King's Canyon to Alice Springs
 

We have been reading about the Mereenie loop to go from King's Canyon to Alice Springs but we are not too sure about it...
How long would it take to drive from King's Canyon to Alice Springs:
1) by 4WD, via the Mereenie loop
2) on sealed roads via the Stuart Highway
We are planning to go in December next year.
Thanks!

On sealed roads, via Stuart Highway, about 5 hours, including a couple of brief stops. As for the Mereenie loop, I have no idea.

To 1), about 6 hours.
In Dec. it can be pretty rough, very hot and dusty.
However it's a much nicer scenery through there with a chance to see Dingos and wild camels. There are also lot's of wild horses and even Donkey's along there.

Reduce your tyre pressure a little ( down to about 28 - 30 psi ) while on the Mereenie Loop. You can pump it up again when you get to Hermannsburg.
If you are into camping then drive into Palm Valley, camp there at a lovely camping cround in the Nat. Pk. and then next morning do one or two walks in Palm Valley before heading to Alice.
You will need low range 4WD to get into Palm Valley.
You can visit the old Hermannsburg Mission and their Albert Namajira Gallery, but ask at Kings Canyon if they are open at that time of the year.

Have fun,
Mike

We have done it both ways, and in my opinion, it will take no less time to take the Mereenie Loop. Yes, it is much shorter, but you will have to go a lot slower, over washboards, through sand, and other rough spots. I'm told that the Loop is scheduled for additional upgrading and sealing, but I don't know if that has happened yet.

I think I still have a couple of loose fillings from banging over washboards on the Mereenie Loop two years ago!

Thank you, looks like we'll go for the sealed road and save on the car hire!