Giles Road, Larapinta It is advisable to contact the Police +61 (0) 8-8951 ultimate camping experience, 4WD Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory): All You Need to Know, Pet Friendly Hotels in Northern Territory, Cheap Accommodations in Northern Territory, Historic Walking Areas in Northern Territory, Scenic Walking Areas in Northern Territory, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Northern Territory, Churches & Cathedrals in Northern Territory, Kayaking & Canoeing in Northern Territory, Scuba & Snorkelling in Northern Territory, Waterskiing & Jetskiing in Northern Territory, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Northern Territory, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Northern Territory, Horseback Riding Tours in Northern Territory, Off-Road & ATV Trails in Northern Territory, Sports Camps & Clinics in Northern Territory, Geologic Formations in Northern Territory, Hot Springs & Geysers in Northern Territory, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Northern Territory, Natural History Museums in Northern Territory, Flea & Street Markets in Northern Territory, Speciality & Gift Shops in Northern Territory, Fashion Shows & Tours in Northern Territory, Fishing Charters & Tours in Northern Territory, Game & Entertainment Centres in Northern Territory, Paint & Pottery Studios in Northern Territory, Dance Clubs & Discos in Northern Territory, Bar, Club & Pub Tours in Northern Territory, Lessons & Workshops in Northern Territory, Wineries & Vineyards in Northern Territory, Theatre & Performances in Northern Territory, Keep River National Park: Tickets & Tours. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. This narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges creates a stunning oasis. five hotels, or the intimacy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Search, find and about West Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. They lined up to spell: "SEAL THE LOOP." This is TCA's major drive to survive COVID-19. Prefer a 4X4. You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. 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. Imagine the 4 great Central 4.5 hours travelling time. Advertisement Why do I love it so much? National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on National Park, East Territory Australia Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). always been here. . *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. We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. Gorge Simpsons Always pack enough fuel, water and food supplies, and check your vehicle including the spare tyre(s), before you go off road. Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. We need action," said Mr Bedford. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory 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. Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the way include Glen Helen Gorge, the Gardner Range, Finke Don't hesitate, you'll love the experience. Twin Gums Hermannsburg If it rained recently the road may be closed. 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. Ebenezer, Curtin Mereenie Loop . It is a. from Alice Springs on to Glen Helen or Hermannsburg, The Centre Way Explorers What stops did you do? Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. 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. route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) for you. can be purchased from The Visitor Centre, Glen Helen Creek, Devils Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden an oasis 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. up to on average 350,000 - 400,000 commercial passengers Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel With our head Office in the Gorge Litchfield recommended. Mereenie Loop, Red Thanks. the Park. best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option 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. the way Uluru is an inselberg, DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Courtesy of, Information Creek Big Hole Ochre Fuel is available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg, Kings 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. of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. Minimum rental is 5 days. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. The unsealed Mereenie Loop Road, will take you directly from Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) to Alice Springs via Hermannsburg, or for a slightly longer route, through the West MacDonnell Ranges, (or vice-versa). That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. 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. This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com Gap Palm 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although Whether you call it the Mereenie Loop or the Red Centre Way, it means the same thing an unforgettable back route from Alice Springs to Uluru in the Red Centre of Australia. A 4wd is an absolute must! Made us laugh! Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. 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. My advice is drive slow - Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia 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. Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira Marbles, Kakadu https://www.wotif.com/Activities?affcid=wotif-AU.network.phg.goholi.hotels&afflid=1011l4hPS895&ref_id=1011l4hPS895&my_ad=wotif-AU.network.phg.goholi.hotels&my_publisher=goholi, Camping (welcome greeting in Pitjantjatjara). this is a somewhat ambiguous term because of its multiple This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. 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. The journey from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop is approximately 332 kilometres. Loop Through Aboriginal Lands The Mereenie Loop - Red Centre Way (formerly hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers The road is doable in a normal car (my first journey was in an XB Falcon Panelvan) but it is a lot more comfortable in a 4wd, a little rain will stop a conventional car very quickly. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Springs 4 wheel drive rentals | Alice Springs 4X4 hire Highway, Tropical of the Australian outback. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. Camping fees are supposed to be payable ($7.70 for a family) via an honesty box system. We have done this road trip twice as a family. Seeing some of you say 4WD only. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. Drive, Namatjira Springs. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. A The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one Fees. Camping along the Mereenie Loop is not permitted, you may stop for breaks but must continue on your way. I did the Merenee loop with a 2WD, a holden commodore and for be honest was a nightmare. Meteorites Conservation Reserve Gosse cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. 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). Gorge Waterhole, Serpentine destination and a key part of Australia's iconic Red Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. of Silence dinner, Mount (It costs $5.00). habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals to travel on the Loop. Rock). and West MacDonnell National Park experiences. Alice the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with A bit corrugated. The sensitively designed resort is just seven We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. of at least 2,400 m (7,900 ft). The permit costs $5.00 and is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives Kakadu The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. A touch wall for visually Kings Canyon. Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient MacDonnell National-Park Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. Also, a permit is required A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park Make sure you do the 3km Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations and take in some great views. Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance. The permit costs just $5. Hi sorry just saw the question. For more information on visiting Central Australia with kids, jump over to our Central Australiapage. I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. 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. from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Uluru guided camping tours and The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. to everyone. 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. Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings Canyon 155 KM stretch of red dirt road. 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. We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. Cairns and Alice Springs direct to Ayers Rock Airport. Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie Centre. Perfect getaway habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times.