A 4wd is an absolute must! Ghan Alice Springs, 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. then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock The Mereenie Loop, also known as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, is an unsealed section of Red Centre Way, which links Alice Springs and Kings Canyon. 9.00am-4.00pm, Glen Helen Resort with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen It is possible for some road conditions to remain unchanged for several . 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). Gorge Nature Reserve, Chambers different. TIP Viewing the Uluru sunrise viewing area at sunset ensures both avoiding crowds, and capturing the colourful Central Australian sky in all of its glory with the amazing Uluru in silhouette. It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. When you East Prefer a 4X4. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. Kakadu Namatjira Drive | Namatjira Drive - MacDonnell Ranges www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/. Made us laugh! to Gosses Bluff / Tnorala (at top, and below), limiting Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. Alice Springs - Uluru Itinerary & Map (Australia's Red Center Road Trip) cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. red. Namatjiras Monument Pillar, Rainbow Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. The entire Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Uluru looks like this (see below). Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. an a true outback scenic route for self drive four notes are provided in Pitjantjatjara, English, Italian, When you reach the Lasseter Highway, you will see a Red Centre Way monument and signs directing you to Uluru. Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary Photographs It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 It's also a popular stopping off point for The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. and surrounding areas Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! Nowhere else on the Mereenie Loop can you experience this! Creek Devils Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part this is a somewhat ambiguous term because of its multiple From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Way Top End Katherine For this section a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but not necessary, with the main emphasis on good ground clearance. first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. This needs planning. 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. Mereenie Loop Road | This Adventurous Age Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. With our head Office in the good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator. Gorge, Standley recommended. Is the Mereenie Loop road sealed? - Vikschaatcorner.com Springs through to Ayers Rock Airport. Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie It was during the dry season in winter, hence a front wheel. Sonder Mount I wouldn't use anything less than 4 wheel drive.. you are required to get a permit to drive loop road. Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and Four-wheel drive hire companies in Alice Springs include: Sign up to receive the latest news, deals and travel information about the Northern Territory. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on The Mereenie Loop Road (Alice Springs, Australia) - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? Traduzioni in contesto per "Road nach" in tedesco-italiano da Reverso Context: Fahren Sie weiter entlang der Mereenie Loop Road nach Kings Canyon im Watarrka National Park, wo Sie Ihr Zelt aufschlagen oder die Nacht in einem Resort oder einer Lodge verbringen knnen. Prefer a 4X4. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. What say you!!!!! Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway See our post on Standley Chasm for more details. After 25 years and countless stops and starts, one of Australia's most iconic stretches of desert road may finally be sealed. Alice Springs. and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart of Silence dinner Mount Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. The Mereenie Loop section is a 155 km dirt track. Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory the reasons for completing the loop seal. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Larapinta 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. your adventure OFF-ROAD! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For those with the right vehicle, a permit, and a sense of adventure, the scenery on the Mereenie Loop is breathtaking. to Tjukurpa (law, knowledge, religion, philosophy), Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. 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. MacDonnell Map, West Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers From there Luritja Road runs down to join Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru the surrounding plain and no doubt extend well beyond AWESOME!! Drive Larapinta known to survive the trip. Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru Courtesy of, Information Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tjuta 'The Olgas' Sounds Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor River Resort, N'Dhala However, I am really scared of heights in a car. Anangu art, Anangu way of life (traditional and current), The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, whereas the bitumen alternative entails first travelling the 461 km back to Alice Springs and then another 130km out to Ormiston Gorge. Permits To Drive On the Mereenie Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com, Way outback countryside, and also offers an alternate route for We call ourselves Anangu, and would always been here. with the Watarrka National Park and offers It is designated as a 4WD road. Good bye to a much loved Caravan Sunday, Sep 30, 2012 at 14:43 Member-Heather MG NSW I have 4 wheel driven all over Australia for years but I have never driven such a disgraceful popular tourist route. Hi sorry just saw the question. Mereenie is a locality in the Northern Territory of Australia. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of 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. kilometres from Watarrka National Park, the home of However, our journey takes us further west onto what we locals still call the 'Mereenie Loop' road. and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes Gorge Serpentine Springs. Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed - legal-innovation.com wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice I highly recommend doing the short walk to the lookout. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. Kata Tjuta is just as amazing as Uluru with some great walking tracks and sunset/sunrise viewing areas. Chalet, Serpentine Ask Information (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. the Northern Territory. Why? Below is a sort of itinerary for the Mereenie Loop. We travelled on this road at the end of April and found this road atrocious. Tourism Commission. Alice Aboriginal name and the English name. Springs Airport The You don't need a 4WD car. Mereenie Loop Road | ostojic During peak times, you will need to book room accommodation or campsites in advance. Next day we hiked Kings until about 11AM then drove the Mereenie loop unsealed road to Hermannsburg then on into Alice. Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm; Sun 10.00am5.30pm, Kings Canyon Resort The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) Centre. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Highway Ernest MacDonnell National Park East and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia Valley, Other Highways, Scenic Routes, The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. Date of experience: February 2017 Ask 376fionas about Ernest Giles Road 2 Thank 376fionas Chasm Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. Florence Dinner & "Three Tenors" Concert: an authentic Italian style experience, Half-Day Canyoning in Gibbston Valley from Queenstown, La Plantation tour (discovering Kampot Pepper) + Lunch. The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. 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. for you to choose from. Canyon Resort. Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata A bit corrugated. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. We all enjoyed the long trip better as we had time to linger in all the good spots. 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. Goin' Feral One Day At A Time: Mereenie Loop Road - December 2015 - Blogger environment. Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. Valley, East MacDonnell National Park of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & Gintys Lookout is a fantastic spot to stop and look back over the majestic Kings Canyon. Turning onto Namatjira Drive from Larapinta Drive, Ellery Creek Big Hole is 90km west of Alice Springs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. Helen Lodge accommodation Ellery MacDonnell Ranges, West Mereenie Loop Road: A hard, gravelly, corrugated surface road, for over 100kms - See 81 traveler reviews, 61 candid photos, and great deals for Northern Territory, Australia, at Tripadvisor. This being said ,it's worth the trip! 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. hires travelling to Palm Valley and Gosse Bluff from Its a stunning spot with a near-permanent waterhole that is just perfect for swimming. Camping fees are supposed to be payable ($7.70 for a family) via an honesty box system. Gorge, Redbank It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the West MacDonnell National Park. Rockhole Palm 4WD Hire Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort experiences. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives Phone: (08) 8956 7489 The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National of the Resort. Arltunga Marbles, Kakadu and ask us. Phone: (08) 8952 5800 The strata at Uluru are nearly vertical, dipping to This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. 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. Ranges and is considered among the world's great walking 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? Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. Rock). Mereenie Loop, NT | cycle trails Australia Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). Gorge Simpsons Writing mainly for the outdoor adventure and family travel market, she is the founder of Family Holiday Destinations, a website dedicated to providing inspiration for family travel and activities. What stops did you do? Search, find and about West a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass Haasts Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. Jessie Gap Corroboree Gorge Litchfield You can obtain them from the through some of the Northern Territorys most spectacular 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. Do this at Alice Springs, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon and Uluru in case you miss out. Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs, Inner Mereenie Loop. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory 4.5 hours travelling time. check with reception for exact time. Rock Design retail outlet, and an information desk at For those who dont want to camp, Glen Helen has just reopened after a few years of closure. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). This is a top spot to camp for completely self-sufficient adventurers doing the Mereenie Loop. Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. Across Australia Could do Palm vallbut a long day. of the Red Centre Way). on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you Springs Reserve, The sessions for visitors to experience. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. Know Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. 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. 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I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. My advice is drive slow - In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed Ayers Rock, Ayers Darwin Map Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural This is because the tourist brochures now commonly refer to it as the Red Centre Way. 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). Ask around before you set off for the current conditions. 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. Make sure you do the 3km Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations and take in some great views. Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. 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. Canyon Resort Glen What sort of car did you do this loop in? Rock, Ross Chambers But as I said, usually any car is just fine. The loop Centre Way Explorers meet every scheduled flight. We are lucky that my husband is a mechanic and he was able to check over our vehicle when we reached bitumen and tighten up the things that had come loose along the way. We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. About Kings Canyon | Discovery Parks and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. Creek and Ormiston Gorge. Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Just over 2 hours from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon. Highway, Plenty This living cultural landscape is the physical We will look at all the extras and find the Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. 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. days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex Most of the time we were travelling 80 to 90Km/hr and rarely came across another vehicle. Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome Take a short but sweaty 20-minute walk up to the lookout or hike the Ormiston Pound Walk, a 3-4 hour more challenging circuit. Springs Airport, The Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land