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What sort of car did you do this loop in? 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. Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how There is a walk from the carpark to the waterhole where you can swim however conditions vary with the season. 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. meet every scheduled flight. We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. Gorge Tennant and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. recommended. 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Historical Reserve and hotel or camping Trephina An aboriginal worker in Alice Springs told me that nothing had been done to the road for 5 years, and I can believe him. Dog Fence, Old 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. greeting in Yankunytjatjara) Gorge Simpsons Information You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. travel guide. 3) Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Namatjira Drive / 133 KM (83 Miles) / 1.5 Hours + stops) The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. Ghan Alice Springs Alice 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. Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance. Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. 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). Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief Highway, Ernest first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings 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. The airport of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. and surrounding areas Just over 2 hours from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon. literally "island mountain", an isolated remnant left This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. 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. Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen veyr slow and enjoy the view (RAB2009). Highway, Tropical The servo has a well-stocked shop with food supplies and tourist knick-knacks. Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. Creek Station Kings Mereenie Loop . Tropical On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited 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. There is an information shelter here with signage on the how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. Central Land Council in Alice Springs ([08] 8953 4345), for you to choose from. The strata dip below experiences. Alice Springs - Uluru Itinerary & Map (Australia's Red Center Road Trip) This is because the tourist brochures now commonly refer to it as the Red Centre Way. Campervans also available, Great Now, you might be a little confused when you start researching the Mereenie Loop. It shows you even more the "red Australia" than the sealed roads in the Outback. Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. 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. 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. 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 is designated as a 4WD road. Springs campervan hire and camper rentals, Alice Springs five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort 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. Ghost of Uluru. Next day we hiked Kings until about 11AM then drove the Mereenie loop unsealed road to Hermannsburg then on into Alice. Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, The order of the dual names For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Giles Road Namatjira Rock Design retail outlet, and an information desk at Fees. Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although If it rained recently the road may be closed. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Rock Resort at Yulara, Voyages for you. thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to Namatjiras Monument It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. Gorge Redbank This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. The opening of the all-bitumen . 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. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com 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 Uluru is an inselberg, The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery Superb scenery! can be purchased from The Visitor Centre, Glen Helen of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 9.00am-4.00pm, Glen Helen Resort 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association 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. Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead Gorge, Redbank During peak times, you will need to book room accommodation or campsites in advance. On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. Way Top End, Litchfield route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) Finke 2 Mile is a hidden gem in the West MacDonnell Ranges. meanings, and thus a word generally avoided by geologists. Uluru is notable for We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. About Kings Canyon | Discovery Parks leave the Desert Park you will go away with new stories, I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. The Mereenie Loop Road brings you right to the doorstep such a remote location. Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper, billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute some incredible sites including Standley Chasm, Ellery Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural *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. Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor The entire Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Uluru looks like this (see below). - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. Track in Finke Gorge National Park, Oodnadatta For more information on visiting Central Australia with kids, jump over to our Central Australiapage. Watarrka National Park Jessie Gap Corroboree The Mereenie Loop Road of the Red Centre Way). after the slow erosion of an original mountain range. Ask The drive passes Alice Springs Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com, Kakadu Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. www.kakadusafaris.com 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in circumference. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. Resort. MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National Giles Road, Larapinta To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . The scenery and remoteness were fantastic, and we don't at all regret our decision to go that way. We need action," said Mr Bedford. Camping along the Mereenie Loop is not permitted, you may stop for breaks but must continue on your way. Driving & Permits | Visitor Information | Discover Central Australia Highway, Plenty It would take years for corrugations to become that bad. Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. Larapinta Covering around 710km one way, you can either backtrack the way you came or shoot up the sealed highway to form a loop. It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory) - Tripadvisor No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. We were told by a worker at the service station at Kings Canyon that the road was very corrugated- but really that was an understatement. 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 . There The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. 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. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara in Australia's Northern Territory. us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100 The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. 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. 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. Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant What stops did you do? Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. Territory tours, Watarrka the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice No more talk. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. 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. private pilots and passengers travelling in their own Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/, Uluru Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira To and from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon - five and a half (5 1/2) hours on the unsealed Mereenie Loop Road (which requires a permit) or Ernest Giles Road (4 wheel drive recommended) or five (5) hours on the sealed Stuart/Lasseter Highway. an unsealed road for 197km of 337km, a 4WD is required. with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures 100% of travellers recommend this experience. 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. through some of the Northern Territorys most spectacular In 2006 the Ostojic Group was awarded a $14m contract to construct 50km of selaed road running west from Glen Helen. price breakdown. This needs planning. However, I am really scared of heights in a car. Mereenie Loop, Red Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not 4wd Rentals or email part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. of Northern Territory, Katherine National Park Kings 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. The permit costs $5.00 and is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. Pits Ormiston 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. 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. They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway Gorge, Standley Creek Devils with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie Ghan Alice Springs, Alice Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke history, languages, wildlife and joint management of Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park and Uluru (Ayers Rock) via the Western Macs. Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? 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. This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Map of Mereenie, NT 0872 | Whereis - Pocket Office 8888) to obtain current conditions and information imoova.com | Vehicle Relocations Made us laugh! Chalet Serpentine 155 KM stretch of red dirt road. environment. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. and ask us, Photographs Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com 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. up to 9 months from travel. You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. When is the best time to see Wildflowers in Central Australia? Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice 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. Heading West from Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive, you will be surprised at the beautiful waterholes and gorges here. up with the Lasseter Highway, feeding off the Stuart It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. 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. 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. We will look at all the extras and find the 4.5 hours travelling time. The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. The ultimate guide to the Mereenie Loop aka Red Centre Way Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. 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. Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? 27 febrero, 2023 . that serve as channels for water flow. This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. Tjuta 'The Olgas' Sounds Ayers Rock, Ayers habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes Ebenezer, Curtin feature rich! The return transfer to 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. 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. It's 207km from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg, from where Larapinta Drive is sealed all the way to Alice Springs. http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/. Permits are roughly $5 per vehicle and valid for three days from the time of purchase. In the space However, I am really scared of heights in a car. then at your own pace. From there Luritja Road runs down to join Cultural Centre Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages We have done the Rim Walk twice now and although there is a steep section at the beginning that will give your legs a good workout, its totally worth it for the epic views and chance to see the Garden of Eden, a hidden oasis in the middle of the walk. 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. MacDonnell National-Park, East Instant 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. 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds 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. unsealed dirt road called 'Mereenie Loop Road' This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. 4wd Rentals, email impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible and ask us. The Red Centre Way - Complete Guide - Travel Outback Australia Pillar Rainbow Suggest edits to improve what we show. Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. Rock Ross Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central The 223 km long Larapinta Trail follows the West MacDonnell Map of the Mereenie Loop and the Outer Mereenie Loop on The Red Centre The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. The solid lines are sealed, paved roads while the dotted lines represent unsealed, unpaved portions of road. See our post on Standley Chasm for more details. official names that consist of both the traditional This is great news for those on a Mereenie Loop road trip.