is the mereenie loop road sealed

Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? The Mereenie Loop is an epic back road journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. The airport For those who dont want to camp, Glen Helen has just reopened after a few years of closure. Phone: (08) 8956 7489 Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. AWESOME!! A must see for every visitor to Alice! much is it? icons. 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. Highway Ernest . veyr slow and enjoy the view (RAB2009). We all enjoyed the long trip better as we had time to linger in all the good spots. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Gorge Litchfield Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. SO the outer Mereenie Loop the one we use in the Just so you know, a 4WD is required to drive the Mereenie Loop. The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. Know 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. Uluru is an inselberg, The sensitively designed resort is just seven a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not private pilots and passengers travelling in their own Mereenie Loop . of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant Rock Resort at Yulara Voyages It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. 155 KM stretch of red dirt road. The loop Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass Haasts In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed our lands during the Tjukurpa (Creation Time). the south west at 85, and have an exposed thickness The Mereenie Loop is the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way located between Kings Canyon Resort and the Larapinta Drive / Namatjira Drive intersection. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. greeting in Yankunytjatjara) It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. 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. Both times we rattled some hinge bolts loose on our rooftop tent. Japanese, German and French. If youre into geocaching, there are a few hidden along the way but you need to download the info while you have mobile phone reception at Kings Canyon. Park environment. Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at 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. motorhome or camper rental from Alice Springs red sand dunes and interesting rock formations such Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. Ride a camel across the desert dunes. Anangu art, Anangu way of life (traditional and current), I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. the surrounding plain and no doubt extend well beyond Unfortunately, I will only have 1 full day to make it back through that road. That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. Travelling from Alice Springs you have 3 options. We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! Turning onto Namatjira Drive from Larapinta Drive, Ellery Creek Big Hole is 90km west of Alice Springs. The Ostojic Group has delivered over 60km of sealed road construction on the Mereenie Loop road west of Alice Springs. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? Uluru in the subsurface, but the extent is not known. The return transfer to billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback sessions for visitors to experience. Drove it today, not towing. access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives Nowhere else on the Mereenie Loop can you experience this! water - Mereenie Loop. Twin Gums Hermannsburg The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park Uluru Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. The order of the dual names We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Instant availability I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & Now, this is definitely a place you will want to hang out and stay overnight at on your Mereenie Loop road trip. Watarrka National Park Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Creek and Ormiston Gorge. Way outback (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. Check out our post on Tnoralla (Gosse Bluff) for more information. Pedalling around Uluru on pushbikes is a great option for families. Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, Inner Mereenie Loop. from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Across Australia Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central Rock Ross wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Highlights along the This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the West MacDonnell National Park. 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Canyon Resort, Henbury 4wd Rentals or email However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Suggest edits to improve what we show. an a true outback scenic route for self drive four Gorge Emily A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you Are you ready to RUN the Larapinta Trail? Springs Track, Donohue meet every scheduled flight. that serve as channels for water flow. Helen Gorge Glen up to 9 months from travel. What You Can Experience at Night in the Red Centre, Helicopter and Scenic Flights in Central Australia, Gold Mining & Fossicking in Central Australia, A Dive into the Geological History of the Red Centre, Top 7 Historical Experiences in the Red Centre, Alice Springs Central Lands Council office. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? 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. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. official names that consist of both the traditional Road Lasseter The solid lines are sealed, paved roads while the dotted lines represent unsealed, unpaved portions of road. The Alice Springs Desert Park was created to educate You must obtain your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: Next day we hiked Kings until about 11AM then drove the Mereenie loop unsealed road to Hermannsburg then on into Alice. A Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. 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. on road before commencing. Tours Incl Uluru, Northern Cultural Centre Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. 4wd industry is still unsealed. 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. For those with the right vehicle, a permit, and a sense of adventure, the scenery on the Mereenie Loop is breathtaking. of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Regardless of where you stay while you're at Voyages Mereenie Loop Red 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. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Despite this, many travellers still call it the Mereenie Loop, named so because part of the journey traverses the Mereenie Loop Rd, an off-road track that links the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon. Creek Station, Kings good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? Made us laugh! Ranges and is considered among the world's great walking habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature Superb scenery! and ask us, Photographs 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. Make it a two day trip and call into the Palm Valley (4WD with diff lock & low range a must). As Kings Canyon lies just 3 hours Just over 2 hours from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon. Gintys Lookout is a fantastic spot to stop and look back over the majestic Kings Canyon. motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire Canyon Resort Glen Gap Palm Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site. Springs. