> Visitor Information
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> Visitor Information
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4WD Tracks and Unsealed Roads of Central Australia Mereenie Loop Road Travelling west from Alice Springs, the unsealed Mereenie Loop Road links the West MacDonnell Ranges, Hermannsburg, Glen Helen and Palm Valley with Watarrka National Park and offers an exciting scenic route for visitors. It unveils the classic desert scenery so typical of "The Centre" and links several of our most treasured and sought after assets - our National Parks. The loop road provides a scenic alternative to get from Alice Springs to Watarrka and Uluru National Parks. Although this road is not designated exclusively for 4x4 vehicles, the condition of the road is variable due to weather and traffic. Due to this, caravans, conventional vehicles and trailers are not recommended. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for visiting Palm Valley and Gosse Bluff. Rental vehicle companies do not allow conventional vehicles to travel this road; however, some companies may allow high-ground-clearance and more robust vehicles access to this road. We recommend you discuss this directly with the rental companies. It is advisable to contact the Police (08-8951 8888) or the Visitor Information Centre (08-8952 5800) in Alice Springs to obtain up-to-date information on road conditions before attempting the journey. As the road traverse Aboriginal land, a permit is required. The permit comes with a souvenir tour pass booklet and costs $2. The permit also includes permission to travel the Tnorla (Gosse Bluff) access road. Permits area available from the Central Australian Visitor Information Centre 7 days a week, located on Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs, and are also available from the following organisations:
Please Note: Camping is prohibited along the Mereenie Loop Road, and stops are only allowed at the Jump Up Lookout. More information on the Mereenie Loop Road is available in our Alice Springs Attractions section. The Finke River Route travels primarily through a sandy river bed. It is accessible by high-ground-clearance 4x4 vehicles only, and is not suitable for trailers. Travelling time from Palm Valley to Watarrka National Park is about 7 hours. Bush camping is permitted in the Finke River on this route with the best camping (no facilities) at Boggy Hole, a large waterhole, which is about 2.5 hours from Palm Valley. Traffic along this route is infrequent so it is wise to travel with another vehicle (especially in Summer). Always seek the latest advice from rangers at Finke Gorge National Park or Watarrka National Park before attempting this spectacular, but adventurous, route. You can contact the rangers at Finke Gorge on Tel (08) 8956 7401 or Watarrka National Park on Tel (08) 8956 7460.
Situated in the East MacDonnell Ranges 150 km east of Alice Springs via the Ross Highway, Ruby Gap is a wild gorge of exceptional beauty. Access is via Arltunga Historic Reserve and a high-clearance 4x4 is essential. After the hour and a half drive from Arltunga to the Park entrance, it is a 7 km drive along the sandy creek bed to Glen Annir Gorge. Bush camping is permitted anywhere along the river, but remember, leave the area as you found it. Arltunga Historic Reserve represents one of the first major European settlements in Central Australia and is the site of one of the first gold rushes in the Northern Territory. The reserve contains many historic buildings, relics of early mining machinery and digging sites. A Parks and Wildlife ranger is based permanently at the Arltunga Visitors Centre. The Centre provides maps and information on the surrounding region and also operates a slide show on the history of Arltunga, upon request. Ross River Homestead, located 84 km east of Alice Springs, is the closest source for fuel (DSL, UNL) and accommodation, and accepts both credit cards and eftpos.
The road surfaces of the Simpson Desert feature large sections of sand, bulldust and corrugation. Caravans, conventional vehicles and trailers are not recommended (kilometres are based on trip including stops at each destination). Ewaninga Rock Carvings are 37 km from Alice Springs and 742 km to Oodnadatta, no fuel is available. 119 km from Alice Springs is Maryvale Station and 686 km to Oodnadatta. Fuel is available during daylight hours. Chambers Pillar is 164 km from Alice Springs and 731 km to Oodnadatta, no fuel is available. 236 km from Alice Springs is Finke. Oodnadatta from here is 543 km. Fuel and store facilities are available Mon - Fri 8.30 - 11.30am/1.30-4pm, Sat 8.30 am - 11.30am. No permits are required, however a South Australian National Parks Pass is needed. These passes are available from your state automobile association.
The road from Alice Springs to Gemtree is a sealed road. Beyond Gemtree to the Queensland border, the road becomes graded and unsealed. Tobermorey to Urandangi or Boulia is dry weather access only and has sections of extreme bulldust and corrugation. 4X4 is recommended on the Queensland roads. From Alice Springs, Gemtree Caravan Park is 137 km and 672 to Boulia. Fuel is available daily from 8am - 6 pm. Harts Range Store is 213 km from Alice Springs and 596 to Boulia. Mon - Fri from 9am - 12pm/3 - 5pm and Sat 9am - 12pm fuel is available. Jervois Station is 350 km from Alice Springs and 459 to Boulia. Fuel is available during daylight hours. No permits are required to travel the Plenty or Donohue Highways.
The road is unsealed from the Plenty Highway and contains large sections of sand, bulldust and corrugation. 4WD is strongly recommended. Arlparra Store is 247 km from Alice Springs and 517 km to Camooweal. Fuel is available Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, (closed for lunch) and Sat 9am - 12pm. 311 km from Alice Springs is Ammaroo Station. Camooweal is 453 km from here. Daily from 8am - 5pm fuel and store facilities are available. No permits are required to travel the Sandover Highway.
More information on 4WD'ing in Central Australia can be found at the 4WD OnLine web site, or by contacting: Northern Territory Association of 4WD Clubs Outback 4WD Club |
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