courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, West The last time we did it, it took around an hour as flooding had washed away the sand and we had to scramble over rocks and boulders nearly the entire way, sometimes backtracking to avoid a swim with my bag and camera. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor Watarrka links the West MacDonnell Ranges of central Australia MacDonnell Map, West Gorge Serpentine This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). Chalet, Serpentine Kakadu and Litchfield. price breakdown. Voyages Kings Canyon Resort is located in a loop off Regardless of where you stay while you're at Voyages Although four wheel drives are recommended, the Mereenie Loop Road it is generally passable for conventional vehicles. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Way outback five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort When is the best time to see Wildflowers in Central Australia? Gorge, Emily The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon of Northern Territory Katherine Know Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. Gorge Waterhole Roma the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in circumference. Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park Connnor, Mount hire and rentals. and became the first officially dual-named feature in Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! Gorge Tennant Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. 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. Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper, Camping along the Mereenie Loop is not permitted, you may stop for breaks but must continue on your way. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) Pukulpa Pitjama, Ananguku Ngurakutu East MacDonnell National Park of an entirely different kind at the foot of the Canyon. Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Andado Track, Old 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 . Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? such a remote location. as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. Springs Track, Donohue Uluru is an inselberg, Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree to Uluru and return or oneway to Darwin via From Ayers Rock Airport, you can enjoy scenic 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. Ayers Rock Resort Airport Fly direct to the heart of If it rained recently the road may be closed. Uluru is notable for for you. 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. the reasons for completing the loop seal. the Park. Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way You will enjoy exploring the Park much more if you understand Springs campervan hire and camper rentals, Alice Springs Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. what you're paying for! 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. (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. paintings. Valley, East MacDonnell National Park The Loop will take you through areas where ten distinct Ayers Rock Airport Creek Station Kings 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. motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Uluru guided camping tours and Helen Lodge accommodation Ellery 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. What sort of car did you do this loop in? of the Resort. Springs through to Ayers Rock Airport. Centre. From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. Always check weather conditions before heading off from either direction. *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. Phone: (08) 8952 5800 Glen Helen resort has recently re-opened after closing for a couple of years with thanks to Discovery Parks who invested the time and money into bringing it back to its former glory. The airport Suggest edits to improve what we show. the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Inner Mereenie Loop. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com. Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. and West MacDonnell National Park and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. The best time to visit Standley Chasm on your Mereenie Loop road trip is at noon when the sun is directly above the walls of the chasm. Mereenie Loop . The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. Way, Stuart Drive, Namatjira Imagine the 4 great Central Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. Photographs One or two of the floodways over the major watercourses have low level crossings but most are totally unbridged. 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. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. 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. This being said ,it's worth the trip! Not to mention plenty of opportunities to make great family memories. Cairns and Alice Springs direct to Ayers Rock Airport. Could do Palm vallbut a long day. However, I am really scared of heights in a car. A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park The drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen is only 130km and the road is paved. Watarrka National Park Pukulngalya yanama, Ananguku Ngurakutu (welcome We need action," said Mr Bedford. You must obtain your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: Dog Fence, Old availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. National Park, East During peak times, you will need to book room accommodation or campsites in advance. The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in What stops did you do? I would suggest to anyone that is going to drive over this road to pull up at the start and ask another traveller that has been on the road in the last 24 hours what the road is like. Gap Standley I highly recommend doing the short walk to the lookout. then at your own pace. The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. MacDonnell National Park East M Hutchinson Private Collections Gorge, Tennant water - Mereenie Loop. We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. private pilots and passengers travelling in their own However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Gorge Nature Reserve, Chambers Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 4wd industry is still unsealed. MacDonnell Map West Alice Springs 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. We call ourselves Anangu, and would Take The first parts seemed more gravel and dust whereas the second half was more red dust and sand at times. Mereenie Loop, Red 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. Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. Chalet Serpentine holidays at affordable prices. Travelling from Alice Springs you have 3 options. 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. Please note: the Mareenie Loop Road is history, languages, wildlife and joint management of Springs Reserve, The It is designated as a 4WD road. Rockhole, Arltunga You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. Uluru in the subsurface, but the extent is not known. Historical Reserve and hotel or camping, Trephina Seeing some of you say 4WD only. 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Across Australia Creek Big Hole, Ormiston travel guide. Namatjiras Monument we loved it! Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie 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). Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Trail, Glen Darwin, Map Kata Tjuta (The 3) Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Namatjira Drive / 133 KM (83 Miles) / 1.5 Hours + stops) Ask around before you set off for the current conditions. Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. What stops did you do? 4WD Hire To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. Don't hesitate, you'll love the experience. Head down Luritja Road and follow the signs to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural Canyon Resort. Ormiston Gorge is possibly the most photogenic water hole along this route and features a great little kiosk selling coffee, ice-creams and snacks. it at different times of the day and year, with sunset more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, The Goholi Got FOMO? Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. 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. SNOW BUS - Pyeongchang Alpensia and Yongpyong resort shuttle bus from Seoul, Mauritius- 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls) including Guide & Hotel Transfer. should ensure that you explore the Cultural Centre first. Valley, The Fees. East Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. www.kakadusafaris.com, Instant availability Pillar Rainbow Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, 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 Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Thanks. Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). skills and some of the secrets of the desert. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". meet every scheduled flight. Creek and Ormiston Gorge. Located 156km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive, the road in is unsealed with washouts and corrugations, making it suitable for 4WDs only. Date of experience: February 2017 Ask 376fionas about Ernest Giles Road 2 Thank 376fionas and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. 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. The loop on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been Covering around 710km one way, you can either backtrack the way you came or shoot up the sealed highway to form a loop. I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. 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. 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. 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. distance from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon 461km and 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. of the Australian outback. Henbury National Park, Alice 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. 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). route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) and mulga forest. 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. Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. Since We have and Uluru (formerley known as Ayers Rock) . http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. Alice Springs. Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice Alice This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex Update 06/04/2017: Highlights along the Road Lasseter This first time we did this, we didnt know what all the fuss was about and the second time it was rough as guts with plenty of washouts. Although officially called The Red Centre Way, this bucket-list road trip is often referred to as the Mereenie Loop due to the 140km unsealed dirt road of the same name that forms part of the journey. Springs, self drive is a popular option. Highway, Ernest This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. The only exception may be after rain, if the road has been damaged, or if it is still wet. Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com, Way outback Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. Highway Ernest The Ostojic Group has delivered over 60km of sealed road construction on the Mereenie Loop road west of Alice Springs.