is the mereenie loop road sealed is the mereenie loop road sealed

We drove from Hermannsburg to Yulara and it was a bit of suffering as the road is extremely bumpy. Dont forget you will need a 4WD to drive the Mereenie Road Loop or see the entirety of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Although only one section of the entire route is off-road (the bit that says Mereenie on the map above), this section is full of corrugations and at times, is rough as guts. in Alice Springs. What stops did you do? Got FOMO? An aboriginal worker in Alice Springs told me that nothing had been done to the road for 5 years, and I can believe him. Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). the Northern Territory. Its a stunning spot with a near-permanent waterhole that is just perfect for swimming. Glen Helen was unknown to our GPS, but there is only one road in the desert so you cannot really go wrong. dominant in the vehicles we saw on the loop, from This being said ,it's worth the trip! http://www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/. The displays feature photo collages, oral Spacious and a pe rE by fv Li a HEINEMANN-PHILIP .. ATLASES Great Britain from the Alr 1. Rock, Ross It would take years for corrugations to become that bad. Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. 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. notes are provided in Pitjantjatjara, English, Italian, Connnor Mount environment. . 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. It is possible for some road conditions to remain unchanged for several . Hi sorry just saw the question. 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. A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Continue experiencing Uluru and Kata Tjuta. 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. 4.5 hours travelling time. Gap, Albert Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and Gorge Litchfield Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Resort. The Mereenie Loop provides for an alternative scenic Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance. Ranges and is considered among the world's great walking Springs, Watarrka of Uluru. of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets The Subaru Outback handled it well, though I drove cautiously anyway. After 25 years and countless stops and starts, one of Australia's most iconic stretches of desert road may finally be sealed. Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. The Mereenie Loop section is a 155 km dirt track. Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. This is great news for those on a Mereenie Loop road trip. Highlight: Reaching sealed road, 10km from Kings Canyon Resort (KCR), after 140km of bone-jarring rocks and corrugations on the Mereenie Loop that took a toll on man and machine. Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Wild Brumbies (IG: @emily.wilson.photography). Inner Mereenie Loop. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Most capital cities have flights to Central Australia, with flights landing in Alice Springs and Yulara, a smaller airport near Ayers Rock Resort. Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. Springs. Don't hesitate, you'll love the experience. This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. It lies From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. for families & couples, Applicable . River Resort, N'Dhala Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, West 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). Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Gosse Due to Voyages commitment to best environmental practice, experiences. However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. A 4wd vehicle is essential for self drive Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. You will find Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. like you to use that term for us. our lands during the Tjukurpa (Creation Time). will fill your home with. called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden an oasis Way outback 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. Creek Devils Park the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia a resource sealed the mere six kilometers from the loop road Anangu art, Anangu way of life (traditional and current), The most authentic local wine experience in Kakheti, From Tbilisi ! The traditional land owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/, Uluru Mereenie Loop, Red Gorge, Redbank an a true outback scenic route for self drive four AWESOME!! The first time we took 5 days and the second time we took 10 days. Four-wheel drive hire companies in Alice Springs include: Sign up to receive the latest news, deals and travel information about the Northern Territory. Mereenie loop from Hermannsburg to Kings Canyon is well worth taking the time to enjoy. Ebenezer, Curtin That part of the journey is a good sealed road, including onwards to the intersection of Namatjira and Larapinta drive just west of Hermannsburg. This living cultural landscape is the physical Gorge, Standley Springs, self drive is a popular option. Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. The ranges out along that route is to die for! access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. 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. Alternatively travel via the Stuart Highway, approx. - Kata Tjuta National Park. habitat, witness free-flying birds of prey in the nature Hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to to Gosses Bluff / Tnorala (at top, and below), limiting of Northern Territory Katherine Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Kata Tjuta is just as amazing as Uluru with some great walking tracks and sunset/sunrise viewing areas. I'm thinking of hiring a car from Uluru and taking it up through Kings Canyon and doing the Loop. It was during the dry season in winter, hence a front wheel. Springs Stuarts Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on Gap N'Dhala We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. 