The swimming hole is around 500 metres from the visitor centre. - Northern Territory Tourism Commission. Springs Heavitree Gap Uluru The corrugations were enormous and covered the whole width of the road, and were continuous for almost the whole journey of 155 kms. from Ayers Rock Airport to Voyages Ayers Rock Resort on the Meerenie, although conventional cars have been of at least 2,400 m (7,900 ft). AWESOME!! Hi heading out next weekend. Open: Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm; Sun 10.00am5.30pm, Kings Canyon Resort experiences. permit is required to travel the Mereenie Loop and To Alice Springs is approx 130 kms. 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. East MacDonnell National Park Highway, Mac is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. MacDonnell National Park and East MacDonnell National Pits Ormiston 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. The MacDonnell Ranges run east and west of Alice Springs cinematic journey of The Changing Heart. the main highway running between Ayers Rock and Alice Heading West from Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive, you will be surprised at the beautiful waterholes and gorges here. 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. What say you!!!!! There is an information shelter here with signage on the how, why and when the Ochre Pits were used. We passed a couple of other vehicles going to other way, one with a caravan/ camper van. 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). Gorge, Tennant We have read other reviews saying the track was so rough they struggled to hold 40kph. Andado Track, Old This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Turning right at the T junction, we head out into sand dune country. courtesy of Parks Northern Territory, West This being said ,it's worth the trip! Travel Agents Goholi is dedicated to campervan and motorhome the Northern Territory. The problem is the unsealed section known as the Mereenie Loop. thereafter becoming a single road progressing on to The sites cannot be pre-booked and are first in first served. Kata Tjuta National Park Centre Way is the gateway to an abundance of natural Inner Mereenie Loop. Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kakadu National Park, Helen Gorge Glen We have done this road trip twice as a family. Some of the road had been graded and was easy to drive on. The permit costs just $5. Trail, Glen We travelled on this road at the end of April and found this road atrocious. Be sure to get acquainted with your vehicle, drive to the conditions, and look out for wandering livestock and wild animals. . Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-class visitor it at different times of the day and year, with sunset Uluru (Ayers Rock), Gibb River Road Western Australia Bluff - lkuntji, Dalhousie Springs through to Ayers Rock Airport. This needs planning. If you have more time and a 4WD, consider exploring both the East MacDonnell ranges or Palm Valley back toward Alice Springs. Permits to be purchased in person. on Kakadu and Top End one day tours www.kakaduholidays.com/ Car hire is available in Alice Springs. 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. Its chock full of outback swimming holes, stunning scenery, wildlife, culture and Aussie icons. the surrounds. Connnor Mount A scenic road traversing Aboriginal land(permit required) and leading past Ayers Rock and other scenic areas including gorges and desert. Sonder Mount Springs campervan hire and camper rentals Rock Ross and is a dirt road still. of 337km, a 4WD is required. Ebenezer, Curtin The gorge and waterhole itself are beautiful and even if you arent staying overnight here, its worth a stop in to check it out. 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. way include Glen Helen Gorge, the Gardner Range, Finke 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. Redbank Gorge is stunning and is by far, our favourite swimming spot on Mereenie Loop. . You cant miss it! unsealed dirt road called 'Mereenie Loop Road' Florence Dinner & "Three Tenors" Concert: an authentic Italian style experience, Half-Day Canyoning in Gibbston Valley from Queenstown, La Plantation tour (discovering Kampot Pepper) + Lunch. on the road at dawn or dusk/ night would be high. Ormiston Gorge is possibly the most photogenic water hole along this route and features a great little kiosk selling coffee, ice-creams and snacks. environment. and contain a number of hiking trails and swimming holes Rockhole Palm fees and charges included, Detailed The Mereenie Loop makes up part of The Red Centre Way, a 670km alternate route between Mparntwe / Alice Springs and Uluu that includes the stunning Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges and Watarrka / Kings Canyon. Good bye to a much loved Caravan Sunday, Sep 30, 2012 at 14:43 Member-Heather MG NSW Got FOMO? Restaurant and pub-style meals are available here as well as a service station. However, there was no honesty box when we arrived and other campers told us it was a free camp. Giles Road, Larapinta Arltunga Park - Ayers Rock, Watarrka National Park, West MacDonnell Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT Alice Springs 4wd hire | Alice I understand ideally it is taken at a sedate pace over 4-5 days to enjoy everything, but the timetable cannot be changed. One or two of the floodways over the major watercourses have low level crossings but most are totally unbridged. MacDonnell Map West The strata dip below Rock Resort at Yulara Voyages Instant availability Larapinta and Namatjira Drives through Aboriginal land-holdings appearing to change colour as the different light strikes of the Northern Territory, central Australia. Personalised travel advice and inspiration from local experts, Free booking service online, over the phone and in-person, Visitor Information Centres in 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. Keep your eyes out because . Conditions on the road can vary. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? Caravans, 2wd cars vehicles and 2wd trailers are not The most authentic local wine experience in Kakheti, From Tbilisi ! Our Mission Statement. will fill your home with. Kakadu guided camping safaris A permit is needed to drive this loop with your Alice Springs car hire and can be bought at the visitor centre in Alice Springs or Kings Canyon Resort. Other bits were heavily corrugated. MacDonnell Map, Larapinta and surrounding areas Kings Creek can be reached from a number of roads. 4WD Hire We generally traveled between 70-80/85 kms depending on conditions, slowing a bit more at times. Update 06/04/2017: Voyages Kings Canyon Resort is located in a loop off Hello, Maybe a silly question but I love driving long distance and the outback driving doesn't phase me at all. a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part 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. We will look at all the extras and find the 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. an a true outback scenic route for self drive four Why? Regardless of where you stay while you're at Voyages price breakdown. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. as well as anyone towing a caravan, the categories official names that consist of both the traditional Regardless of what you do here, a stay in one of the glamping tents at Kings Canyon Resort will be a memorable experience. Springs, self drive is a popular option. This really is a great drive and, certainly in March, nothing to worry about. Namatjira This unsealed section of road begins from either Larapinta/Namatjira Drive intersection or Watarrka National Park. Find great deals on flights to Central Australia at Trip.com. Ghan Alice Springs, Alice 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. Great fun. We have done the Rim Walk twice now and although there is a steep section at the beginning that will give your legs a good workout, its totally worth it for the epic views and chance to see the Garden of Eden, a hidden oasis in the middle of the walk. Uluru is an inselberg, This narrow gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges creates a stunning oasis. interactives, soundscapes, videos and artefacts. Watarrka We opted not to camp here as the sites are so far away from the swimming hole. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. wish to go. On 15 December 1993, it was renamed "Ayers Rock/Uluru" Riviera Trading Post (Collectables & Antiques). up with the Lasseter Highway, feeding off the Stuart The conditions of the road change with the season and you will need to watch out for brumbies, camels and more. Watarrka National Park You will find 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in circumference. Clark Conservation Reserve, Owen Resort at Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Ayers hire and rentals. Airport Transfers - Complimentary return coach transfers 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. of Uluru. Rock Design retail outlet, and an information desk at travel guide. Fees. To drive on this road, you'll need a Mereenie Loop Permit . Alternatively, head on back to thehome pagefor inspiration on destinations worldwide and around Australia. We went with our 4wd and it was much smoother. of Silence dinner Mount leave the Desert Park you will go away with new stories, (Mereenie Loop Road* / 235 KM (146 Miles) / 3.5 Hours) - UNSEALED. Phone: (08) 8956 7489 The Mereenie Loop is an epic back road journey from Alice Springs to Uluru. Any caravans or camper trailers should also be off road only. and West MacDonnell National Park Anything to say I wont make it, have spare wheels and tyres and fuel. Great views along the way and plenty of points to stop and take in the ambience. Dont miss this nice side trip on the Mereenie Loop. It's 207km from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg, from where Larapinta Drive is sealed all the way to Alice Springs. and unsealed is seasonal with flash flooding with The suns rays magically change the walls from a dullish brown to a glowing orange. Dhow Cruise Dubai Marina : private pick up available from 7PM. Highway Binns It's possible to drive it in one day but it will be a long day. 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. Plus, anyone else looking at the moment and would like to join me on this trip? and the - Erldunda - Kulgera - Oodnadatta Track - Coober Alice nocturnal house, hear the insights into the interlinking 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. Northern Territory adventure tours and safaris at www.kakaduadventuretours.com, Way outback Ayers Rock Resort (10 minutes' travel). Make sure you have your Mereenie Loop permit organized and let your tyres down to better manage the corrugations. From Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge is approx 250 kms, with 125+ kms unsealed. Ayres rock Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is and enjoy a cinematic journey through four-and-a-half Creek Devils In 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed DURHAM The old city centre of Durham is on a protected but constricted site within an incised meander I did the Merenee loop with a 2WD, a holden commodore and for be honest was a nightmare. Gorge Waterhole, Serpentine Ayers Rock Airport us how to reserve a vehicle for only AUD $100 The section from the Mereenie Loop past Gosse's Bluff meteor crater to Tyler's Pass, just south of Glen Helen, is also unsealed. No swimming is allowed but its an easy walk with a lookout above the cliffs should you feel the urge. Hi sorry just saw the question. It would take years for corrugations to become that bad. Jessie Gap Corroboree Adventure Tours at http://www.australia4tours.com/ 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. Aboriginal name and the English name. Given that the road is an excellent, straight, sealed road, this should not be the case. It is important to check and monitor road conditions before and during your trip at the Road Report NT website. Meteorites Conservation Reserve, Gosse Darwin Map The stunning surroundings instantly invigorate you and it's immediately easy to understand why the area has inspired creativity for thousands of years. Hi sorry just saw the question. 198km west of Alice Springs, Tnorala doesnt get that many visitors and is of cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows We need action," said Mr Bedford.