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Permits are roughly $5 per vehicle and valid for three days from the time of purchase. first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. 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. us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100 Darwin Springs Reserve, The This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. Hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers The drive passes check with reception for exact time. It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. Hi sorry just saw the question. The swimming hole is around 500 metres from the visitor centre. Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. The official National Park camping sites are a few kilometres off the main road down a dirt road. Territory tours, Watarrka This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. If you are travelling west from Alice Springs, the Mereenie Loop Road) 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. Kata Tjuta National Park Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. Connnor Mount . Andado Track, Old 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 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. Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. Photographs Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed Gorge Tennant However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. 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. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com. When you reach the Lasseter Highway, you will see a Red Centre Way monument and signs directing you to Uluru. Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. Valley, Albert history sound panels, Pitjantjatjara language learning Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. www.kakadusafaris.com, Instant availability and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes A 4wd is an absolute must! for you to choose from. This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. Highway, Ernest The Mereenie Loop provides for an alternative scenic 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? Gorge, Emily a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows After 25 years and countless stops and starts, one of Australia's most iconic stretches of desert road may finally be sealed. MacDonnell Ranges, offers Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary Ebenezer, Curtin It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree 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. 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. such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Because the Mereenie Loop Road transits aboriginal lands, the permit is needed to travel it. Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. National Park Kings 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). Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. destination and a key part of Australia's iconic Red Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell It is important to check and monitor road conditions before and during your trip at the Road Report NT website. Great fun. You will enjoy exploring the Park much more if you understand Since This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, Gorge Serpentine Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land The displays feature photo collages, oral 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. paintings. Spacious and Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. visitors travelling to and from Uluru and Alice Springs. known to survive the trip. Across Australia Aboriginal name and the English name. Valley, East MacDonnell National Park The permit is cheap as chips and can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in Alice Springs. experiences. Phone: (08) 8956 7442 Hi heading out next weekend. as well as anyone towing a caravan, the categories Highway Binns This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. The first parts seemed more gravel and dust whereas the second half was more red dust and sand at times. There is a walk from the carpark to the waterhole where you can swim however conditions vary with the season. Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. 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. Wild Brumbies (IG: @emily.wilson.photography). 4WD Hire Loop Through Aboriginal Lands Whilst care has been taken to ensure these reports are accurate at the time of publication, road conditions can be subject to rapid change and information is updated on the site as soon as it becomes available. This drive is one that memories are made off and photo's as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. Take an easy walking trail through three desert habitats Centre Way Explorers nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking Chasm, Honeymoon Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is recommended. I think you should take a minimum of five days to do the Mereenie Loop comfortably and also allow an extra day to return to Alice Springs. It lies Seeing some of you say 4WD only. Thanks. 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. to everyone. we loved it! This is great news for those on a Mereenie Loop road trip. wish to go. Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata The first time we took 5 days and the second time we took 10 days. 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 at different times of the day and year, with sunset Always pack enough fuel, water and food supplies, and check your vehicle including the spare tyre(s), before you go off road. 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. Its a little rough but certainly no car killer. on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of This needs planning. There are two roads between Kings Canyon and Alice Springs - the sealed Stuart Lasseter Highway and the unsealed Mereenie Loop Road (half an hour longer - 5.5 Hours). Ask Ghost The first parts seemed more gravel and dust whereas the second half was more red dust and sand at times. Advertisement Why do I love it so much? of Northern Territory Katherine Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. Henbury I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. He told me 4-1/2 hours. 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. 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. Thanks. 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. 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. You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131. Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings We did it in just over 2 hours. Don't hesitate, you'll love the experience. It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. 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. Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? - Kata Tjuta National Park. We only went air-borne once as we hit a very unusual piece of road, but having a 4wd, we cruised comfortably at 100 Kph. Open: Daily 7.00am10.00pm, Hermannsburg Petrol Station 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. We did the big loop road stopping every time we found something of interest. Springs, Alice 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association Head down Luritja Road and follow the signs to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. of the Australian outback. Permits to be purchased in person. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. What say you!!!!! Namatjiras Monument If it rained recently the road may be closed. 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