Kings Canyon to Alice via Mereenie Loop

by Neil
(Victoria)

Hello, just thought I'd share our trip report on the Mereenie Loop Road from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs for other travellers.

Firstly there are conflicting reports on whether you need a permit or not... We opted to buy a permit ($5.50) from Kings Canyon Resort Caltex Station.

The road itself, don't be fooled. It is harsh, very rough and corrugated. A reasonable level of driver skill is required. 4x4 experience would be very helpful. The road surface shifts from hard rocky surface to smooth sand, then corrugated sand or rocks. Some areas of bulldust.

My advise, keep a reasonable speed, not too slow, not too fast. Tyre pressure down to 26-28 psi (very important to avoid punctures) as it assists traction and makes the ride a little better. For all of you that attempt it in a hire vehicle. Check the spare tyre is ok. Otherwise, enjoy the spectacular scenery. It is some of the most diverse in the world.

My tip... don't stay at the Glen Helen resort... far from a resort. The toilets were dirty, no paper, staff not so friendly. Drive a few more km's down the road and stay at Ormiston Gorge or even better Ellery Creek Big Hole camp grounds. Much cheaper (natioanl park fees) and a better natural view with basic but adequate facilities.

Enjoy the NT!!

Comments for
Kings Canyon to Alice via Mereenie Loop

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Kings Canyon, Alice and Mereenie Loop
by: Birgit

Ditto on Ormiston Gorge or Ellery Creek Big Hole being preferable :-).

Thanks a lot for sharing your trip report with my readers, Neil!

merrenie loop road
by: Anonymous

How much takes you to travel from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon? Is it more than 6 hours?

Thanks on advance and thank you to share all that information.

Alice Springs - Kings Canyon
by: Birgit

Depends on the route, the car, and the driver :-).
Please see the Kings Canyon page.

I quote:
The distance is 474 km along the Stuart Highway, Lasseter Highway and Luritja Road, all fully sealed.

If you have a 4WD you can access Watarrka National Park via the Mereenie Loop Road. (...) The distance from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs going that way is 357 km.

Six hours should do it.

many thanks
by: Anonymous

The driver is a standard 4wd driver one ;-).
Thanks a lot indeed, your comment was so useful. I'll write in here my experience once I finished it. Thanks again, we will try to do the Mereenie Loop Road from Alice to King's Canyon in six hours in our 4wd. We have like eight hours to get to King's Canyon but we would like to stop a little in some places

Thanks mate!