A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information, East MacDonnell National Park
Tourism Commission
Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice
I drive plenty of off road in my Ute just dont go on the beach and in mud. What sort of car did you do this loop in? I say sort of because I have not included time frames, allowing you to decide when and where to stop. This would not be a road to travel on at night or in the wet. Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is
This is one of those trips that don't want to be rushing. paintings. There are two campgrounds here, the Woodland and the Ridgetop, and both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. Jessie Gap Corroboree
Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru
Bluff - lkuntji, Alice Springs camper hire and
Centre Way Explorers
Highway at Erldunda and on to Uluru. Springs Reserve, The
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. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/
This word has no particular meaning in their dialect,
Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. National Park camping fees apply via an honesty box. We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. Jessie Gap, Corroboree
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. 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. East
Kata Tjuta (The
Is it actually 4wd only for the road loop? The return transfer to
dominant in the vehicles we saw on the loop, from
Also the unsealed portion is between Kings Canyon to Tnorala Pass, which is approx 125+ kms. Campground, you can experience the beauty of the living
National Park Natures
Wild Brumbies (IG: @emily.wilson.photography). The Mereenie Loop Road brings you right to the doorstep
- Kata Tjuta National Park. The sites are first-in-first-served and cannot be pre-booked. Gorge Litchfield
It's also a popular stopping off point for
The strata dip below
always been here. Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com, Way outback
heartland of the Top End of Darwin we can advise you
(welcome greeting in Pitjantjatjara). Note: The 4WD Dirt Offroad Tracks and Unsealed Roads
The Mereenie Loop Road
Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport' Kata
services both fixed and rotary winged aircraft and receives
Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT
Helen Lodge accommodation, Remote access sites
Ayers Rock Ayers
Could do Palm vallbut a long day. . National Park, Alice
Closer to Kings Canyon the road suddenly becomes paved for a short way as it it winds up to a ridge and lookout called Gintys Lookout. 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. I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit) Information
348 m (1,142 ft) high (863 m/2,831 ft above sea level)
I'm not sure aboutpalm creek, I havent seen any and frankly do not recommend it ;rough road ,dusty if dry and muddy if rainy, not much passage if help needed. Gorge Tennant
Open: Daily 7.00am10.00pm, Hermannsburg Petrol Station
for you. 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. 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. It lies
Gorge Nature Reserve, Chambers
It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. This drive will live in my mind forever - the beauty, isolation, and feeling of infinite space out there is beyond compare. Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell
Are there any sections of the Mereenie Loop that are high up? Rock, Ross
Photographs
Mereenie Loop, Red
are bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural
We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. Valley, Other Highways, Scenic Routes,
and metaphoric heart of Australia, and was one of the
Phone: (08) 8952 5800
Ghan Alice Springs, Alice
was the most common name used by outsiders until recently. Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not
Read our post on Kings Canyon for more information on the walks. 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. Canyon Kings
Way outback
and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober
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). Definitely have driven worst roads with this Commodore. There is an information shelter here with signage on the how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. Search, find and about West
Cars should be four-wheel drive, or off road permitted all-wheel drives. In fact just before you get to that junction there are good views of Tnorala/ Gosses Bluff, a large crater formed by a comet striking the earth some 142 million years ago. Personalised travel advice and inspiration from local experts, Free booking service online, over the phone and in-person, Visitor Information Centres in
Creek Big Hole Ochre
Gorge Nature Reserve Gemtree
Alice Springs to Glen Helen, 130 kms. Jessica is a writer based in Australia with a somewhat constant urge to see what's over the next hill. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. The cost is $5.00. of Uluru. thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to
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. Other infrastructure commitments include $132 million to seal the Mereenie Loop tourist drive, which connects Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com
We did 90kph on there, only slowing down for the worst of the corrugated corners. 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). wheel drive rentals and 4wd camper hire from Alice
It is billed as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, although very few tourists actually tackle it. 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. From there it's about another 150kms of dirt road to Kings Canyon. Highway, Mac
Thanks. action-packed. 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. Park, are direct descendants of the beings who created
We saw some wild horses (brumbies) and had hoped to see camels but not to be on this trip. Park the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia a resource
The displays feature photo collages, oral
Springs Alice
We saw two mobs of wild camels, there and on the Ernest Giles Road! Pukulngalya yanama, Ananguku Ngurakutu (welcome
