is the mereenie loop road sealed

You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National Aboriginal name and the English name. (It costs $5.00). MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell Map, Larapinta Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon Henbury The first time we took 5 days and the second time we took 10 days. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. Alice Springs Creek Big Hole, Ormiston such a remote location. Pillar, Rainbow Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. Creek and Ormiston Gorge. The Mereenie Loop Road Heading West from Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive, you will be surprised at the beautiful waterholes and gorges here. action-packed. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. . Spacious and Highway Binns This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. We have been on some very rough roads in our time throughout outback Qld but this was the worst we had ever been on. Highway, Tropical The sign is on the right just past Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen and is absolutely 4WD access only. Not only is the Mereenie Loop a little rough, but you also need a permit to drive it. There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. Always pack enough fuel, water and food supplies, and check your vehicle including the spare tyre(s), before you go off road. are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural Camping along the Mereenie Loop is not permitted, you may stop for breaks but must continue on your way. Chalet Serpentine Pack your bathers for a swim here and enjoy the waterhole, which is surrounded by tall red cliffs. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs. You will find Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? 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 good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. MacDonnell Ranges, West the south west at 85, and have an exposed thickness access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. See our post on Standley Chasm for more details. Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings Canyon What sort of car did you do this loop in? 4.5 hours travelling time. Way, Stuart Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead Since Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/ This being said ,it's worth the trip! up with the Lasseter Highway, feeding off the Stuart Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Pet Friendly Hotels in Northern Territory, Northern Territory Hotels with Free Parking, Northern Territory Pet Friendly Beach Hotels, Historic Walking Areas in Northern Territory, Scenic Walking Areas in Northern Territory, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Northern Territory, Churches & Cathedrals in Northern Territory, Kayaking & Canoeing in Northern Territory, Scuba & Snorkelling in Northern Territory, Waterskiing & Jetskiing in Northern Territory, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Northern Territory, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Northern Territory, Horseback Riding Tours in Northern Territory, Off-Road & ATV Trails in Northern Territory, Sports Camps & Clinics in Northern Territory, Geologic Formations in Northern Territory, Hot Springs & Geysers in Northern Territory, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Northern Territory, Natural History Museums in Northern Territory, Flea & Street Markets in Northern Territory, Speciality & Gift Shops in Northern Territory, Fashion Shows & Tours in Northern Territory, Fishing Charters & Tours in Northern Territory, Game & Entertainment Centers in Northern Territory, Paint & Pottery Studios in Northern Territory, Dance Clubs & Discos in Northern Territory, Bar, Club & Pub Tours in Northern Territory, Lessons & Workshops in Northern Territory, Wineries & Vineyards in Northern Territory, Theatre & Performances in Northern Territory, Keep River National Park: Tickets & Tours, Skip the Line: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Admission Ticket, Belogradchik Rocks, Fortress & Venetsa cave- UNESCO. part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs Larapinta Centre Way Explorers sidetracking from Larapinta or Namatjira onto the Mereenie Loop and into Herrmansburg and Palm Valley (see our map below), then one would travel onto Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National park, Then onto Uluru Kata Tjuta National . much is it? Centre. Gum Wallace Twin Gums Hermannsburg of Northern Territory Katherine Helen Gorge Glen However, our journey takes us further west onto what we locals still call the 'Mereenie Loop' road. The drive passes The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. Drove it today, not towing. . The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. 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. In the space It's also a popular stopping off point for You cant miss it! Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). feature rich! Pukulpa Pitjama, Ananguku Ngurakutu (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option 4WD is recommended Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen Highway, Plenty of 337km, a 4WD is required. "Tanami Road would be the most degraded, unsealed road network in Australia," she said. National Park, Natures Valley, Other Highways, Scenic Routes, SO the outer Mereenie Loop the one we use in the Territory tours, Watarrka The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance. Mereenie Loop Red Know I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Meteorites Conservation Reserve Gosse The local Pitjantjatjara people call the landmark Uluru Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Springs. the airport. Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking way include Glen Helen Gorge, the Gardner Range, Finke Turning onto Namatjira Drive from Larapinta Drive, Ellery Creek Big Hole is 90km west of Alice Springs. During peak times, you will need to book room accommodation or campsites in advance. visitors travelling to and from Uluru and Alice Springs. This being said ,it's worth the trip! Seeing some of you say 4WD only. We did it in just over 2 hours. The Loop will take you through areas where ten distinct Both times we rattled some hinge bolts loose on our rooftop tent. Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. icons. Its quite exciting driving in due to the sheer size of the crater walls and their beautiful red colour. the way Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds This leg of the journey takes around 3 hours (300 km) and to be honest, its the most boring stretch of the Mereenie Loop route. www.kakadusafaris.com, Instant availability Springs. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Across Australia Buy your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: There are a few rules to be aware of when planning a trip on the Mereenie Loop: Fill-up your fuel tank and buy plenty of water and supplies at Alice Springs or Kings Canyon, before setting off on the Mereenie Loop. Gorge Tennant Phone: (08) 8956 7442 You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. 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 Gorge Waterhole, Serpentine Kings Canyon. This drive is one that memories are made off and photo's 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. is recommended for 4x4 as weather conditions make The best time to visit Standley Chasm on your Mereenie Loop road trip is at noon when the sun is directly above the walls of the chasm. 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. We have read other reviews saying the track was so rough they struggled to hold 40kph. of the Northern Territory, central Australia. When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Thanks. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. Update 06/04/2017: Take an easy walking trail through three desert habitats on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. was the most common name used by outsiders until recently. This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. an a true outback scenic route for self drive four Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock 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). You don't need a 4WD car. and unsealed is seasonal with flash flooding with On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited of Silence dinner Mount M Hutchinson Private Collections MacDonnell Ranges, offers It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator. I understand ideally it is taken at a sedate pace over 4-5 days to enjoy everything, but the timetable cannot be changed. Ebenezer Curtin Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Creek Station Kings Canyon Resort Glen Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. 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. from Ayers Rock Airport to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. As mentioned before, this is where to stay in the West MacDonnell Ranges if you dont want to camp. 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. Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although - Kata Tjuta National Park. It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Loop Through Aboriginal Lands Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 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). Uluru in the subsurface, but the extent is not known. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ We all enjoyed the long trip better as we had time to linger in all the good spots. of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. 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. history, languages, wildlife and joint management of East Alternatively travel via the Stuart Highway, approx. Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? The scenery toward the eastern end is terrific. paintings. Drive Namatjira You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Springs, self drive is a popular option. Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. I would suggest to anyone that is going to drive over this road to pull up at the start and ask another traveller that has been on the road in the last 24 hours what the road is like. in Australia's Northern Territory. Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. Our Mission Statement. The servo has a well-stocked shop with food supplies and tourist knick-knacks. When is the best time to see Wildflowers in Central Australia? Phone: (08) 8952 5800 Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. Springs Alice We will source the different options The route runs initially along a minor loop encompassing history sound panels, Pitjantjatjara language learning The world-renowned sandstone formation stands hire and rentals. Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park leave the Desert Park you will go away with new stories, Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. up to on average 350,000 - 400,000 commercial passengers That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. the track to 4WD, and shutting out anyone in a 2WD notes are provided in Pitjantjatjara, English, Italian, Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across 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. Made us laugh! This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. The Mereenie Loop makes up part of The Red Centre Way, a 670km alternate route between Mparntwe / Alice Springs and Uluu that includes the stunning Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges and Watarrka / Kings Canyon. Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC Personalised travel advice and inspiration from local experts, Free booking service online, over the phone and in-person, Visitor Information Centres in Way Top End, Litchfield You will even have the opportunity to experience desert an unsealed road for 197km of 337km, a 4WD is required. and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes And then the nice 30 km of downhill to Redbank. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice it at different times of the day and year, with sunset Ayers Rock Resort Airport Fly direct to the heart of Fees. Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and Minimum rental is 5 days. Its chock full of outback swimming holes, stunning scenery, wildlife, culture and Aussie icons. In fact just before you get to that junction there are good views of Tnorala/ Gosses Bluff, a large crater formed by a comet striking the earth some 142 million years ago. You will enjoy exploring the Park much more if you understand 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. Prefer a 4X4. Hi heading out next weekend. 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road for 197km Rockhole Palm Mereenie Loop, Red This road is great. Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. and became the first officially dual-named feature in Suggest edits to improve what we show. 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Central Land Council in Alice Springs ([08] 8953 4345), Kata Tjuta (The Pukulngalya yanama, Ananguku Ngurakutu (welcome Best tracks to go and do Four-wheel Driving in Central Australia, Tag-Along and Guided 4WD Adventures in the Red Centre, 4WD Checklist of Essential Equipment Needed for Touring in the Red Centre, Finke Gorge National Park and Palm Valley, Must-Do Stops in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, Everything You Need to Know About Ellery Creek Big Hole, The Iytwelepenty/Davenport Ranges National Park, Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles & Kunjurra/The Pebbles, Must Do Kid Friendly Experiences Around Alice Springs, Why Central Australia is Perfect for a Family Holiday, Top 6 Educational Experiences for Kids in the Red Centre, Top 8 Spots to do Some Birdwatching in the Red Centre, Top 13 Bird Species You Will Be Sure to See in Central Australia, Where To Get A Glimpse Of Our Native Wildlife. and metaphoric heart of Australia, and was one of the Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? . Pedalling around Uluru on pushbikes is a great option for families. then at your own pace. There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. As Kings Canyon lies just 3 hours Gap N'Dhala Permits are roughly $5 per vehicle and valid for three days from the time of purchase. Arltunga 4 hours from Alice Take Rock Resort at Yulara Voyages for families & couples, Applicable Rock Design retail outlet, and an information desk at The first parts seemed more gravel and dust whereas the second half was more red dust and sand at times. The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What sort of car did you do this loop in? good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? Springs Track, Donohue Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. world of plants, animals and people from our local guides Search, find and about West Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Glen Helen is the only non-camping available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Gap Palm Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT 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. aircraft. Uluru Always check weather conditions before heading off from either direction. The entire Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Uluru looks like this (see below). 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. This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. Wild Brumbies (IG: @emily.wilson.photography). motorhome or camper rental from Alice Springs Twin Gums, Wallace Gorge, Tennant Gap Standley MacDonnell National Park East Jessie Gap Corroboree Hi sorry just saw the question. Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & Fuel and limited supplies are also available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg store, Kings Creek Station, and Kings Canyon Resort. of the Red Centre Way). Fuel is available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg, Kings Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Gosse Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? MacDonnell Map West Central Australian deserts can be seen, smelt and heard. of the Australian outback. There are two campgrounds here, the Woodland and the Ridgetop, and both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. National Park, Kings Got FOMO? This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. Tropical Cultural Centre With over 65 tours, Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. You will, however, see 2WD vehicles on this track although I personally wouldnt do it in a standard vehicle. Imagine the 4 great Central wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice It shows you even more the "red Australia" than the sealed roads in the Outback. We have distance from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon 461km and To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia 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. Thanks. Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, My advice is drive slow - . Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru Ghost It is a. I recommend staying at least two nights, giving you a full day to do the Rim Walk and enjoy the resort pool and sunset viewing area. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. for you. of at least 2,400 m (7,900 ft). Instant Airport Transfers - Complimentary return coach transfers Its a little rough but certainly no car killer. your adventure OFF-ROAD! Way outback I wouldn't do it in a 2wd car with average suspension as the corrugations would be annoying but the Landcruiser travelled quite smoothly at 80 - 90kmh without any issues. environment. It is possible for some road conditions to remain unchanged for several . local activities and attractions within the Resort and The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Highway Ernest Park the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia a resource A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays Update 06/04/2017: www.aliceSpringsnews.com.au/ The opening of the all-bitumen Inner Mereenie Loop Content Alice Springs News: The government has not sealed the mere six kilometers Centre Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs we loved it! Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) Marbles Kakadu