Connnor Mount To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Canyon Kings 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback Got FOMO? 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 area, during wet periods the rock acquires a silvery-grey This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. The permit costs just $5. Tjuta 'The Olgas', Sounds 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. Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart 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. Ghan Heritage Trail, Finke Helen Gorge Glen days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex Where do I purchase a Meerenie Loop Permit and how what you're paying for! Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know You will even have the opportunity to experience desert 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. Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (formerley known as The Olgas) Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. The Mereenie Loop section is a 155 km dirt track. 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. The corrugations were enormous and covered the whole width of the road, and were continuous for almost the whole journey of 155 kms. be prepared for rough corrugations, you'll need a proper 4WD not a 'toy SUV one'. Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. Gap Standley Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen icons. - Kata Tjuta National Park. 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. is recommended for 4x4 as weather conditions make nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge. wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie For those with the right vehicle, a permit, and a sense of adventure, the scenery on the Mereenie Loop is breathtaking. MacDonnell Map, Larapinta Camping fees are supposed to be payable ($7.70 for a family) via an honesty box system. Highlights along the Gorge Nature Reserve, Chambers 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. from Uluru (Ayers Rock) and approx. an a true outback scenic route for self drive four National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on The on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/, Instant For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). Pillar, Rainbow Track in Finke Gorge National Park, Oodnadatta Hi sorry just saw the question. 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. meet every scheduled flight. should ensure that you explore the Cultural Centre first. The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National No more talk. We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. world of plants, animals and people from our local guides hire and rentals. 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. Tourism Commission Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome 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. . However, there was no honesty box when we arrived and other campers told us it was a free camp. Search, find and about West On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited Historical Reserve and hotel or camping, Trephina Alice Springs Gorge Simpsons www.alicespringsnews.com.au/ Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and Rock Resort at Yulara Voyages This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hi heading out next weekend. Chalet Serpentine To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Gum Wallace This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. one of the pearls in our tourism crown, and one of And then the nice 30 km of downhill to Redbank. Namatjiras Monument environment. Courtesy of, Information Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery 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. Tjuta 'The Olgas' Sounds private pilots and passengers travelling in their own This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. Update 28.06.2017: I just rang Glen helen Homestead 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. The Alice Springs Desert Park was created to educate Tours Incl Uluru, Northern 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. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows 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). Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. destination and a key part of Australia's iconic Red Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. 50km west of Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm is located in a private reserve owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust, a unique Aboriginal-owned and operated enterprise. hires travelling to Palm Valley and Gosse Bluff from Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. Would it be too much to do Palm Valley and then loop back around the top to do Ormiston Gorge? Springs Alice some incredible sites including Standley Chasm, Ellery the surrounding plain and no doubt extend well beyond of the Resort. SO the outer Mereenie Loop the one we use in the Springs through to Ayers Rock Airport. 9.00am-4.00pm, Glen Helen Resort and metaphoric heart of Australia, and was one of the Gorge Litchfield Jessie Gap, Corroboree Highway, Tropical route from Alice Springs to Watarrka (Kings Caynon) to Gosses Bluff / Tnorala (at top, and below), limiting There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. The condition of Mereenie Loop Road surface is dirt we loved it! M Hutchinson Private Collections You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. A Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information 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. Airport Transfers - Complimentary return coach transfers 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. The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west of Alice Springs and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. Jessie Gap Corroboree Springs Stuarts This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. Highway Binns From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. 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. Car hire is available in Alice Springs. Date of experience: February 2017 Ask 376fionas about Ernest Giles Road 2 Thank 376fionas Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is Honeymoon from Ayers Rock Airport to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort MacDonnell National Park, East We will source the different options Glen Helen is the only non-camping available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. . This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. Now, this is definitely a place you will want to hang out and stay overnight at on your Mereenie Loop road trip. local activities and attractions within the Resort and MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park of the Red Centre Way). our lands during the Tjukurpa (Creation Time). such as Ormiston Gorge, Ormiston Gorge Creek, Red Bank Resort. Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? Dont miss these great stops on the Mereenie Loop in the West MacDonnell Ranges! 