Kings Canyon to Glen Helen via Mereenie Loop
Submitted: Thursday, Jul 22, 2004 at 20:48
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como
Hi All,
The wife & I are driving to The Centre in mid August and would like to take the
Mereenie Loop road from
Kings Canyon to
Glen Helen.
Although road conditions information from the NT Govt. site recommends 4wd's, I would appreciate any
feedback on whether our vehicle, a Subaru Forester AWD, would be able to negotiate it.
Or should we go the long way around?
Alternatively, are there any sites that may be able to provide more information?
Thanks in advance,
como
Reply By: fred a - Thursday, Jul 22, 2004 at 21:27
Thursday, Jul 22, 2004 at 21:27
you should have no trouble. its a good gravel road
fred
AnswerID:
69129
Reply By: MrBitchi - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:02
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:02
Check with locals before you go. It can get VERY corrugated due to high volumes of traffic.
John
AnswerID:
69169
Reply By: Vince NSW - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:07
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:07
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
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Reply By: The Banjo - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:25
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 08:25
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.
AnswerID:
69175
Reply By: CruiserHead - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 10:46
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 10:46
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
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69220
Reply By: Member - Bob - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 11:49
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 11:49
Como
it was in good nick a week ago. Passed several conventional vehicles coming the other way. You'll have no problems at all.
AnswerID:
69230
Reply By: Garbutt - Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 17:10
Friday, Jul 23, 2004 at 17:10
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.
AnswerID:
69271
Reply By: Member - Hugh (WA) - Tuesday, Jul 27, 2004 at 15:51
Tuesday, Jul 27, 2004 at 15:51
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
AnswerID:
69894
Reply By: como - Tuesday, Jul 27, 2004 at 18:19
Tuesday, Jul 27, 2004 at 18:19
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
AnswerID:
69925