Native Title and the Canning Stock Route

Indigenous groups hold native title over all of the Canning Stock Route (CSR).

For the four northern native title determination areas (Tjurabalan, Ngurrara, Martu and Birrliburu), their title is the highest form of native title — right to exclusive possession and enjoyment. They have a legal right to give or withhold permission for people to travel over this native title Country. The Wiluna native title determination at the southern end of the CSR (Wells 1 to 4) is non-exclusive, due to pastoral tenure overlay.

These native title rights are subject to a public “right of access” over the CSR. This is the original historic stock route, including a corridor either side. This means that there is a mix of different rights, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

Native title holders (Traditional Owners) want you to enjoy your rights, as you travel through this beautiful and fascinating country. They ask that you also understand and respect theirs. The vast majority of people who travel the CSR not only respect, but celebrate Indigenous culture, knowledge of Country and vision for their land. Hopefully you will meet with them and experience this.