Mereenie Loop

The Mereenie Loop has at times been a bad news, while smooth throughout at other times. All depends on weather, traffic and grading factors. You'd need to enquire locally just prior to including this section into your tour. You need a Pass for the Loop (Aboriginal Lands) - its cheap - available here and there.
Not been to the Pillar and RV - others to comment on that (though Desert Parks Pass is an SA only product).

I visited Pillar 6 weeks ago and road in is definately not suitable for convention caravan. Likewise Chambers pillar.
SA desert park pass not necessary in NT.
Would recomend leaving your van at Macdonald range CP in Alice and make day/overnight trips to attractions - Don't miss Desert park and Transport museum in Alice.
Cheers
John WA

Did I read, somewhere, like in a mag..... that they are going to Black Top this road? Must be popular, to warrant the expense.

Won't happen by July, so, just pretend you didn't see the above text.......

...... I ........ don't ........ see ........ any ......... text .........

WHOA!!! I'm awake now! Where have I been?

Oh, yeah..... Mereenie loop........ dirt road.......

Happy time travels.....

Wolfie

goodday
you need a pass for the loop (about $5.00) but you pay camping fees in an honesty box at the pillar
road conditions we looked at it once travelled about 300 m turned around and went the long way but if you are lucky it may have been just graded
depends on how many operators have gone thru there before you

steve

Mike,

Currently you would have no problems as the road has just been graded, though I wouldn't go too hard on the throttle.

Two weeks ago I did the loop in my Toyota Corolla at night - had no dramas except for one blowout.

Check with the cops at Hermannsburg or the resort at Kings Canyon prior to your trip for the latest conditions.

Cheers

Equinox

Did this trip last July with a camper. You should be fine on the Loop if you take it steady, there were only a couple of corrugated sections. You can get a pass from the visitors centre in Alice. Chambers Pillar is a full day drive and, although there were some campers at the campground, I would not take our camper in. There is a fairly steep jump up on the way in and there is a sign at the gate recommending a sand flag for the dunes and also to call ahead on the CB to warn outbound traffice that you are coming with the reverse at the other end. Did not go to Rainbow Valley.

Lone Wolf: There was an indication that the Loop would be blacktop by the end of 2007

Hi All,

Many thanks to Banjo, John, Wolfie, Steve, Equinox and 28 Patrol.
Looks like we need to check with the locals at the time we are there as is probably the case most of the time due to changing conditions, traffic etc.
Plan is pretty flexible and we can take the time to cover the area with and/or without the van.

Thanks again.

Mike

road is fine as in wide enough with no tough section but it can be horrifically corragated