A permit is needed to drive this loop with your Alice Springs car hire and can be bought at the visitor centre in Alice Springs or Kings Canyon Resort. Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. the Northern Territory. Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. Giles Road Namatjira One or two of the floodways over the major watercourses have low level crossings but most are totally unbridged. The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. veyr slow and enjoy the view (RAB2009). It was during the dry season in winter, hence a front wheel. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. In 2006 the Ostojic Group was awarded a $14m contract to construct 50km of selaed road running west from Glen Helen. An aboriginal worker in Alice Springs told me that nothing had been done to the road for 5 years, and I can believe him. 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. of Silence dinner, Mount 4wd industry is still unsealed. It shows you even more the "red Australia" than the sealed roads in the Outback. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. The Mereenie Loop is the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way located between Kings Canyon Resort and the Larapinta Drive / Namatjira Drive intersection. Perfect getaway to Uluru and return or oneway to Darwin via a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part Mereenie Loop Red 4wd Rentals or email The Amazing Kings Canyon: 4-Hours Walking Tour and Hike, Coach Transfer from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs, Coach Transfer from Kings Canyon Resort to Ayers Rock (Uluru), Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Gorge Tennant in Alice Springs. The permit costs $5.00 and is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. AWESOME!! This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. M Hutchinson Private Collections Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/, Uluru As mentioned before, this is where to stay in the West MacDonnell Ranges if you dont want to camp. nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We have The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. The drive passes Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory per year. Courtesy of, Information Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. Minimum rental is 5 days. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? literally "island mountain", an isolated remnant left Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. Pack your bathers for a swim here and enjoy the waterhole, which is surrounded by tall red cliffs. Gorge, Emily Take It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 Highway Ernest Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Japanese, German and French. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead and was told the 145klm road from Glen Helen to Kings Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road still. The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of Some of the road had been graded and was easy to drive on. Namatjiras Monument The strata dip below The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one 4WD is recommended we loved it! A touch wall for visually Track in Finke Gorge National Park, Oodnadatta days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex River Resort, N'Dhala travel guide. Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? There is a walk from the carpark to the waterhole where you can swim however conditions vary with the season. If it rained recently the road may be closed. If it is rain or wet then dont go with 2wd. For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. As mentioned earlier, the actual road called the Mereenie Loop Road (which is a small section of the much larger road trip route by the same name) is unsealed and is your fun shortcut through to Kings Canyon. Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . Kings Canyon Resort offers a wide range When you Photographs How long does it take to drive the Mereenie Loop? Camping is available for a fee using an honesty box system ($7.70 at the time of writing for a family) and there are toilets and BBQs available. Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. If you have more time and a 4WD, consider exploring both the East MacDonnell ranges or Palm Valley back toward Alice Springs. We got out permit from the Alice Springs Visitor Centre but if coming the other way, from Kings Canyon, they are available at Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort. 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After 25 years and countless stops and starts, one of Australia's most iconic stretches of desert road may finally be sealed. Watarrka The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. of Silence dinner Mount countryside, and also offers an alternate route for Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural Highlight: Reaching sealed road, 10km from Kings Canyon Resort (KCR), after 140km of bone-jarring rocks and corrugations on the Mereenie Loop that took a toll on man and machine. The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt Closer to Kings Canyon the road suddenly becomes paved for a short way as it it winds up to a ridge and lookout called Gintys Lookout. Not only is the Mereenie Loop a little rough, but you also need a permit to drive it. Because the Mereenie Loop Road transits aboriginal lands, the permit is needed to travel it. Loop Through Aboriginal Lands The first time we did this, it was an easy 30 minutes walk up the dry, sandy river bed with a small amount of rock scrambling. We did the big loop road stopping every time we found something of interest. That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. It takes around 4.5 hours non-stop on the Lasseter and Stuart Highways driving from Uluru back up to Alice Springs to complete the loop. Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden an oasis It's 207km from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg, from where Larapinta Drive is sealed all the way to Alice Springs. Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: See 83 reviews, articles, and 66 photos of Mereenie Loop Road, ranked No.124 on Tripadvisor among 385 attractions in Northern Territory. on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Wild Brumbies (IG: @emily.wilson.photography). Gorge, Tennant five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort The Amazing Kings Canyon: 4-Hours Walking Tour and Hike, Coach Transfer from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs, Coach Transfer from Kings Canyon Resort to Ayers Rock (Uluru). Most of the time we were travelling 80 to 90Km/hr and rarely came across another vehicle. 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. an unsealed road for 197km of 337km, a 4WD is required. Our Mission Statement. Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Gosse This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober Why? This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. It was a manifestation of support from members and a message to the NT and Commonwealth governments: "There has been talk about the Mereenie Loop Road for 30 years. Kings Canyon is amazing and I recommend doing both the Rim Walk (6km), which is a bit of a challenge, and the Kings Creek Walk (2.6km return) which is easy. . and unsealed is seasonal with flash flooding with The ranges out along that route is to die for! In the space They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. MacDonnell Ranges, offers of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant Half Day Farming and Cooking Tour with Foot Massage in Hoi An, iFLY Melbourne - Indoor Skydiving Kickstart 2 Flights, Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo, Full-day: SCUBA DIVING - IN THE SOUTH PHU QUOC, Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace, Luxury Tourist Bus to Lumbini From Kathmandu, Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road, Heaven's Gate Long Queue Bali Insta Trip-visiting bali most scenic spot-ubud, Morning Half Day Fishing Charter Airlie Beach Whitsundays. The cost is $5.00. Mereenie Loop Road: A hard, gravelly, corrugated surface road, for over 100kms - See 81 traveler reviews, 61 candid photos, and great deals for Northern Territory, Australia, at Tripadvisor. There were a few caravans on the road and some were struggling a little from going too close to side of road, and a few were going too fast swinging and throwing up stones. Could do Palm vallbut a long day. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. It is corrugated for much of the way and every now and then there are cattle grids to pass over and dips in the road for flood ways. Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. Copyright 2023 Tourism Central Australia, Powered by Bookeasy, Developed by Impart Media, Subscribe to receive local info, travel tips and inspiration, Top 13 lookouts to add to your must-see list in Central Australia, Adventure Events in Alice Springs & Uluru to get the Adrenaline Thumping, A Guide to Parrtjima - A Festival in Light, The Best Markets to Visit in Central Australia, ANZAC Hill - The tourists guide to the best views over Alice Springs, Why You Need 3 Days to Experience Uluru & Kata Tjuta, A 48-Hour West MacDonnell Ranges Adventure, Alice Springs Brewing Co - Central Australia's Very Own Brewery, Dining Under the Sky - 3 Unique Uluru Dining Experiences, Top 7 Pubs and Clubs to Visit in Alice Springs, Indigenous Culture in the West MacDonnell Ranges, Must Do Guided Experiences with a Traditional Custodian, All you need to know about the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Top 7 Ways to Connect With Indigenous Culture In The Red Centre, Cultural experiences at Uluru that you don't want to miss, A guide to Alice Springs' arts scene and galleries, Hands-On Art Classes In Central Australia, Camping in the Red Centre When You Don't Have All The Gear, Mountain biking events in the Red Centre you should checkout, Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails to try today, A Guide to Heli-Biking in Central Australia, Where you can hire a bike to go on a two wheel adventure in the Red Centre, Guided Walking Tours in Central Australia, Everything you want to know about the Larapinta Trail. Alice Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara The road isn't busy, and in pretty good condition considering some of the articles I had read about it. https://www.wotif.com/Activities?affcid=wotif-AU.network.phg.goholi.hotels&afflid=1011l4hPS895&ref_id=1011l4hPS895&my_ad=wotif-AU.network.phg.goholi.hotels&my_publisher=goholi, Camping Highlights along the and surrounding areas Best Tyre Brands for Your Car NFL COVID PROTOCOLS: OUTBREAK POSTPONES STEELERS-TITANS What's the Future of the Manufacturing Industry? experiences. The road is doable in a normal car (my first journey was in an XB Falcon Panelvan) but it is a lot more comfortable in a 4wd, a little rain will stop a conventional car very quickly. Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. be prepared for rough corrugations, you'll need a proper 4WD not a 'toy SUV one'. Helen Lodge accommodation Ellery Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen Uluru Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across the surrounds. Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira Andado Track, Old Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. water - Mereenie Loop. This narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges creates a stunning oasis. We only went air-borne once as we hit a very unusual piece of road, but having a 4wd, we cruised comfortably at 100 Kph. - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. At the Cultural Centre you can get an introduction access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. The journey from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop is approximately 332 kilometres. Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? Gorge Simpsons Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. and ask us. theatre, see rare and endangered animals in the spectacular Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com Watarrka National Park It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. Prefer a 4X4. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. The Ostojic Group has delivered over 60km of sealed road construction on the Mereenie Loop road west of Alice Springs. Road Lasseter Instant Valley, Other Highways, Scenic Routes, Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed When is the best time to see Wildflowers in Central Australia? Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs The Mereenie Loop Road Thanks. and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland Scientists believe that around 142.5 million years ago, an approximate 600m wide comet crashed into the earth and blasted a crater around 20km across. West price breakdown. for you. Henbury Information My advice is drive slow - of Northern Territory, Katherine From Ayers Rock Airport, you can enjoy scenic Drive Larapinta Canyon Resort, Henbury in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central We took two days to see the sights from Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station with an overnight at Glen Helen, just opposite Ormiston Gorge. As mentioned earlier, the actual road called the Mereenie Loop Road (which is a small section of the much larger road trip route by the same name) is unsealed and is your fun "shortcut" through to Kings Canyon. From there Luritja Road runs down to join up to 9 months from travel. Territory tours, Watarrka Other bits were heavily corrugated. Tropical Its chock full of outback swimming holes, stunning scenery, wildlife, culture and Aussie icons. The scenery toward the eastern end is terrific. Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. Phone: (08) 8956 7480 SO the outer Mereenie Loop the one we use in the thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. Territory Australia The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Creek Station Kings It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Just so you know, a 4WD is required to drive the Mereenie Loop. We will source the different options Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! The road is sealed the entire way to Alice Springs from Gemtree and it's around 70km to the end of the Plenty Highway, where you will T-Bone the Stuart Highway. Way Stuart hire and rentals. Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead Although officially called The Red Centre Way, this bucket-list road trip is often referred to as the Mereenie Loop due to the 140km unsealed dirt road of the same name that forms part of the journey. world of plants, animals and people from our local guides National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. Got FOMO? Chasm Valley, The A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. Prefer a 4X4. Giles Road, Larapinta Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Hi heading out next weekend. environment. Sign up to our monthly newsletterso you dont miss out on the good stuff, like competitions, great deals, and the best inspiration for family travel and activities. wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kata Tjuta (The Rockhole Palm National Park Kings Valley, Albert Australia Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Jessie Gap, Corroboree The Mereenie Loop Rd links some of Central Australia's most exciting attractions - Uluru & Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon (Watarrka) and the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja). Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/ You will find I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. Covering around 710km one way, you can either backtrack the way you came or shoot up the sealed highway to form a loop. Historical Reserve and hotel or camping Trephina A bit corrugated. red. Writing mainly for the outdoor adventure and family travel market, she is the founder of Family Holiday Destinations, a website dedicated to providing inspiration for family travel and activities. Gorge Nature Reserve, Chambers sealed the mere six kilometers from the loop road wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Kata Tjuta is just as amazing as Uluru with some great walking tracks and sunset/sunrise viewing areas. The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road for 197km and ask us, Photographs and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass Haasts We got out permit from the Alice Springs Visitor Centre but if coming the other way, from Kings Canyon, they are available at Kings Creek Station and Kings Canyon Resort. Canyon Resort. This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. The route passes Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. *For those in a two-wheel drive, there is a fully sealed route between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon, southbound via the Stuart Highway, Lasseter Hwy and Luritja Road. of at least 2,400 m (7,900 ft). Mereenie Loop . and Uluru (Ayers Rock) via the Western Macs. Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. Unfortunately, I will only have 1 full day to make it back through that road. Honeymoon Springs Reserve, The Seeing some of you say 4WD only. red sand dunes and interesting rock formations such Before we set off on the Mereenie Loop Road, now re branded the Red Centre Way I was a little apprehensive, as I had read a lot of mixed reviews about its condition, and understood that after a period of rain it can be challenging. Rock Ross Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. Namatjira Chalet, Serpentine I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. official names that consist of both the traditional Its a great drive, a bit of an adventure and a good way to get from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon with great sights along the way. Gorge Redbank Track, Alice The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon We have done this road trip twice as a family. Gum Wallace Springs Track, Donohue The Mereenie Loop, also known as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, is an unsealed section of Red Centre Way, which links Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. the reasons for completing the loop seal. Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com, Way outback Key points: The federal government has confirmed it would commit $678 million to seal the remainder of the Outback Way The project began 25 years ago and has faced countless stops and starts Park We only went air-borne once as we hit a very unusual piece of road, but having a 4wd, we cruised comfortably at 100 Kph. Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru.

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