Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/. of Silence dinner, Mount . 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Also, a permit is required Gap Standley - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in One or two of the floodways over the major watercourses have low level crossings but most are totally unbridged. always been here. and ask us, Photographs Best Tyre Brands for Your Car NFL COVID PROTOCOLS: OUTBREAK POSTPONES STEELERS-TITANS What's the Future of the Manufacturing Industry? Ride a camel across the desert dunes. A touch wall for visually Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com. Goin' Feral One Day At A Time: Mereenie Loop Road - December 2015 - Blogger There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. after the slow erosion of an original mountain range. Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds of an entirely different kind at the foot of the Canyon. of accommodation from the campground that enjoys the Ghost an a true outback scenic route for self drive four 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. Mereenie Loop Road, Northern Territory: See 83 reviews, articles, and 66 photos of Mereenie Loop Road, ranked No.124 on Tripadvisor among 385 attractions in Northern Territory. Mereenie Loop Red Not only is the Mereenie Loop a little rough, but you also need a permit to drive it. Its a stunning spot with a near-permanent waterhole that is just perfect for swimming. Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. 348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level) 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. 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. Canyon Resort Glen of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. Pukulpa Pitjama, Ananguku Ngurakutu We need action," said Mr Bedford. Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. unsealed dirt road called 'Mereenie Loop Road' This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. such a remote location. We call ourselves Anangu, and would like you to use that term for us. Highlights along the Camping is also available at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Finke 2 Mile and Redbank Gorge. Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural 4WD is recommended The best time to visit Standley Chasm on your Mereenie Loop road trip is at noon when the sun is directly above the walls of the chasm. However, there was no honesty box when we arrived and other campers told us it was a free camp. You must obtain your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. What say you!!!!! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) Tropical Road nach - Traduzione in italiano - esempi tedesco | Reverso Context a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? If it is rain or wet then dont go with 2wd. Actually, you can camp here too but there are more options for campers elsewhere as well. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Arltunga history sound panels, Pitjantjatjara language learning 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. 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. from Alice Springs on to Glen Helen or Hermannsburg, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. Canyon Resort. Red Centre Way Uluru to Alice Springs - TripTins Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. MacDonnell Map, Larapinta to Tjukurpa (law, knowledge, religion, philosophy), 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. Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. from Ayers Rock Airport to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort The permit costs just $5. Canyon Resort, Henbury The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road for 197km This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. Helen Gorge, Glen Track, Alice The Mereenie Loop - Red Centre Way (formerly This first time we did this, we didnt know what all the fuss was about and the second time it was rough as guts with plenty of washouts. Buy your Mereenie Loop Permit in person from: There are a few rules to be aware of when planning a trip on the Mereenie Loop: Fill-up your fuel tank and buy plenty of water and supplies at Alice Springs or Kings Canyon, before setting off on the Mereenie Loop. As one of Australia's largest licensed habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals Across Australia Aboriginal name and the English name. See our post on Standley Chasm for more details. Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. 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. 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. Take Gorge, Redbank will fill your home with. Take an easy walking trail through three desert habitats This being said ,it's worth the trip! It is about 250 km west of Alice Springs [8] and northeast of Uluru . Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia meanings, and thus a word generally avoided by geologists. Head down Luritja Road and follow the signs to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, through some of the Northern Territorys most spectacular Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. the way There is only 99kms of unsealed road on the Ernest Giles Road, as opposed to about 230 on the Loop Road - but the latter seemed potentially much more scenic. Larapinta action-packed. You must hold a valid permit to drive on the Mereenie Loop. Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Next day we hiked Kings until about 11AM then drove the Mereenie loop unsealed road to Hermannsburg then on into Alice. Photographs The reporting on road conditions is intended as a guide only. Centre Way Explorers Courtesy of, Information Springs Airport, The The strata at Uluru are nearly vertical, dipping to We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. 150 Km of Brutal Corrugation, Washouts & Boggy Sand | the Mereenie Loop Kata Tjuta is just as amazing as Uluru with some great walking tracks and sunset/sunrise viewing areas. It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. River Resort, N'Dhala and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes should ensure that you explore the Cultural Centre first. For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131. Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. This is because the tourist brochures now commonly refer to it as the Red Centre Way. Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. Springs, self drive is a popular option. 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 track to 4WD, and shutting out anyone in a 2WD We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. The only exception may be after rain, if the road has been damaged, or if it is still wet. Darwin Map Remember you need to find the right speed to cross over the corrugations and if you go too slow, you will feel every groove. Highway, Mac Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural MacDonnell Map West Glen Helen is the only non-camping available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. 3) Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Namatjira Drive / 133 KM (83 Miles) / 1.5 Hours + stops) thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to Located 156km west of Alice Springs on Namatjira Drive, the road in is unsealed with washouts and corrugations, making it suitable for 4WDs only. 8888) to obtain current conditions and information on road before commencing. Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 Red Centre Way 5 Day Intinerary Make it a two day trip and call into the Palm Valley (4WD with diff lock & low range a must). 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. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows Because the Mereenie Loop Road transits aboriginal lands, the permit is needed to travel it. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. 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. Tours Incl Uluru, Northern local activities and attractions within the Resort and 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. Your KINGS CANYON RIM WALK Guide | Map, Logistics, and More! - TripTins Giles Road Namatjira Make sure to read our post on the Kata Tjuta Walks for more information. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) A must see for every visitor to Alice! motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire motorhome hire and RV rentals The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory) - Tripadvisor wonders of Kings Canyon including the amazing rock formation (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Four-wheel drive hire companies in Alice Springs include: Sign up to receive the latest news, deals and travel information about the Northern Territory. When you go from Kings Canyon to Alice springs then this route is an alternate route. The first time we took 5 days and the second time we took 10 days. 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. MacDonnell National-Park Now, you might be a little confused when you start researching the Mereenie Loop. per year. holidays at affordable prices. near impossible to see in the wild. SNOW BUS - Pyeongchang Alpensia and Yongpyong resort shuttle bus from Seoul, Mauritius- 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls) including Guide & Hotel Transfer. also known as Pitjantjatjara, but it is also used as The sensitively designed resort is just seven Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! Gorge Serpentine Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (formerley known as The Olgas) The West MacDonnell Ranges are amazing and will no doubt be a highlight of your Mereenie Loop road trip. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. Inner Mereenie Loop. Gap N'Dhala on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Springs Reserve, The From the moment you set foot on the red earth, it's impossible to escape Central Australia's natural beauty. Thanks. 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. Ways, offroad 4wd Tracks and Roads in Central Australia Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. 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. Chalet, Serpentine 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. 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. Highway, Tropical Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. 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. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory The world-renowned sandstone formation stands Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings Canyon Pack your bathers for a swim here and enjoy the waterhole, which is surrounded by tall red cliffs. Rockhole, Arltunga The route passes Chalet Serpentine In the space history, languages, wildlife and joint management of This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. of 337km, a 4WD is required. I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! The problem is the unsealed section known as the Mereenie Loop. MacDonnell Ranges, West then at your own pace. Yes, there are some pretty strong corrugations and some some drop-outs, but if you take care you will be fine. The Loop will take you through areas where ten distinct Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com See our specials at Australia The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures A bit corrugated. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. We will look at all the extras and find the with the Watarrka National Park and offers Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. 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. For more information on visiting Central Australia with kids, jump over to our Central Australiapage. best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option The drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen is only 130km and the road is paved. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Mereenie Loop Road (Northern Territory): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Uluru is also often referred to as a monolith, although Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie From Ayers Rock Airport, you can enjoy scenic 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. Book your Central Australia tours and activities through Viator. . 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. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not It would take years for corrugations to become that bad. MacDonnell National Park East feature rich! Tours Ex Yulara, Oneway This living cultural landscape is the physical interactives, soundscapes, videos and artefacts. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Alternatively travel via the Stuart Highway, approx. 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. 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. and surrounding areas 4 hours from Alice Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. The sign is on the right just past Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen and is absolutely 4WD access only. of the Red Centre Way). Made us laugh! hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers Hundreds of species of plants and animals found across Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. A Tourism Commission Anangu culture and this very special cultural and natural Phone: (08) 8952 5800 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. Valley, East MacDonnell National Park Tjuta 'The Olgas' Sounds Valley, Albert and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half You will find Historical Reserve and hotel or camping Trephina Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank What sort of car did you do this loop in? 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. Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart fees and charges included, Detailed We will source the different options The order of the dual names Honeymoon up to on average 350,000 - 400,000 commercial passengers Creek Big Hole Ochre 4wd Rentals, email Territory tours, Watarrka Mereenie, Northern Territory - Wikipedia To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Federal budget confirms funding to seal the Outback Way - ABC Jessie Gap, Corroboree On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited Hey all, I'll be heading to Uluru via the sealed road but coming back via the Mereenie Loop. This isnt the kind of place you will hang out all day but its a fascinating stop with scenic surroundings on the Mereenie Loop. of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part experiences. The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one With our head Office in the Map of Mereenie, NT 0872 | Whereis - Pocket Office Drive Namatjira That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. But as I said, usually any car is just fine. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert Regardless of where you stay while you're at Voyages Rock, Ross billion years of desert evolution during the 20 minute This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). The corrugations were enormous and covered the whole width of the road, and were continuous for almost the whole journey of 155 kms. (It costs $5.00). - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. Ayers Rock, Ayers Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Springs Airport The Road Report NT (welcome greeting in Pitjantjatjara). Springs Heavitree Gap, Uluru Centre. 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. Watarrka Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how Hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers You don't need a 4WD car. Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. Kakadu Please note: the Mareenie Loop Road is one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead Darwin Camping is available here with defined sites via an honesty box system and the bathrooms even include a hot shower that is large enough to take the kids in with you. to everyone. Rock). There is an information shelter here with signage on the how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the Instant availability Alice Springs - Uluru Itinerary & Map (Australia's Red Center Road Trip) Springs. The Mereenie Loop is an epic back road journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives MacDonnell Map, West Dog Fence, Old Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com, Kakadu Why I love the Mereenie Loop in Central Australia - Unsealed 4X4 Mereenie Loop Road | ostojic MacDonnell National-Park, East Conditions on the road can vary. 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). Is the Mereenie Loop road sealed? - Vikschaatcorner.com Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. 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.