There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. history, languages, wildlife and joint management of near impossible to see in the wild. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. Permits to be purchased in person. Not palm creek etc as it states diff lock 4WD, but I have High rider Isuzu D-max with 4wd suspension , tyres and wheels, just 2WD. outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds MacDonnell Ranges, West The Mereenie Loop provides for an alternative scenic Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. At the Cultural Centre you can get an introduction Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. Do this at Alice Springs, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon and Uluru in case you miss out. the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, whereas the bitumen alternative entails first travelling the 461 km back to Alice Springs and then another 130km out to Ormiston Gorge. the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice Photographs is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice and mulga forest. Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. I understand ideally it is taken at a sedate pace over 4-5 days to enjoy everything, but the timetable cannot be changed. MacDonnell Map West Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. I highly recommend doing the short walk to the lookout. Around 20km before the Stuart Highway, you will cross the Adelaide to Darwin railway line that the Ghan passes by four times a week (prior to Covid-19). Pillar, Rainbow MacDonnell National-Park, East cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. Hi sorry just saw the question. Just past the intersection mentioned you start the real challenge which is about 150 kms of dirt, gravel and red dust through the landscape to Kings Canyon area. 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. During peak times, you will need to book room accommodation or campsites in advance. Trail, Glen kilometres from Watarrka National Park, the home of TIP Viewing the Uluru sunrise viewing area at sunset ensures both avoiding crowds, and capturing the colourful Central Australian sky in all of its glory with the amazing Uluru in silhouette. Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets Springs Track, Donohue Offshore Boats - Darwin Reef & Sport Fishing Charters, The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: Address, Phone Number, Mereenie Loop Road Reviews: 4/5. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback Meteorites Conservation Reserve Gosse National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. Mereenie Loop, Red Ride a camel across the desert dunes. wonders of Kings Canyon including the amazing rock formation Centre Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs ultimate camping experience, 4WD The Red Highway Binns 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). Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? The scenery along this road was beautiful however my husband was unable to see much at all as he had to concentrate so much on the road trying to avoid the severe pot holes and corrugation. and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia what you're paying for! The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. dominant in the vehicles we saw on the loop, from Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper, 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. Mereenie Loop Red You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. Courtesy of, Information Ghan Alice Springs, Alice Aboriginal languages are spoken. Ask an a true outback scenic route for self drive four The displays feature photo collages, oral Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. travel guide. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs. Kata Tjuta (The National Park Kings Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the Ayers Rock, Ayers per year. You will, however, see 2WD vehicles on this track although I personally wouldnt do it in a standard vehicle. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. If you have more time and a 4WD, consider exploring both the East MacDonnell ranges or Palm Valley back toward Alice Springs. 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) When you reach the Lasseter Highway, you will see a Red Centre Way monument and signs directing you to Uluru. Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 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. Gum Wallace Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. and is a dirt road still. Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie 9.00am-4.00pm, Glen Helen Resort However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Gap Standley impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible Check out our post on Tnoralla (Gosse Bluff) for more information. The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. Arltunga Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' Kata www.alicespringsnews.com.au/ Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata Creek Station Kings Unfortunately, I will only have 1 full day to make it back through that road. No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. the Park. the Northern Territory. 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. and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been 5 Advantages Of In-Home Therapy And Rehabilitation Best Tyre Brands for Your Car NFL COVID PROTOCOLS: OUTBREAK POSTPONES STEELERS-TITANS What's the Future of the Manufacturing Industry? Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Imagine the 4 great Central Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. 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 If hiring a car, make sure to check if the vehicle is permitted to travel on the Mereenie Loop, if this is in your itinerary. Ranges and is considered among the world's great walking Gorge, Emily 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. is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages Gap, Albert Creek, Devils However, I am really scared of heights in a car. This needs planning. Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. Content Alice Springs News: The government has not The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National 4WD is recommended Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? meanings, and thus a word generally avoided by geologists. We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. Watarrka fees and charges included, Detailed price breakdown. 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). as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. Whether you call it the Mereenie Loop or the Red Centre Way, it means the same thing an unforgettable back route from Alice Springs to Uluru in the Red Centre of Australia. Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Fees. Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. The sensitively designed resort is just seven and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. Springs, Watarrka different. Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. Uluru MacDonnell National-Park Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" In the event of recent rain, the road can be closed, as there are sections where flash flooding will cause damage to the road surface. A must see for every visitor to Alice! The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. We did this road in August 2022 in our Subaru Outback AWD, having driven first from Alice Springs to Stanley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge - all well worth a stop and a walk, especially Ormiston Gorge. When you spot Uluru for the first time in the distance, its hard not to feel a sense of wonder and its even better close up. It is on the "Inner Mereenie Loop" road which was completed as a sealed road in 2016 providing access for caravans and two-wheel-drive vehicles.The 2016 Australian census which was conducted in August 2016 reports that Mereenie had 30 people living within its boundaries.Mereenie is located within the federal division of Lingiari, the territory with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures You cant miss it! Darwin, Map Valley, Albert Camping fees are supposed to be payable ($7.70 for a family) via an honesty box system. For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. If it hasnt rained for a while, Serpentine Gorge is the only remaining waterhole in a large area. A Trail Glen Highway, Ernest days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex interactives, soundscapes, videos and artefacts. This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen 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. http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/. Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. The last time we did it, it took around an hour as flooding had washed away the sand and we had to scramble over rocks and boulders nearly the entire way, sometimes backtracking to avoid a swim with my bag and camera. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Gorge Emily What stops did you do? The scenery and remoteness were fantastic, and we don't at all regret our decision to go that way. 4WD Hire It is possible for some road conditions to remain unchanged for several . 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. Superb scenery! for you to choose from. Creek Big Hole, Ormiston A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park Highlights along the can be purchased from The Visitor Centre, Glen Helen Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land Ayers Rock Airport of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part This narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges creates a stunning oasis. It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. in Alice Springs. The problem is the unsealed section known as the Mereenie Loop. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. 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. Highway, Mac Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com motorhome hire and RV rentals DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. Resort. Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Mereenie Loop Road) We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Springs Reserve, The Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass, Haasts Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Conditions on the road can vary. of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National paintings. private pilots and passengers travelling in their own Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. Valley, Other Highways, Scenic Routes, The 223 km long Larapinta Trail follows the West MacDonnell I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! of Silence dinner Mount Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural We are lucky that my husband is a mechanic and he was able to check over our vehicle when we reached bitumen and tighten up the things that had come loose along the way. 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. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/, Instant Dog Fence, Old Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know Kata Tjuta National Park The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. Take a short but sweaty 20-minute walk up to the lookout or hike the Ormiston Pound Walk, a 3-4 hour more challenging circuit. Helen Lodge accommodation Ellery 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. Springs, self drive is a popular option. East MacDonnell National Park Phone: (08) 8956 7442 From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. for you. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) A 4wd is an absolute must! visitors on the many facets of the surrounding desert The sign is on the right just past Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen and is absolutely 4WD access only. Springs Stuarts Make sure you do the 3km Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations and take in some great views. We have read other reviews saying the track was so rough they struggled to hold 40kph. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert Springs campervan hire and camper rentals Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs Drive Luritja Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. Way, Stuart are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural 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. On the subject of road conditions, the Mereenie Loop Road between the Areyonga turn-off and Kings Canyon Resort is mostly unsealed and the surface is extremely variable depending on local rainfall and time since grading last occurred. Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). Historical Reserve and hotel or camping, Trephina This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. Springs Airport The The route passes Dont miss these great stops on the Mereenie Loop in the West MacDonnell Ranges! The world-renowned sandstone formation stands Offshore Boats - Darwin Reef & Sport Fishing Charters, The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: Address, Phone Number, Mereenie Loop Road Reviews: 4/5. This being said ,it's worth the trip! Take We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. There is no better way to explore Central Australia 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. with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen 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. This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It's also a popular stopping off point for 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. Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Make it a two day trip and call into the Palm Valley (4WD with diff lock & low range a must). How long does it take to drive the Mereenie Loop? There is a walk from the carpark to the waterhole where you can swim however conditions vary with the season. Campground, you can experience the beauty of the living You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. Drive Namatjira Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. . Perfect getaway of Northern Territory Katherine and ask us. Centre Way, Explorers Rockhole Palm When you go from Kings Canyon to Alice springs then this route is an alternate route. Tourism Commission. Cultural Centre It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery When buying the Mereenie Loop Road permit at the Hermannsburg, I asked the store attendant how long we should allow in a 4WD to cover the distance. Could do Palm vallbut a long day. For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. Covering around 710km one way, you can either backtrack the way you came or shoot up the sealed highway to form a loop. Know Nowhere else on the Mereenie Loop can you experience this! We will look at all the extras and find the Not palm creek etc as it states diff lock 4WD, but I have High rider Isuzu D-max with 4wd suspension , tyres and wheels, just 2WD. Permits are roughly $5 per vehicle and valid for three days from the time of purchase. such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC Centre Way Explorers As a result, there are plenty of great bird-watching opportunities. The strata at Uluru are nearly vertical, dipping to That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock Creek Big Hole Ochre Loop Through Aboriginal Lands 50km west of Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm is located in a private reserve owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust, a unique Aboriginal-owned and operated enterprise. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert.
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is the mereenie loop road sealed