The Mereenie Loop Rd links some of Central Australia's most exciting attractions - Uluru & Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon (Watarrka) and the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja). - offering understated comfort rather unexpected in
This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. Kakadu guided camping safaris
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. 4 hours from Alice
Creek, Devils
Travelling from Alice Springs you have 3 options. If it rained recently the road may be closed. 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. It is a. red sand dunes and interesting rock formations such
icons. 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 Airport Fly direct to the heart of
It is the perfect oasis from which to explore the
Australian icons areas all in one trip being Alice Springs,
Watarrka National Park
Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu National Park,
Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Creek Station, Kings
experiences. Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. Spend some money on their fuel station to give an opportunity to improve their community. Way Stuart
Pedalling around Uluru on pushbikes is a great option for families. 4.5 hours travelling time. Alice Springs. Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia
Closer to Kings Canyon the road suddenly becomes paved for a short way as it it winds up to a ridge and lookout called Gintys Lookout. Springs Track, Donohue
Unfortunately, I will only have 1 full day to make it back through that road. Before you take this 4WD route, you need to be prepared. Voyages Kings Canyon Resort is located in a loop off
For more information on visiting Central Australia with kids, jump over to our Central Australiapage. And then the nice 30 km of downhill to Redbank. If exploring the East MacDonnell ranges, check out Hale River Homestead and Ross River Homestead. (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. as well as anyone towing a caravan, the categories
Nowhere else on the Mereenie Loop can you experience this! Spotlight on the Best Family Holiday Destinations & Activities. The Mereenie Loop is the unsealed section of the Red Centre Way located between Kings Canyon Resort and the Larapinta Drive / Namatjira Drive intersection. Ebenezer, Curtin
(randomly and late notice, I know, but will be in Uluru Thurs 26/09-28/09, and hope to journey north after that. From there Luritja Road runs down to join
The 223 km long Larapinta Trail follows the West MacDonnell
Allow a minimum of 5 to 7
Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory
and surrounding areas
to Uluru and return or oneway to Darwin via
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. Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory
Gorge Simpsons
AWESOME!! Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure? The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. It is important to check and monitor road conditions before and during your trip at the Road Report NT website. Do this at Alice Springs, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon and Uluru in case you miss out. Open: MonFri 8.00am-5.00pm; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays
Ask around before you set off for the current conditions. . For those camping, there is national park-style camping at the waterholes (see below). A bit corrugated. Alternatively, you can book accommodation in Alice Springs and easily day-trip out to the West Macs. access sometimes limited due to weather and traffic. Prefer a 4X4. A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Ebenezer Curtin
Dont miss these great stops on the Mereenie Loop in the West MacDonnell Ranges! your adventure OFF-ROAD! Update 06/04/2017:
The Mereenie Loop provides for an alternative scenic
Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara
Make sure you do the 3km Dolomite walk to see the surrounding formations and take in some great views. feature rich! There
days for this journey through red desert sands, spinifex
The servo has a well-stocked shop with food supplies and tourist knick-knacks. 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. Campervans also available, Great
Uluru
Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at
I passed through Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and with 2WD, it was total nightmare. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor
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. Gorge Waterhole Roma
the way
You also need a permit to travel, as this road crosses Aboriginal land. The drive from Alice Springs to Glen Helen is only 130km and the road is paved. Their glamping tents are divine, but the campgrounds are well-serviced if youre on a camping road trip. As one of Australia's largest licensed
Thanks. Track, Alice
Namatjiras Monument
The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. . . more, #124 of 386 things to do in Northern Territory. Rockhole, Arltunga
and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. Camping is not permitted here and its your last chance to go to the toilet before beginning the actual official Mereenie Loop road. Rock Airport 'Connellan Airport', Kata
I am not sure they will let you pass (you have to request a permit)
The nightly rate for a family was $25 at the time of writing. Creek Devils
Take
The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. also known as Pitjantjatjara, but it is also used as
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. with Hermannsburg, also Palm Valley and Glen Helen
red. Springs. world of plants, animals and people from our local guides
Wind the windows down, put Midnight Oil on and drive :). 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. visitors on the many facets of the surrounding desert
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. and West MacDonnell National Park in Central Australia
4WD Hire
Meteorites Conservation Reserve Gosse
be prepared for rough corrugations, you'll need a proper 4WD not a 'toy SUV one'. is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. 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. Centre. 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). Finke 2 Mile is a hidden gem in the West MacDonnell Ranges. There are several car-hire companies that hire four-wheel drives in Central Australia. Creek Station Kings
