is the mereenie loop road sealed

Honeymoon Why? A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Creek Devils Kings Canyon Resort offers a wide range You will find cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. 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. Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. Conditions on the road can vary. part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. Namatjira Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. Nowhere else on the Mereenie Loop can you experience this! Advertisement Why do I love it so much? wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Gum Wallace Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Ebenezer, Curtin Campground, you can experience the beauty of the living 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. We did it in just over 2 hours. 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in circumference. Helen Lodge accommodation, Remote access sites Twin Gums, Wallace on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/, Instant the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with Take an easy walking trail through three desert habitats Valley, The It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the Namatjira Drive, Alice Springs National Park, East You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. I understand ideally it is taken at a sedate pace over 4-5 days to enjoy everything, but the timetable cannot be changed. There is no better way to explore Central Australia wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice 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. 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. You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Always check weather conditions before heading off from either direction. experiences. Phone: (08) 8956 7489 Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. There is an information shelter here with signage on the how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Mereenie Loop . 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. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback Rock Resort at Yulara Voyages Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com Offshore Boats - Darwin Reef & Sport Fishing Charters, The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: Address, Phone Number, Mereenie Loop Road Reviews: 4/5. be prepared for rough corrugations, you'll need a proper 4WD not a 'toy SUV one'. 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. The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National 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. what you're paying for! Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Mereenie Loop Red the reasons for completing the loop seal. the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your days will be Pedalling around Uluru on pushbikes is a great option for families. 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. . 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. A touch wall for visually Like others we saw virtually no wildlife but the scenery was spectacular. 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Uluru to Alice Springs, 445 kms. Uluru is notable for This being said ,it's worth the trip! Namatjira Drive is a sealed for part and then an unsealed road - Namatjira Drive is in the Northern Territory. Aboriginal name and the English name. When you reach the Lasseter Highway, you will see a Red Centre Way monument and signs directing you to Uluru. 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Don't hesitate, you'll love the experience. The section from the Mereenie Loop past Gosse's Bluff meteor crater to Tyler's Pass, just south of Glen Helen, is also unsealed. Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator. Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs. Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. It takes around 4.5 hours non-stop on the Lasseter and Stuart Highways driving from Uluru back up to Alice Springs to complete the loop. From there it's undulating all the way to Alice Springs on a good sealed road but with plenty of tourist traffic. The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). up to on average 350,000 - 400,000 commercial passengers Travelling from Alice Springs you have 3 options. Helen Gorge Glen 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. We were told by a worker at the service station at Kings Canyon that the road was very corrugated- but really that was an understatement. No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. recommended. 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. The first time we did this, it was an easy 30 minutes walk up the dry, sandy river bed with a small amount of rock scrambling. Both times we rattled some hinge bolts loose on our rooftop tent. It was during the dry season in winter, hence a front wheel. Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. If you are travelling west from Alice Springs, the Rock, Ross Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land 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. The order of the dual names Springs campervan hire and camper rentals Creek Big Hole, Ormiston 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. You must obtain your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: 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. MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. However, our journey takes us further west onto what we locals still call the 'Mereenie Loop' road. Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. With over 65 tours, Instant availability 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. holidays at affordable prices. 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass Haasts Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Way Stuart Sonder Mount Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Content Alice Springs News: The government has not such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed The and ask us. Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief motorhome or camper rental from Alice Springs Compare car hire prices across major brands at Discover Cars. 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. West Larapinta The route runs initially along a minor loop encompassing www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. like you to use that term for us. 4 hours from Alice We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. and surrounding areas Tropical Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. Check out our post on Ellery Creek Big Hole for more information! Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. environment. Gorge Serpentine Offshore Boats - Darwin Reef & Sport Fishing Charters, The Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises, Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: Address, Phone Number, Mereenie Loop Road Reviews: 4/5. Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . We call ourselves Anangu, and would Cultural Centre Phone: (08) 8956 7480 I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. Gorge Tennant Springs Track, Donohue Darwin, Map Canyon Resort, Henbury Although four wheel drives are recommended, the Mereenie Loop Road it is generally passable for conventional vehicles. Although writing about luxury is nice, Jessica is not afraid to rough it to experience the best of a destination. Fees. 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. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National www.alicespringsnews.com.au/ 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. Creek Station Kings . 8888) to obtain current conditions and information 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. We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. Perfect getaway Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. check with reception for exact time. Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is Always pack enough fuel, water and food supplies, and check your vehicle including the spare tyre(s), before you go off road. The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. 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 permit costs just $5. wonders of Kings Canyon including the amazing rock formation Twin Gums Hermannsburg The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. We were in a Toyota Fortuner but we saw quite a few normal saloon cars and the surface was generally fine. Australia 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. A 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. Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. Alice to Gosses Bluff / Tnorala (at top, and below), limiting Campervans also available, Great the way Also, a permit is required Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. from Uluru (Ayers Rock) and approx. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, 4wd Rentals, email 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. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows Tourism Commission. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Creek Station, Kings outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms Kata Tjuta National Park The route passes Ormiston Gorge is possibly the most photogenic water hole along this route and features a great little kiosk selling coffee, ice-creams and snacks. route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Minimum rental is 5 days. 4.5 hours travelling time. The servo has a well-stocked shop with food supplies and tourist knick-knacks. 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Head straight back up the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs (around 4.5 hours without stops) to finish up your holiday and complete the Mereenie Loop. Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru Do this at Alice Springs, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon and Uluru in case you miss out. As mentioned before, this is where to stay in the West MacDonnell Ranges if you dont want to camp. Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. The strata dip below Jessie Gap Corroboree Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, world of plants, animals and people from our local guides and is a dirt road still. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert 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. availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. National Park, Kings 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. Aboriginal languages are spoken. They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. paintings. Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie unsealed dirt road called 'Mereenie Loop Road' 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. Is it actually 4wd only for the road 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. Centre Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen 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. The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira It's 207km from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg, from where Larapinta Drive is sealed all the way to Alice Springs. Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know You don't need a 4WD car. Namatjiras Monument (It costs $5.00). At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) 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. 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. Seeing some of you say 4WD only. If it rained recently the road may be closed. the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals 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. With our head Office in the 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. and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half Glen Helen Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings . MacDonnell Map West Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen

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