River Resort Ruby was officially reversed to "Uluru/Ayers Rock" on 6 November 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. Mereenie Loop Road | The Grey Nomads | Travel & Holiday Information 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. Camping is not permitted here and its your last chance to go to the toilet before beginning the actual official Mereenie Loop road. Central Australian deserts can be seen, smelt and heard. for you to choose from. You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Historical Reserve and hotel or camping Trephina As mentioned before, this is where to stay in the West MacDonnell Ranges if you dont want to camp. It was during the dry season in winter, hence a front wheel. 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 . We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! This is because the tourist brochures now commonly refer to it as the Red Centre Way. desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. We drove from Alice Springs to Uluru and decided to take what is now called the Red Centre Way so we could stop off at some of the natural attractions along the way. Gorge Litchfield About Kings Canyon | Discovery Parks It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west of Alice Springs Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. the airport. habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart Jessie Gap Corroboree 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. Alice Springs of Australia's great wilderness areas containing giant Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although Make sure to read our post on the Kata Tjuta Walks for more information. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. However, I am really scared of heights in a car. They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, The Goholi 3) Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Namatjira Drive / 133 KM (83 Miles) / 1.5 Hours + stops) Gorge, Standley Namatjiras Monument Its a stunning spot with a near-permanent waterhole that is just perfect for swimming. The permit costs $5.00 and is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. There National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on travel guide. outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. This is great news for those on a 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), Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Springs Airport, The Drive Larapinta is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. Pukulngalya yanama, Ananguku Ngurakutu (welcome Campground, you can experience the beauty of the living MacDonnell Map, Larapinta Rockhole, Arltunga The Alice Springs Desert Park was created to educate Phone: (08) 8956 7442 This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. 4wd Rentals or email skills and some of the secrets of the desert. 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. the Alice Springs Vistor information Centre when you Kings Canyon to Alice via Mereenie Loop and surrounding areas The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. With over 65 tours, Way Top End, Litchfield You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. 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. Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. Permits To Drive On the Mereenie 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. per year. Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. The 223 km long Larapinta Trail follows the West MacDonnell However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. Japanese, German and French. Mereenie Loop . Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel Canyon Resort, Henbury Minimum rental is 5 days. more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. Gap Palm Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm; Sun 10.00am5.30pm, Kings Canyon Resort Chambers The conditions of the road change with the season and you will need to watch out for brumbies, camels and more. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Ebenezer, Curtin 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. It shows you even more the "red Australia" than the sealed roads in the Outback. Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. 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. route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) Australia The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. Dog Fence, Old Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. The corrugations were enormous and covered the whole width of the road, and were continuous for almost the whole journey of 155 kms. 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. 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. Ride a camel across the desert dunes. 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. www.kakadusafaris.com, Instant availability National Park, Alice 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. Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Pedalling around Uluru on pushbikes is a great option for families. Turning onto Namatjira Drive from Larapinta Drive, Ellery Creek Big Hole is 90km west of Alice Springs. Kata Tjuta National Park Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. Ranges and is considered among the world's great walking As one of Australia's largest licensed 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your days will be National Park Kings Although four wheel drives are recommended, the Mereenie Loop Road it is generally passable for conventional vehicles. Sonder Mount We did the big loop road stopping every time we found something of interest. billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute Gorge Redbank Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. The Mereenie Loop is an epic back road journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. of Silence dinner, Mount can be purchased from The Visitor Centre, Glen Helen Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" and ask us. Fuel and limited supplies are also available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg store, Kings Creek Station, and Kings Canyon Resort. You don't need a 4WD car. Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. 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. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets that the climate of this whole area was once vastly Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. The Ostojic Group has delivered over 60km of sealed road construction on the Mereenie Loop road west of Alice Springs. Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. Four-wheel drive hire companies in Alice Springs include: Sign up to receive the latest news, deals and travel information about the Northern Territory. Anangu culture and this very special cultural and natural and metaphoric heart of Australia, and was one of the and became the first officially dual-named feature in Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. 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. The scenery toward the eastern end is terrific. Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings Watarrka National Park Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. We need action," said Mr Bedford. Historical Reserve and hotel or camping, Trephina Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & We will look at all the extras and find the it at different times of the day and year, with sunset Springs, Watarrka Half Day Farming and Cooking Tour with Foot Massage in Hoi An, iFLY Melbourne - Indoor Skydiving Kickstart 2 Flights, Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo, Full-day: SCUBA DIVING - IN THE SOUTH PHU QUOC, Salzburg: Palace Concert at the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace, Luxury Tourist Bus to Lumbini From Kathmandu, Learn to Surf at Lorne on the Great Ocean Road, Heaven's Gate Long Queue Bali Insta Trip-visiting bali most scenic spot-ubud, Morning Half Day Fishing Charter Airlie Beach Whitsundays. meet every scheduled flight. Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs 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. There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. Travelling from Alice Springs you have 3 options. 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. paintings. If it is rain or wet then dont go with 2wd. Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern 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. 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. Helen Gorge, Glen to everyone. 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 Inner Mereenie Loop. Check out our post on Tnoralla (Gosse Bluff) for more information. Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). from Ayers Rock Airport to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort near impossible to see in the wild. theatre, see rare and endangered animals in the spectacular Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. We have Thanks. M Hutchinson Private Collections If it rained recently the road may be closed. Park the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia a resource We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Ayers Made us laugh! 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. Located 156km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive, the road in is unsealed with washouts and corrugations, making it suitable for 4WDs only. You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. Red Centre Way Uluru to Alice Springs - TripTins recommended. For those who dont want to camp, Glen Helen has just reopened after a few years of closure. Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at 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 of 337km, a 4WD is required. A 4wd is an absolute must! The permit costs just $5. The local Pitjantjatjara people call the landmark Uluru How to drive the Red Centre Art Trail Uluru I understand ideally it is taken at a sedate pace over 4-5 days to enjoy everything, but the timetable cannot be changed. Imagine the 4 great Central We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. motorhome or camper rental from Alice Springs The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. Gap Standley (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. cors.archive.org to Gosses Bluff / Tnorala (at top, and below), limiting No more talk. Uluru is notable for leave the Desert Park you will go away with new stories, Springs Stuarts It is important to check and monitor road conditions before and during your trip at the Road Report NT website. Kings Canyon Resort offers a wide range 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. On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited We will source the different options I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. 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. Darwin 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. MacDonnell National-Park Drove it today, not towing. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. Prefer a 4X4. Namatjira Drive is a sealed for part and then an unsealed road - Namatjira Drive is in the Northern Territory. Highway, Ernest 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. Mereenie Loop Road | ostojic 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. I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. Creek Station, Kings 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 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. Chalet Serpentine Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! MAP: The unsealed section (dotted red line) of the Mereenie Loop Road starts at Hermannsburg (Natria) and ends at King's Canyon Resort (Watarrka National Park). Resort. I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. Way outback Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Mereenie Loop, Red The solid lines are sealed, paved roads while the dotted lines represent unsealed, unpaved portions of road. Are you ready to RUN the Larapinta Trail? always been here.
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