The Mereenie Loop Tourist drive is 4 Wheel Driving. Car and camper hire companies only allow their 4wd's (4 wheel drives) to travel on the The Mereenie Loop, also known as the Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive, is an unsealed section of Red Centre Way, which links Alice Springs and Kings Canyon.
The Mereenie Loop is suitable for 4WDs not for 2WDs. Permits are available from Ayers Rock Tourism Central Australia Desk in the Tourist Information Centre located in the Resort town Square , Kings Creek Station & Kings Canyon Discovery Park. If travelling from Alice Springs the permit is available from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre, Standley Chasm & Hermannsburg. Permits must be purchased in person by the principal driver, they are valid for 3 days from the date of purchase and require all car details such as car registration, colour & vehicle type.
The road is clay based with corrugation and potholes, it is very rarely graded and does become chopped up as the season progresses. It is 160 kms of which 134.5 kms is unsealed travelling from the West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon or Visa Versa.
The alternate route is via the Stuart Highway, Lasseter Highway & Luritja RD – 485 kms – travelling time approx. 5 hours.