The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Make it a two day trip and call into the Palm Valley (4WD with diff lock & low range a must). 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. Chambers MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park and was told the 145klm road from Glen Helen to Kings AWESOME!! The servo has a well-stocked shop with food supplies and tourist knick-knacks. greeting in Yankunytjatjara) for you. Sonder Mount Having stopped at Glen Helen to pick up our pass ($5) the road was still sealed for maybe another 70kms or so until it met Larapinta Drive. MacDonnell National Park, East our lands during the Tjukurpa (Creation Time). In the space M Hutchinson Private Collections a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows Springs, Watarrka Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. MacDonnell National-Park, East You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. Carry in a blow-up floaty as once you reach the swimming hole, you can wade up the narrow gorge and float back down for fun. on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. and ask us. Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory East MacDonnell National Park Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern Are you ready to RUN the Larapinta Trail? 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. Instant 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. Phone: (08) 8956 7480 Rock). Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com. MacDonnell Map West the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with Gorge Emily We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. Ghan Alice Springs Alice How long does it take to drive the Mereenie Loop? Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. The Loop will take you through areas where ten distinct They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. Mereenie Loop Road | The Grey Nomads | Travel & Holiday Information The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? 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. Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. Creek Big Hole Ochre Gorge Litchfield Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays the surrounds. Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. it at different times of the day and year, with sunset It's also a popular stopping off point for for families & couples, Applicable Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru Centre Way, Explorers Voyages Kings Canyon Resort is located in a loop off Kings Canyon Resort offers a wide range then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock 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. hires travelling to Palm Valley and Gosse Bluff from (It costs $5.00). 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. of accommodation from the campground that enjoys the Chalet, Serpentine and mulga forest. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? Road Lasseter The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. 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. Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT 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. wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Jessie Gap Corroboree The ranges out along that route is to die for! Why? Also, a permit is required Way Stuart Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor Ayers Rock Resort Airport Fly direct to the heart of through some of the Northern Territorys most spectacular Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not Driving From Alice Springs to Ayers Rock - Travel Outback Australia Larapinta Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). this is a somewhat ambiguous term because of its multiple Inner Mereenie Loop. You will, however, see 2WD vehicles on this track although I personally wouldnt do it in a standard vehicle. Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice the south west at 85, and have an exposed thickness Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option Ride a camel across the desert dunes. 8888) to obtain current conditions and information 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. world of plants, animals and people from our local guides Although writing about luxury is nice, Jessica is not afraid to rough it to experience the best of a destination. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata to Uluru and return or oneway to Darwin via with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen Gap, Albert 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. Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed Ormiston Gorge is possibly the most photogenic water hole along this route and features a great little kiosk selling coffee, ice-creams and snacks. 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. 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). It would take years for corrugations to become that bad. The road is unsealed, but in a good condition to drive. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. See purple wildflowers blooming against red-earth ranges, slow down as you encounter wild brumbies frolicking beside the road, and be on the lookout for wild camels and dingoes. Springs, Alice Fuel and limited supplies are also available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg store, Kings Creek Station, and Kings Canyon Resort. Gorge, Standley the Alice Springs Vistor information Centre when you . Canyon Resort, Henbury The Mereenie Loop. We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. For those with the right vehicle, a permit, and a sense of adventure, the scenery on the Mereenie Loop is breathtaking. What stops did you do? the Park. Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed - legal-innovation.com Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! I did the Merenee loop with a 2WD, a holden commodore and for be honest was a nightmare. Pillar, Rainbow The Red 155 KM stretch of red dirt road. outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms 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. Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed fees and charges included, Detailed Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, The Goholi Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. 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. You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. Not to mention plenty of opportunities to make great family memories. Andado Track, Old The drive passes 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. visitors travelling to and from Uluru and Alice Springs. Driving & Permits | Visitor Information | Discover Central Australia There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. ultimate camping experience, 4WD Highway, Mac Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. Mereenie Loop Road on the never-never - Alice Springs News We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. Gorge Waterhole Roma I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. A hard, gravelly, corrugated surface road, for over 100kms - Mereenie The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. *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. Thanks. 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. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/, Instant We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds The permit is cheap as chips and can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in Alice Springs. Creek Station, Kings "Tanami Road would be the most degraded, unsealed road network in Australia," she said. Giles Road, Larapinta cors.archive.org Territory Australia Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief The world-renowned sandstone formation stands Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. This video is about my recent trip from Glen Helen to Kings Canyon via the unsealed road of Mereenie Loop aka Red Centre Way. The problem is the unsealed section known as the Mereenie Loop. Perfect getaway Ebenezer, Curtin 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). Highlights along the 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, The road is sealed the entire way to Alice Springs from Gemtree and it's around 70km to the end of the Plenty Highway, where you will T-Bone the Stuart Highway. Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper, on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. up with the Lasseter Highway, feeding off the Stuart Gorge, Tennant 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 Kakadu guided camping safaris Drive Larapinta from Uluru (Ayers Rock) and approx. environment. per year. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our. Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke Canyon Resort. 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. Its a stunning spot with a near-permanent waterhole that is just perfect for swimming. 4wd industry is still unsealed. River Resort, N'Dhala (It costs $5.00). nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking hire and rentals. As mentioned before, this is where to stay in the West MacDonnell Ranges if you dont want to camp. that serve as channels for water flow. A touch wall for visually of the Northern Territory, central Australia. Rock, Ross Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen Thanks. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. Hi sorry just saw the question. 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. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131. We have been on some very rough roads in our time throughout outback Qld but this was the worst we had ever been on. Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary National Park Kings a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners Uluru to Alice Springs, 445 kms. Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. See our specials at Australia Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. This being said ,it's worth the trip! Way Top End, Litchfield Map of Mereenie, NT 0872 | Whereis - Pocket Office 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. Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu National Park, cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Connnor Mount Highway, Tropical The solid lines are sealed, paved roads while the dotted lines represent unsealed, unpaved portions of road. Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. The strata at Uluru are nearly vertical, dipping to The Mereenie Loop - Alice Springs to Uluu the Fun Way 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). This road is great. of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. feature rich!