Back way to Kings Canyon

Gday,
You can either go via Boggy Hole or Mereenie loop.
Whether or not you need a permit to use the Mereenie loop at the moment is debateable but you probably should.
No permits required to go through Boggy Hole though.
Both roads have been closed recently due to flooding but they should be open soon if they arent already. Just google Nt road reports.
I reckon the Mereenie loop roads is good but you do hear lots of people complaining about it.....just depends what your used to.
Boggy Hole follows the Finke river for a long way so its a fair amount of sand driving. You could tow a camper through it no worries put not a caravan. Definately 4wd though. A heaps nicer drive than the loop road.

Cheers
Hairy

Hi Harry

What rig do you have? Trailer?

The worst bit of the Mereenie Loop route is usually the first 20 kms or so as you head west from Hermannsberg, however depending on your rig, and the conditions on the day, Mereenie Loop is a route worth taking. We helped people who had broken a spring on their camper trailer about half way along - breakdowns such as this are not uncommon. The main part of the loop had been graded a week or two before we went we were told, but you'd never have known it.

It is really no different to any other well used inland NT road (eg Tanami, Great Central) and it depends on when graded, traffic load, rain etc. Don't waste your time asking the info centre in Alice Springs for an update - they will tell you DON'T GO it is in terrible condition, and describe something just about impossible to negotiate. One caravanner was even told to go via Boggy Hole instead - not one to take a mid range caravan on.

Mereenie Loop pass can be purchased for a very small fee at several places including Hermannsberg (road house i think). It includes a small information leaflet.

Palm Valley is worth driving in to and spending a couple of days or so.

Motherhen

Harry,

Should have mentioned that the Bourke Outback Trek did the Mereenie Loop last October. Eighty vehicles from 2WD drive Fairlane 500's and camapervans to 4WD's towing all sorts of trailers including a couple of A vans. Few punctured tyres only from memory. We towed a lightweight camper without any dramas.

Harry

You can get permits from store at Hermansburg.

Mereenie Loop......... (spelling)

Cheers
Bucky

You will do one of two things if you take the loop rd , that is laugh or cry ,, laugh at the signs stating " please respect our land " and you will cry at the mounds of rubbish consisting of empty green cans either side of Hermannsburg.