Australia's longest and loneliest track

Mercedes-Benz Australia is tackling the legendary Canning Stock Route in a brace of all-terrain G-Wagens, and motoring.com.au is going along for the entire bumpy ride...

Over the next fortnight we'll provide regular updates including photos, from the driver's seat (and campsites) along this famous route, relaying some of the uniqueness of one of the most remote and captivating regions of the country.

Before buckling up, though, we've put together a Q&A to set the scene for the journey ahead...

SO WHO'S TACKLED IT?
Not many. Even when used as a cattle route until the late-'50s, only a few mob of cattle made the long trek, partly due to drovers' fear of attack from Aborigines. Due to its remoteness, rugged terrain and lack of facilities (apart from a tiny outpost near Well 33), less than 500 attempt the journey each year, and not survive...

Planning for an adventure like this takes months, if not years, with the minimum requirement almost complete self-sufficiency, and support from other 4WDs. Going alone in your family Pajero is not an option!

Due to the scorching summer heat and wet season, there's only a small window of opportunity from July-September to do 'the big one'.

Like any great challenge, the CSR attracts the odd whacko... everything from a Citroen 2CV (with support crew) to a Chamberlain tractor has had a crack, and word is a guy on a postie bike is about to set off!

Only earlier this year a group of German tourists were lucky to survive after being stranded on the track for eight days.

Then, of course, there's the odd scorpion, snake or venomous spider, and shoe-stealing dingoes aren't uncommon, either...

Let's hope Mercedes-Benz has packed an Uluru-sized first aid kit and the odd cold beer to ensure it's as smooth sailing as possible...

WHAT'S TO SEE?
Heaps, apparently. Although it crosses a million square miles of red desert, the route's proximity to water sources means wildlife and flora are in abundance.

The salty Lake Disappointment is a haven for insects, and if all else fails there's plenty of camels; some of which are relatives of the original stock route development party.

SO WHEN DOES IT KICK OFF?
After the 'final hot shower' in Perth, the small group will catch a two-hour charter flight from Perth to Wiluna before heading off on July 29 for Well 6, the first night's campsite. And portable satellite internet connection permitting, carsales.com.au will be posting daily updates from the track...

Will the G-Wagens prove comfortable and dependable companions? Will the convoy make it to the Well 33 'fuel drop' without running out of precious diesel?

Will yours truly suffer a severe case of CDS (café deprivation syndrome) before reaching the last of the 51 wells?

Now you can read and see all about it at carsales.com.au by following the links below.

Tracking the Canning Stock Route: