Kings Canyon to Glen Helen via Mereenie Loop

you should have no trouble. its a good gravel road

fred

Check with locals before you go. It can get VERY corrugated due to high volumes of traffic.
John

It's a good dirt road, but, like all dirt roads it depends on the length of time since the last lick with the grader.
Well worth the effort as you will see heaps of wildlife if you leave Kings Canyon early in the morning.
Keep an eye out for the local road signs on old 44 gallon drums, they add some fun to the trip
Vince

Last time I drove it, the surface was like a dirt highway - later, others were getting bogged and it was closed - all depends on conditions - just ask for local advice before making the decision - its nice country to tour through.

As you will have to buy a Loop Road Pass at Kings Canyon anyway, you might as well ask there about the conditions. Can be great, can be bad, depending on recent weather and usage. I have seen a regular sedan on it before, so I guess everything is possible...

Enjoy the trip!

CruiserHead

Como
it was in good nick a week ago. Passed several conventional vehicles coming the other way. You'll have no problems at all.

Friends of mine travelled it recently in a VK Commodore with a heavy trailer and had no worries. He is an old farmer though, she'll be right mate. Rain could make it very different though.

Como,

We tackled this road about 6 days ago. Road conditions were very good in my opinion and we passed a number of conventional passenger cars, so I have no hesitation with the Forester. You'll need a permit which you can get from Kings Canyon for $2.20 on the day of travel.

Part way through (on a small section of bitumen, which we thought was strange) is a turn-off to Gosse Bluff. We had lunch there and thought it a good stop for a break on the way through to Ormiston Gorge which is a highly recommended stop. The track to Gosse Bluff is ~ 6km in and says 4WD only. A little rough but again OK for the Forester.

Happy travels.

Hugh

Michelle & David,

Thanks for your great site.
With one short post, not only was my question answered, but my confidence in tackling the "loop" has been considerably raised.

Through you, may I thank all of the contributors who responded to my call. The response was quite unexpected and very encourageing.

Best regards,

Como