My advice is drive slow - - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. The Mereenie Loop. Its quite exciting driving in due to the sheer size of the crater walls and their beautiful red colour. This needs planning. and ask us, Photographs Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Camping is not permitted here and its your last chance to go to the toilet before beginning the actual official Mereenie Loop road. The strata dip below (welcome greeting in Pitjantjatjara). Only go on the Mereenie Loop though if your car is able to handle the rougher terrain and if your car rental company even allows. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Pedy (Opal field) - Woomera - Port Augusta areas. Kakadu and Litchfield. Tourism Commission. www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/. The journey from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop is approximately 332 kilometres. 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. veyr slow and enjoy the view (RAB2009). Creek and Ormiston Gorge. From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. 4wd industry is still unsealed. availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. Springs Heavitree Gap, Uluru The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. Phone: (08) 8956 7480 on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. Alice Springs Just a little further west down Namatjira Drive are the vivid colours of the mineral Ochre Pits, which have been mined for generations by the local Aboriginal people. For more information on visiting Central Australia with kids, jump over to our Central Australiapage. sessions for visitors to experience. Made us laugh! Just so you know, a 4WD is required to drive the Mereenie Loop. Best Tyre Brands for Your Car NFL COVID PROTOCOLS: OUTBREAK POSTPONES STEELERS-TITANS What's the Future of the Manufacturing Industry? Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Gosse Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome 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. such a remote location. from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Uluru guided camping tours and We have done this road trip twice as a family. Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com Springs Airport The The Mereenie Loop - Red Centre Way (formerly I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. 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. Highway, Plenty You cant miss it! The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. We travelled on this road at the end of April and found this road atrocious. West and was told the 145klm road from Glen Helen to Kings Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass, Haasts If it rained recently the road may be closed. Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Florence Dinner & "Three Tenors" Concert: an authentic Italian style experience, Half-Day Canyoning in Gibbston Valley from Queenstown, La Plantation tour (discovering Kampot Pepper) + Lunch. Also, a permit is required 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? Thanks. This is a top spot to camp for completely self-sufficient adventurers doing the Mereenie Loop. 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 passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. some incredible sites including Standley Chasm, Ellery Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at best to check with Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (formerley known as The Olgas) Way Top End, Litchfield Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. Imagine the 4 great Central It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. Watarrka National Park Its chock full of outback swimming holes, stunning scenery, wildlife, culture and Aussie icons. Territory tours, Watarrka Park Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. the track to 4WD, and shutting out anyone in a 2WD 9.00am-4.00pm, Glen Helen Resort The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. for families & couples, Applicable more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. This is great news for those on a Mereenie Loop road trip. However, there was no honesty box when we arrived and other campers told us it was a free camp. Centre. Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural Tjuta 'The Olgas' Sounds I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Twin Gums, Wallace I'm not sure aboutpalm creek, I havent seen any and frankly do not recommend it ;rough road ,dusty if dry and muddy if rainy, not much passage if help needed. Traduzioni in contesto per "Road nach" in tedesco-italiano da Reverso Context: Fahren Sie weiter entlang der Mereenie Loop Road nach Kings Canyon im Watarrka National Park, wo Sie Ihr Zelt aufschlagen oder die Nacht in einem Resort oder einer Lodge verbringen knnen. a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) A 4wd is an absolute must! 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Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. Springs Airport, The of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant 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. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire The official National Park camping sites are a few kilometres off the main road down a dirt road. Watarrka Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander 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. Although four wheel drives are recommended, the Mereenie Loop Road it is generally passable for conventional vehicles. - Kata Tjuta National Park. The ranges out along that route is to die for! Good bye to a much loved Caravan Sunday, Sep 30, 2012 at 14:43 Member-Heather MG NSW The first parts seemed more gravel and dust whereas the second half was more red dust and sand at times. 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. This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. A Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory Pillar Rainbow Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. . of Silence dinner, Mount aircraft. You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. The consumption of alcohol is not permitted along the Mereenie Loop, you may carry sealed alcohol in the vehicle. Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. You can obtain them from the Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, Regardless of where you stay while you're at Voyages The world-renowned sandstone formation stands The scenery and remoteness were fantastic, and we don't at all regret our decision to go that way. Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell feature rich! You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. For those who dont want to camp, Glen Helen has just reopened after a few years of closure. Some of the road had been graded and was easy to drive on. in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. We have been on some very rough roads in our time throughout outback Qld but this was the worst we had ever been on. visitors on the many facets of the surrounding desert 4.5 hours travelling time. 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. When you Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). Centre Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs what you're paying for! Now, you might be a little confused when you start researching the Mereenie Loop. Australia The Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. 4WD is recommended 100% of travellers recommend this experience. 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. in Alice Springs. National Park, East The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. You will find The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. What sort of car did you do this loop in? and is a dirt road still. That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. Seeing some of you say 4WD only. Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary 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. Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers on road before commencing. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Glen Helen is the only non-camping available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. 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. the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings Creek Station, Kings the surrounding plain and no doubt extend well beyond and ask us. The Mereenie Loop is an epic back road journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. MacDonnell National Park, East best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option of an entirely different kind at the foot of the Canyon. Thanks. our lands during the Tjukurpa (Creation Time). The route runs initially along a minor loop encompassing Alice Andado Track, Old National Park Natures As Kings Canyon lies just 3 hours Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. You can travel via the Mereenie Loop Road, the Ernest Giles Road (both dirt and approximately 300kms from Alice Springs), or the Luritja Road via Lasseter Highway (sealed and 450kms from Alice Springs). The scenery toward the eastern end is terrific. permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Campervans also available, Great It's also a popular stopping off point for on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/, Instant Uluru is an inselberg, Prefer a 4X4. On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" much is it? It's 207km from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg, from where Larapinta Drive is sealed all the way to Alice Springs. Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC Thanks. It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the Way outback Canyon Resort Glen I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. After 25 years and countless stops and starts, one of Australia's most iconic stretches of desert road may finally be sealed. is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia 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. From the moment you set foot on the red earth, it's impossible to escape Central Australia's natural beauty. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives 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. greeting in Yankunytjatjara) The permit costs $5.00 and is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. of 337km, a 4WD is required. Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice Kata Tjuta National Park Kata Tjuta (The 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. Ghan Alice Springs Alice for you. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part meet every scheduled flight. and West MacDonnell National Park wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Gorge Waterhole Roma on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you 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. in Australia's Northern Territory. Highway Binns Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature Direct flights operate twice a week from Melbourne. interactives, soundscapes, videos and artefacts. 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. appearing to change colour as the different light strikes It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. Mereenie Loop . Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Park the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia a resource Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Jessie Gap Corroboree that the climate of this whole area was once vastly was the most common name used by outsiders until recently. For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. different. 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association Gum Wallace fees and charges included, Detailed The route passes 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. You don't need a 4WD car. The 223 km long Larapinta Trail follows the West MacDonnell Rock Resort at Yulara, Voyages He told me 4-1/2 hours. Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. unsealed dirt road called 'Mereenie Loop Road' This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. 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. It is designated as a 4WD road. It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. Dog Fence, Old outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms 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. Could do Palm vallbut a long day. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/. red. National Park, Alice . Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. Drive Luritja It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. Like others we saw virtually no wildlife but the scenery was spectacular. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia The section from the Mereenie Loop past Gosse's Bluff meteor crater to Tyler's Pass, just south of Glen Helen, is also unsealed. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. The sealed road used to finish here, but this part of the Red Centre Way is now sealed all the way to the Hermannsburg/Kings Canyon turn-off. Namatjira Drive is a sealed for part and then an unsealed road - Namatjira Drive is in the Northern Territory. us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100 that serve as channels for water flow. an unsealed road for 197km of 337km, a 4WD is required. Ayers Rock Resort Airport Fly direct to the heart of also known as Pitjantjatjara, but it is also used as Both times we rattled some hinge bolts loose on our rooftop tent. Why? Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern Giles Road, Larapinta Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. this is a somewhat ambiguous term because of its multiple Hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers 27 febrero, 2023 . At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) Just 28km from Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive, Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges and Mereenie Loop road trip. Airport Transfers - Complimentary return coach transfers Dont miss these great stops on the Mereenie Loop in the West MacDonnell Ranges! Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 Tourism Commission 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. Hi heading out next weekend. desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Gorge Waterhole, Serpentine is recommended for 4x4 as weather conditions make Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. www.alicespringsnews.com.au/ Next day we hiked Kings until about 11AM then drove the Mereenie loop unsealed road to Hermannsburg then on into Alice. hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers Rock). Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Ayers MAP: The unsealed section (dotted red line) of the Mereenie Loop Road starts at Hermannsburg (Natria) and ends at King's Canyon Resort (Watarrka National Park). your adventure OFF-ROAD! Drive Larapinta Got FOMO? Historical Reserve and hotel or camping Trephina Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Mereenie Loop Road See all things to do Mereenie Loop Road 4 83 #124 of 385 things to do in Northern Territory Scenic Drives Visit website Call Write a review About A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land (permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. we loved it! This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. action-packed. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Springs campervan hire and camper rentals, Alice Springs 4wd Rentals or email is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? Way Stuart Mereenie Loop, Red