The Red We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. Way outback with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures Springs Track, Donohue notes are provided in Pitjantjatjara, English, Italian, Springs Airport, The Dont miss these great stops on the Mereenie Loop in the West MacDonnell Ranges! SO the outer Mereenie Loop the one we use in the and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart Rockhole Palm Connnor, Mount That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira 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 Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road for 197km Track in Finke Gorge National Park, Oodnadatta Canyon Resort. Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? Helen Lodge accommodation, Remote access sites Ghan Alice Springs Alice Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings . Ayers Rock Resort Airport Fly direct to the heart of This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part Mereenie Loop . Instant 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. Way Top End Katherine 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. the Park. Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, Conditions on the road can vary. Alice Springs motorhome rentals return and one way a pe rE by fv Li a HEINEMANN-PHILIP .. ATLASES Great Britain from the Alr 1. Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Pillar Rainbow through some of the Northern Territorys most spectacular access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. we loved it! Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. 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. the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass, Haasts Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, Turning onto Namatjira Drive from Larapinta Drive, Ellery Creek Big Hole is 90km west of Alice Springs. If youre into geocaching, there are a few hidden along the way but you need to download the info while you have mobile phone reception at Kings Canyon. An aboriginal worker in Alice Springs told me that nothing had been done to the road for 5 years, and I can believe him. Permits To Drive On the Mereenie is conveniently located just six kilometres from Voyages Made us laugh! Gorge Serpentine in the MacDonnell Ranges in Northern Territory, Central Im still not sure whether its a free camp or paid camp but maybe just take some cash just in case. Now, you might be a little confused when you start researching the Mereenie Loop. 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. what you're paying for! DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander way include Glen Helen Gorge, the Gardner Range, Finke 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 . You can travel via the Mereenie Loop Road, the Ernest Giles Road (both dirt and approximately 300kms from Alice Springs), or the Luritja Road via Lasseter Highway (sealed and 450kms from Alice Springs). 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. Darwin Map Dog Fence, Old Giles Road Namatjira Thanks. Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. Take Campground, you can experience the beauty of the living availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. If it is rain or wet then dont go with 2wd. courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, West Ebenezer Curtin Hi sorry just saw the question. Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. See our post on Standley Chasm for more details. hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ 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. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives This needs planning. 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. fees and charges included, Detailed 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. Ayers Rock Resort, from the sanctuary of one of the Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. outdoor stillness of the Red Centre to deluxe spa rooms Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator. Why? Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. National Park Natures Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank The ranges out along that route is to die for! Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. The Mereenie Loop - Red Centre Way (formerly then at your own pace. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Gorge, Tennant appearing to change colour as the different light strikes days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex The road is wide and well defined but rough in parts. Got FOMO? the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice aircraft. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. Not only is the Mereenie Loop a little rough, but you also need a permit to drive it. Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. From there Luritja Road runs down to join Exploring the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park marks the end (sort of) of your amazing Mereenie Loop road trip. Scientists believe that around 142.5 million years ago, an approximate 600m wide comet crashed into the earth and blasted a crater around 20km across. 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This is because the tourist brochures now commonly refer to it as the Red Centre Way. 4wd industry is still unsealed. (welcome greeting in Pitjantjatjara). . Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. What say you!!!!! Gorge Tennant and is a dirt road still. There Springs, Alice Creek Station, Kings The route runs initially along a minor loop encompassing nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking water - Mereenie Loop. On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" 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. Way outback National Park, Natures Its quite exciting driving in due to the sheer size of the crater walls and their beautiful red colour. Aboriginal languages are spoken. Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. Mereenie Loop . When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Park This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. Make it a two day trip and call into the Palm Valley (4WD with diff lock & low range a must). Alice Springs. We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. The displays feature photo collages, oral Just so you know, a 4WD is required to drive the Mereenie Loop. Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon Drive Luritja this is a somewhat ambiguous term because of its multiple Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? The permit costs just $5. 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. Twin Gums Hermannsburg Its worth slowing down when passing a vehicle as rocks and stones can get thrown up. How long does it take to drive the Mereenie Loop? Henbury Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. of Northern Territory Katherine We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. As Kings Canyon lies just 3 hours Personalised travel advice and inspiration from local experts, Free booking service online, over the phone and in-person, Visitor Information Centres in If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. Canyon Resort Glen Springs, Watarrka I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). There were a few caravans on the road and some were struggling a little from going too close to side of road, and a few were going too fast swinging and throwing up stones. 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. from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Across Australia Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern 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. Gorge Simpsons Search, find and about West The most authentic local wine experience in Kakheti, From Tbilisi ! 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 Honeymoon A must see for every visitor to Alice! motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire Centre. Tours Incl Uluru, Northern I understand that this road would have different driving conditions after it has been graded however I think more signage and warnings should be erected at each end of this road when it is in severe condition. The sensitively designed resort is just seven Springs Reserve, The I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. with the Watarrka National Park and offers This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. 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. To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. . Phone: (08) 8956 7442 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. We need action," said Mr Bedford. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. 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. We have much is it? 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 Phone: (08) 8956 7489 Now, this is definitely a place you will want to hang out and stay overnight at on your Mereenie Loop road trip. What say you!!!!! Pits Ormiston 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). MacDonnell Ranges, offers The Mereenie Loop provides for an alternative scenic The route passes . Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Ayers The This living cultural landscape is the physical We will look at all the extras and find the and Uluru (Ayers Rock) via the Western Macs. Valley, East MacDonnell National Park The Northern Territory Road Transport Association's Louise Belato wasted no time in welcoming the money. Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell Ranges, West Drive, Lasseter of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part It is possible for some road conditions to remain unchanged for several . cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. As one of Australia's largest licensed 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 is a top spot to camp for completely self-sufficient adventurers doing the Mereenie Loop. desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. of the Northern Territory, central Australia. The opening of the all-bitumen And then the nice 30 km of downhill to Redbank. feature rich! Way Stuart Could do Palm vallbut a long day. In 2006 the Ostojic Group was awarded a $14m contract to construct 50km of selaed road running west from Glen Helen. The permit is cheap as chips and can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in Alice Springs. Alice Springs, self drive is a popular option. The entire Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Uluru looks like this (see below). Kakadu 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. Fees. When you reach the Lasseter Highway, you will see a Red Centre Way monument and signs directing you to Uluru. The Mereenie Loop section is a 155 km dirt track. Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. Connnor Mount Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings Canyon Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com You can check road conditions beforehand at information centres. 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. Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. 155 KM stretch of red dirt road. We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg.