallon drums from The Capricornia Road house at Newman. Six to eight weeks notice is required. At winter 2008 this service was not operating as the Roadhouse did not have a functioning vehicle capable of getting across the desert to the dump.

Diesel is considered reliably available at Kunawarritji Community however it advisable to check before travel.

While much of the track will require gentle driving over broken terrain, there will be times when vehicles will be placed under considerable strain. Large washouts, soft sand dunes and possibly deep mud will have cars in low range and working hot and hard. Several vehicle recoveries are likely. These conditions will require cars and drivers capable of this effort.

Fuel usage rate will be high when cars are working hard. Exploroz.com (consider signing on as a visitor – plenty of good information) Trekfuel survey shows most people with 4.2ltr diesel cars are taking about 260ltrs and using 330-350ltrs for the full trip. 230ltrs may be sufficient. Most travellers are covering about 2500kms over the whole trip.

A number of the wells have been restored in recent years and potable water is available every day or so. Consider carrying 5litres per person per day for a 5 day period. This should allow for emergency situations.

The greatest loss of vehicles is due to fire. Grass (spinifex) and other vegetation and seeds can build up on the drive train of vehicles. When the cars are running slow and hot, fire is a real possibility. Vegetation buildup should be checked every 15 minutes or so when necessary. It is mandatory to carry a wire hook to clear stuff away.

Although all cars must carry fire extinguishers, these small units are of little value unless they can be used on the source of the fire very quickly. Fire escape plans should be agreed for each car. Consider keeping valuables together and accessible for rapid departure. It is also prudent to ensure that your insurance company will cover your loss in these circumstances.

Tyres are at high risk of damage due to sharp rocks and stakes. Tyres will typically be set at very low pressures to assist traction in sand and comfort over corrugations. The cars will be loaded to their legal limit. This combination causes tyres to operate at higher temperatures than normal and exposes the sidewalls to sharp objects on the road. Tyres can be shredded very quickly in these circumstances and are beyond repair.

The aim of the expedition should be to take all those things to reasonably ensure comfort and safety but keep weight in all cars to a minimum.