Everyone's talking about Canning

Tomorrow there is an important event in Western Australia, a by-election in Canning. But this federal government seat is not named for the other place of challenge known as the Canning Stock Route. 

The Australian Geographic Book of The Canning Stock Route, p.10

Described as the most isolated four wheel drive (4WD) track in the southern hemisphere, the Canning Stock Route has inspired people from around the world to indulge in isolation, break time barriers and marvel at the sheer range of flora and fauna - some of it feral. It also instigated this blog.
 
But of course, it wasn't prepared for 4WD vehicles or bicycles. Originally cattle followed in the footsteps of men, horses and camels.  Over 1,700km from Billiluna to Wiluna, water was sourced and made available through more than 50 wells. While that may have been enough to sustain cattle, as the wells have fallen gradually into disrepair, humans have had to become more self-sufficient.

The Lost City of Termite Mounds, 16 September 2013

Those who have the inclination can find other timeless features by searching the breakaways for indigenous rock art. More than once, I could sense a living presence in some of the caves nearby.

Breakaways near Gravity Lakes, 17 September 2013

 

Ingebong Hills, 7 September 2013

It is wonderful then to have this art wander out of the desert to places where more Australians can see it. Following on from its successful exhibition at the National Museum of Australia in 2010, Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route, it is now possible to see Kaninjaku: Stories from the Canning Stock Route in the same place (as well as online). 

And the exhibition We don't need a map, travelling much further than the CSR itself, is in the Gold Coast City Gallery at the moment. A rare opportunity to see a unique Martu experience.