Does anyone know the distance and drive time from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs when staying on a good road all the time (I assume that means going south to the Lasseter Highway and then north on the Stuart Highway).

I found something where it said the distance was only 331 kilometers, but I'm guessing that involves going on the Ernest Giles Road (which I understand is best with a 4WD).

Hi Caligirl,
it's roughly 550 km, about 6 hours.
Ernest Giles Road can be very rough and then it will take you just as long.

Enjoy,
Mike

Mike,

Thanks very much. I read somewhere that the Mereenie Loop may be sealed soon. Is that true? If it were, would that be a good alternative?

Hi again,
There has been talk for a few years now about the sealing of the Mereenie Loop.
My guess is that it maybe 5 or more years yet before that is happening.
A shame really ( from my point of view ) as that track too will then be gone.

To answer your question, it would shorten the trip roughly by 1/3.

Cheers, Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the info. I can see what you mean that it would be a shame to pave the road. I imagine it wouldn't be the same with traffic rushing through all the time.

OzMike, We are going to drive from Kings canyon to Alice Springs too in December. We decided against the Mereenie Loop as we read somewhere that even though it would be shorter in distance it would take us just as long. When you say it would shorten the trip by 1/3 do you mean distance or time? Also what would the road be like in December? Thank you.

The Mereenie Loop in Dec. will be very dusty and most likely very corrugated.
To illustrate this: I tow a trailer on all my tours to the most remote areas. Twice in 6 years I broke a spring on the trailer and one of those times was on the Mereenie Loop.

As it is, although somewhat shorther than via the Lasseter & Stuart Hwy's, it will take you at least as long, but more likely longer.
Once the Mereenie Loop is fully sealed the travelling time will be reduced by about 1/3.

If you are driving a rented car then the hire company will most likely not allow you to drive along the Mereenie Loop unless you hire a 4WD. Even then, check the fine print regards insurance cover !

Take care out there,
Mike