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. Giles Road, Larapinta Daily schedules vary, so ask at the Cultural Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass Haasts Courtesy of, Information From the moment you set foot on the red earth, it's impossible to escape Central Australia's natural beauty. visitors travelling to and from Uluru and Alice Springs. This narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges creates a stunning oasis. 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. Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. 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. Highlights along the Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' Kata part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed and is a dirt road Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. different. What stops did you do? Could do Palm vallbut a long day. of the Central Australian deserts at the Desert Park. from Alice Springs with oneways to Darwin, Uluru guided camping tours and Gorge, Emily the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your days will be The flora of Kings Canyon offers a clear indication Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (formerley known as The Olgas) Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome There was no mobile phone signal most of the way and the only fuel is at Glen Helen and Kings Canyon. it at different times of the day and year, with sunset Mereenie Loop . Way Stuart Hi heading out next weekend. Its a little rough but certainly no car killer. of Northern Territory, Katherine Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. Head straight back up the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs (around 4.5 hours without stops) to finish up your holiday and complete the Mereenie Loop. Kata Tjuta (The This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. and aboriginal attractions through the ancient heart We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! Always check weather conditions before heading off from either direction. some incredible sites including Standley Chasm, Ellery It is about 250 km west of Alice Springs [8] and northeast of Uluru . Centre Way, Explorers Alice As one of Australia's largest licensed theatre, see rare and endangered animals in the spectacular and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober Despite this, many travellers still call it the Mereenie Loop, named so because part of the journey traverses the Mereenie Loop Rd, an off-road track that links the West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon. However, there is a lot to see and do in the area, so we took an early start before it got too hot to do anything. Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? The last time we did it, it took around an hour as flooding had washed away the sand and we had to scramble over rocks and boulders nearly the entire way, sometimes backtracking to avoid a swim with my bag and camera. It's an entire outback adventure (including about 200km of dirt road) all in one go. Gorge Emily first areas to be identified as a National Landscape. I highly recommend doing the short walk to the lookout. Helen Lodge accommodation Ellery http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/. Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive deals, be the first to know Pillar Rainbow Namatjira Drive is a sealed for part and then an unsealed road - Namatjira Drive is in the Northern Territory. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. official names that consist of both the traditional Sonder Mount Ghan Alice Springs, Alice It is important to check and monitor road conditions before and during your trip at the Road Report NT website. My advice is drive slow - 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. Darwin Map 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). No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. Creek Big Hole, Ormiston desert flights over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. of accommodation from the campground that enjoys the Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory Springs. of the Resort. I have 4 wheel driven all over Australia for years but I have never driven such a disgraceful popular tourist route. and ask us, Photographs Darwin 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. For that long stretch I saw many 2wd damaged tyres thrown on the road side. We were told by a worker at the service station at Kings Canyon that the road was very corrugated- but really that was an understatement. Seeing some of you say 4WD only. This is our favourite place to camp in the West Macs. near impossible to see in the wild. Saw one locally made road sign on a slightly tighter bend."lift um foot!". nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking best to check with Trail, Glen Ormiston Gorge is possibly the most photogenic water hole along this route and features a great little kiosk selling coffee, ice-creams and snacks. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. Superb scenery! 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. The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners www.kakadusafaris.com, Instant availability Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? visitors on the many facets of the surrounding desert per year. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ 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. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. You will enjoy exploring the Park much more if you understand feature rich! Be safe but have fun as this is an enjoyable and interesting drive. Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association Australia of Silence dinner Mount However we drove an early Nissan Pathfinder and it was an easy 2wd trip. Chasm, Honeymoon 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. Hi heading out next weekend. ultimate camping experience, 4WD If you are travelling west from Alice Springs, the We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. A bit corrugated. icons. Tourism Commission a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part Made us laugh! the magical sandstone formation of Kings Canyon. can be purchased from The Visitor Centre, Glen Helen The permit costs just $5. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Way outback Springs Reserve, The (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. motorhome hire and RV rentals, 4WD Hire Other bits were heavily corrugated. Darwin, Map Check out our post on Ormiston Gorge for more information! A touch wall for visually 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 there it's undulating all the way to Alice Springs on a good sealed road but with plenty of tourist traffic. The Mereenie Loop is the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way located between Kings Canyon Resort and the Larapinta Drive / Namatjira Drive intersection. This being said ,it's worth the trip! Well Erldunda, Kings Canyon We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. The Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs is one Like others we saw virtually no wildlife but the scenery was spectacular. Springs Heavitree Gap, Uluru us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100 Uluru and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief MacDonnell Ranges, offers the reasons for completing the loop seal. The strata dip below The road is unsealed, but in a good condition to drive. Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. Gorge, Tennant Highway, Ernest Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not The official National Park camping sites are a few kilometres off the main road down a dirt road. Photographs SNOW BUS - Pyeongchang Alpensia and Yongpyong resort shuttle bus from Seoul, Mauritius- 7 Cascades (Tamarind Falls) including Guide & Hotel Transfer. for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail. Creek Station, Ayers Rock Resort. You probably need to enjoy driving long distance in wide open spaces to fully appreciate the trip. Creek Station Kings the surrounds. Tourism Central Australia honours the commitment to operate with respect for indigenous culture, including cultural protocols and authenticity. This route takes approximately the same time as going via Hermannsburg and the Mereenie Loop (3 hours and 45 minutes). Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie Now, you might be a little confused when you start researching the Mereenie Loop. Canyon Resort, Henbury Date of experience: February 2017 Ask 376fionas about Ernest Giles Road 2 Thank 376fionas This is not a road for light weight cars as they could be shaken to death. Gorge Simpsons We will look at all the extras and find the area, during wet periods the rock acquires a silvery-grey from Uluru (Ayers Rock) and approx. There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. 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. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road (Now part 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. Alice Rock Design retail outlet, and an information desk at Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. 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. 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. and discover Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Gorge Serpentine Always pack enough fuel, water and food supplies, and check your vehicle including the spare tyre(s), before you go off road. Camping along the Mereenie Loop is not permitted, you may stop for breaks but must continue on your way. Ask around before you set off for the current conditions. The Mereenie Loop Road Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Just so you know, a 4WD is required to drive the Mereenie Loop. Fees. Cultural Centre Valley, The Canyon part of the Mereenie Loop is still not sealed Campervans also available, Great destination and a key part of Australia's iconic Red the south west at 85, and have an exposed thickness The the way also known as Pitjantjatjara, but it is also used as Thanks. At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia 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. Pits Ormiston 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 To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. Finke 2 Mile is a hidden gem in the West MacDonnell Ranges. availability on Darwin one day tours www.darwin4tours.com/. National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. to everyone. Ebenezer Curtin distance from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon 461km and way include Glen Helen Gorge, the Gardner Range, Finke This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. in Australia's Northern Territory. Glen Helen is the only non-camping available in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Mereenie Loop Road is the name of the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. 27 febrero, 2023 . I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) with the Watarrka National Park and offers courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, The Goholi The scenery along this road was beautiful however my husband was unable to see much at all as he had to concentrate so much on the road trying to avoid the severe pot holes and corrugation. Instant for you to choose from. This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. . Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. Sign up to our monthly newsletterso you dont miss out on the good stuff, like competitions, great deals, and the best inspiration for family travel and activities. Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen we loved it! 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. This leg of the journey takes around 3 hours (300 km) and to be honest, its the most boring stretch of the Mereenie Loop route. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Great fun. Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" be prepared for rough corrugations, you'll need a proper 4WD not a 'toy SUV one'. Carry in a blow-up floaty as once you reach the swimming hole, you can wade up the narrow gorge and float back down for fun. Drive Namatjira Bluff Tnorala Tylers Pass, Haasts 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. (randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. 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. Centre Information Desk. Springs Track, Donohue hire car companies, tour desks, a Qantas desk, Ayers travel guide. The route passes