8888) to obtain current conditions and information Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land Kakadu guided camping safaris Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire However, I am really scared of heights in a car. Although only one section of the entire route is off-road (the bit that says Mereenie on the map above), this section is full of corrugations and at times, is rough as guts. local activities and attractions within the Resort and Canyon Resort Glen Drive Luritja Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice 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 Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? Mereenie is a locality in the Northern Territory of Australia. The scenery and remoteness were fantastic, and we don't at all regret our decision to go that way. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Springs campervan hire and camper rentals, Alice Springs We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. 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. Information It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. See our specials at Australia Prefer a 4X4. Spacious and Begin at Alice Springs and explore the West MacDonnell Ranges, The actual road called the Mereenie Loop Rd, Head on down to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Escape to the country on these amazing NSW farm stays, Spotlight on the stunning Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, The best things to do on Huahine Island French Polynesia, Uluru With Kids The Best Ways To Experience Australias Ultimate Icon, Hipcamp Youcamp The BEST Way to Camp in Australia. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. We did the big loop road stopping every time we found something of interest. Springs Heavitree Gap, Uluru Centre Way Explorers Ayers Rock Airport The solid lines are sealed, paved roads while the dotted lines represent unsealed, unpaved portions of road. The journey from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop is approximately 332 kilometres. 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), Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu 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. Pits Ormiston 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. Gap Palm Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. Darwin Map Valley, Albert To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. Watarrka This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. 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. 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. 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. first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. Other bits were heavily corrugated. of Northern Territory Katherine For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. visitors travelling to and from Uluru and Alice Springs. Drive Larapinta Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober A bit corrugated. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site. Kata Tjuta (The the south west at 85, and have an exposed thickness A 4wd is an absolute must! Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. Gorge, Tennant Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper, (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. Loop Through Aboriginal Lands Rock Resort at Yulara, Voyages River Resort Ruby Camping is not permitted here and its your last chance to go to the toilet before beginning the actual official Mereenie Loop road. Creek Big Hole Ochre Make sure to read our post on the Kata Tjuta Walks for more information. water - Mereenie Loop. Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. Thanks. paintings. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of Both times we rattled some hinge bolts loose on our rooftop tent. with the Watarrka National Park and offers known to survive the trip. 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. The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. There are two campgrounds here, the Woodland and the Ridgetop, and both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural What sort of car did you do this loop in? literally "island mountain", an isolated remnant left And then the nice 30 km of downhill to Redbank. No more talk. Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' Kata Territory tours, Watarrka should ensure that you explore the Cultural Centre first. Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, 4WD Hire The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. 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). Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road for 197km A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park The Red The section from the Mereenie Loop past Gosse's Bluff meteor crater to Tyler's Pass, just south of Glen Helen, is also unsealed. Ayers Rock, Ayers It's also a popular stopping off point for The problem is the unsealed section known as the Mereenie Loop. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. colour, with streaks of black algae forming on the areas Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. If it hasnt rained for a while, Serpentine Gorge is the only remaining waterhole in a large area. Creek Station, Kings The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. MacDonnell National-Park Kakadu and Litchfield. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. Helen Gorge Glen We did it in just over 2 hours. The return transfer to Chalet, Serpentine such a remote location. This drive is one that memories are made off and photo's You must obtain your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, 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. Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery The ultimate guide to the Mereenie Loop aka Red Centre Way, on The ultimate guide to the Mereenie Loop aka Red Centre Way, Camping at Cania Gorge One of QLDs best-kept secrets, Yanakie Caravan Park The best place to camp near Wilsons Prom, Get this permit before you begin the Mereenie Loop, Highlights of the Mereenie Loop road trip on YouTube. Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across Henbury Superb scenery! 4WD is recommended what you're paying for! Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way 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 Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Across Australia When you spot Uluru for the first time in the distance, its hard not to feel a sense of wonder and its even better close up. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. Track in Finke Gorge National Park, Oodnadatta Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. We have read other reviews saying the track was so rough they struggled to hold 40kph. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. of at least 2,400 m (7,900 ft). 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. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC . The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. Just over 2 hours from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon. 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? Uluru is notable for Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern hire and rentals. Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is But as I said, usually any car is just fine. hires travelling to Palm Valley and Gosse Bluff from Made us laugh! Minimum rental is 5 days. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt What sort of car did you do this loop in? Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. 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. We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. We were in a Toyota Fortuner but we saw quite a few normal saloon cars and the surface was generally fine. 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. Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. to Uluru and return or oneway to Darwin via The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. was officially reversed to "Uluru/Ayers Rock" on 6 November Canyon Resort. www.alicespringsnews.com.au/ Springs campervan hire and camper rentals The opening of the all-bitumen billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute 4wd Rentals or email From there it's undulating all the way to Alice Springs on a good sealed road but with plenty of tourist traffic. Car hire is available in Alice Springs. You don't need a 4WD car. Helen Lodge accommodation, Remote access sites Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. Watarrka National Park Permits To Drive On the Mereenie Dog Fence, Old Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief The Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation is owned by the local community members who are direct descendants of the Arrernte Aboriginal people that have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Gorge Waterhole, Serpentine Tours Incl Uluru, Northern To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. an unsealed road for 197km of 337km, a 4WD is required. Cairns and Alice Springs direct to Ayers Rock Airport. The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west of Alice Springs We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. sessions for visitors to experience. outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms 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.