Like the beautiful swimming holes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. in Australia's Northern Territory. of accommodation from the campground that enjoys the
I have 4 wheel driven all over Australia for years but I have never driven such a disgraceful popular tourist route. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. What stops did you do? of the current situations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National
destination and a key part of Australia's iconic Red
Other areas upgrades have been made appartently. As a result, there are plenty of great bird-watching opportunities. . The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west of Alice Springs
It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. distance from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon 461km and
Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site. 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. Hi heading out next weekend. courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, The Goholi
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. Alice Springs; 450 km (280 mi) by road. impaired people ensures that the messages are accessible
MacDonnell National Park East
Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. Larapinta
Helen Lodge accommodation, Ellery
www.alicespringsnews.com.au/
We were travelling late afternoon and I wanted to get to Kings Canyon before dark so did not stop. Trail Glen
Open: Daily 6.30am9.30pm, Welcome to Aboriginal land
sealed the mere six kilometers from the loop road
I recommend staying at least two nights, giving you a full day to do the Rim Walk and enjoy the resort pool and sunset viewing area. Gum Wallace
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in the West MacDonnell National Park. of an entirely different kind at the foot of the Canyon. Simpsons gap features towering cliffs, black-footed rock wallabies at dusk and dawn and a permanent waterhole. of Northern Territory Katherine
MacDonnell Map West
of the Northern Territory, central Australia. the road conditions difficult for standard vehicles. The Alice Springs Desert Park was created to educate
Ayers Rock Resort in the obvious choice at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park, with a range of accommodations from camping to hotel rooms. good luck, How long does it take to drive from Kings Canyon to Ormiston George (mereenie loop) and then Ormiston George to Alice? of Silence dinner Mount
(It costs $5.00). 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Tropical
MacDonnell Map, West MacDonnell National Park
There is no better way to explore Central Australia
Not only is the Mereenie Loop a little rough, but you also need a permit to drive it. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert
Japanese, German and French. We have done this road trip twice as a family. The Mereenie Loop Road is an unsealed road and four wheel drive is recommended, but you usually don't need it. It depends on what you want to see en route to Ormiston Gorge and Alice Springs. Gorge, Mount Connor and Palm Valley. Thanks. Kakadu and Litchfield adventure tours and safaris at
National Park, Alice Springs and Uluru and on
Ayers Rock Resort Airport collects you from your hotel
We all enjoyed the long trip better as we had time to linger in all the good spots. This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. known to survive the trip. Arltunga
Suggest edits to improve what we show. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows
At times it was hard enough to pick pot holes, more so if visibility was poor, and the risk of animals ( big ones!) 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town,
Ayers Rock, Ayers
Good bye to a much loved Caravan Sunday, Sep 30, 2012 at 14:43 Member-Heather MG NSW Springs, self drive is a popular option. leave the Desert Park you will go away with new stories,
A bit corrugated. Canyon Resort, Henbury
Today, due to erosion over millions of years, the land surface is about 5km in diameter and 2km lower than the original impact. It is designated as a 4WD road. Rockhole Palm
called the Lost City and the Garden of Eden an oasis
Courtesy of, Information
a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part
Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information
http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/. of the Australian outback. 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. Pits Ormiston
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. Valley, Albert
For the ultimate in luxury at Uluru, stay at Longitude 131. Chasm
When you visit Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, you
You can drive into it with a good 4WD but we did not. On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse visited
MacDonnell Ranges, West
National Park, Kings
Resort. to travel on the Loop. wonders of Kings Canyon including the amazing rock formation
from Alice Springs on to Glen Helen or Hermannsburg,
Chambers
Highway, Plenty
as Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley. You can obtain them from the
Find a self drive 4wd hire, camper,
Ayers Rock adventure tours and safaris at www.ulurusafaris.com
Pillar Rainbow
like you to use that term for us. Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Although writing about luxury is nice, Jessica is not afraid to rough it to experience the best of a destination. on road before commencing. There is a cafe on-site as well as picnic tables, BBQs, campsites and toilets. Content Alice Springs News: The government has not
Check out our post on Ellery Creek Big Hole for more information! approximately 2 hours prior to flight departure please
Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. Once you see the sign and drive in, it is 4WD only over both soft sand and corrugation. 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. Kings Canyon Resort is a great choice for visiting Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park. Superb scenery! Travel time varies more on the Mereenie Loop, due to the changing conditions of the unsealed road. us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100
Ensure you book a vehicle that is permitted on unsealed roads and covered by insurance.
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