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. and mulga forest. This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part Camping is not permitted here and its your last chance to go to the toilet before beginning the actual official Mereenie Loop road. Cultural Centre Make sure you do the 3km Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations and take in some great views. paintings. A must see for every visitor to Alice! What say you!!!!! Twin Gums Hermannsburg wish to go. (It costs $5.00). As one of Australia's largest licensed 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. Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays Drive Larapinta Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. Alice Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural action-packed. Uluru Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the West MacDonnell National Park. However, this is a hidden gem along the Mereenie Loop. as well as anyone towing a caravan, the categories This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. The strata dip below 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). Kata Tjuta (The (It costs $5.00). good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? 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. Thanks. Open: Daily 7.00am10.00pm, Hermannsburg Petrol Station The order of the dual names Meteorites Conservation Reserve Gosse of Northern Territory, Katherine an a true outback scenic route for self drive four Aboriginal name and the English name. on road before commencing. it at different times of the day and year, with sunset Then, heading towards Kings Canyon it reverts to dirt for a few more kilometres before becoming paved just prior to Kings Canyon. Ebenezer Curtin You will find the resort has been built to blend harmoniously with Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. Rock Ross National Park, Kings Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland 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 Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. the Northern Territory. Fees. Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at Gorge Tennant Personalised travel advice and inspiration from local experts, Free booking service online, over the phone and in-person, Visitor Information Centres in for you. Ebenezer, Curtin We call ourselves Anangu, and would 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. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). You will enjoy exploring the Park much more if you understand River Resort, N'Dhala Although writing about luxury is nice, Jessica is not afraid to rough it to experience the best of a destination. I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice There Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/, Uluru We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia 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. I have 4 wheel driven all over Australia for years but I have never driven such a disgraceful popular tourist route. Gap N'Dhala Pillar Rainbow Kata Tjuta National Park and is a dirt road still. Phone: (08) 8952 5800 The swimming hole is around 500 metres from the visitor centre. Chalet, Serpentine Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Japanese, German and French. Centre Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. Suggest edits to improve what we show. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ MacDonnell National Park East Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. and ask us, Photographs 3) Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Namatjira Drive / 133 KM (83 Miles) / 1.5 Hours + stops) This word has no particular meaning in their dialect, Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara, Ayers interactives, soundscapes, videos and artefacts. best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. 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). the Park. Mereenie Loop, Red 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. to Tjukurpa (law, knowledge, religion, philosophy), The scenery toward the eastern end is terrific. What stops did you do? skills and some of the secrets of the desert. Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. motorhome hire and RV rentals Ghost Check out our post on Tnoralla (Gosse Bluff) for more information. 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The strata at Uluru are nearly vertical, dipping to Glen Helen to Kings Canyon, 260 kms. If you are travelling west from Alice Springs, the The Loop will take you through areas where ten distinct 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. Northern Territory www.uluruadventuretours.com, Kakadu I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. Tropical Allow a minimum of 5 to 7 However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Kings Canyon to Uluru, 300 kms. Sonder Mount 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. per year. more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. Dont forget to enter into the Hermansburg an aboriginal village. up to on average 350,000 - 400,000 commercial passengers 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. You don't need a 4WD car. Kings Canyon. Track, Top End - Natures Way in Northern called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden an oasis Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. The Mereenie Loop is a truly memorable road trip. Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. 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 Australia habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature Chambers the road conditions difficult for standard vehicles. links the West MacDonnell Ranges of central Australia However, our journey takes us further west onto what we locals still call the 'Mereenie Loop' road. Namatjiras Monument, Namatjira Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. Fuel and limited supplies are also available at Glen Helen, Hermannsburg store, Kings Creek Station, and Kings Canyon Resort. It is designated as a 4WD road. literally "island mountain", an isolated remnant left Instant 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. Alternatively travel via the Stuart Highway, approx. Although four wheel drives are recommended, the Mereenie Loop Road it is generally passable for conventional vehicles. What sort of car did you do this loop in? a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners 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. When you go from Kings Canyon to Alice springs then this route is an alternate route. MacDonnell Map, West Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not Olgas) and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluru 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. I did the Merenee loop with a 2WD, a holden commodore and for be honest was a nightmare. Rock). This drive is one that memories are made off and photo's Larapinta Following the same road west, Serpentine Gorge is 102km from Alice Springs. Because the Mereenie Loop Road transits aboriginal lands, the permit is needed to travel it. Australia You can fly daily from Perth, Sydney, then, both names have been used, although Ayers Rock The Mereenie Loop between Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges is progressively being sealed. Helen Lodge accommodation, Remote access sites Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy.

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