I did a couple of similar trips a couple of years ago:
1. Adelaide-Clare Valley-Coober Pedy-Lake Eyre-Flinders Ranges/Wilpena Pound-Adelaide over a week
2. Alice Springs-Uluru-Kings Canyon-Alice Springs over 4 days
It is not clear from your posts whether you still plan on visiting Lake Eyre, but I can definitely recommend it! It was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had. Have a look at this (my post and photos are at the bottom);
http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=6366
If you do decide to visit Lake Eyre, a 4WD is definitely recommended. It is possible in a conventional 2WD sedan, but not advisable for a number of reasons: 4WD is much safer; if it rains you will get stranded a lot less longer in a 4WD (note that I said less, as the road will get closed to all traffic if it rains); car rental companies generally prohibit you taking a 2WD car to Lake Eyre (Refer my car rental notes below). Note that to get to Lake Eyre by car involves at least a few hours drive on unsealed roads.
Coober Pedy I was not impressed with. The underground hotel I stayed at looked like it all staged (it was comfortable and cool though). Very barren and hot place.
Kings Canyon is definitely worth visiting - I thought it was more impressive than Uluru. If you can, it is worth hiking to the top of the rim to watch the sun rise.
I stayed at Kings Canyon Resort and was impressed about many aspects - food was good and prices reasonable, especially considering it's very remote location. Things that aren't really impressive - it's a bit tired (but comfortable) and the majority of the rooms don't take advantage of the views! It can also be very expensive. I did stay there in the off season though (New Year), so it was reasonably priced by comparison to high season.
Mereenie Loop - definitely requires a 4WD and as has already been mentioned, most rental companies either prohibit it, or it's at your own risk.
Car rental - a few details you might find useful. Most car rental companies either strictly prohibit or allow at your own risk driving on unsealed roads and most list specific roads such as Mereenie Loop that they prohibit or are at your own risk.
A brief summary of the majors with respect to driving on unsealed roads:
Avis & Budget - allow it with full cover but prohibit certain roads
Hertz - allow it at your own risk but do prohibit certain roads
Europcar - generally prohibit it unless 4WD and also specifically prohibit certain roads even with 4WD
Thrifty - generally prohibit it unless 4WD and also specifically prohibit certain roads even with 4WD
This changes all the time, so please read their terms and conditions and speak to the office that you intend renting from. Some conditions are not contained in the terms on the internet, both positive and negative.
All rental cars come with comprehensive insurance covering the rental car, damage to third party property/other vehicles and injury to other road users. There is a large excess/deductible though - $3-7,000 for cars and $5,500-$10,000 for 4WD, which can be reduced and sometimes eliminated for $30-60 per day.
On my trip to Lake Eyre, I rented a Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD from Avis at Adelaide airport. Note that it did not have the option of a second spare tyre.
Originally Posted by
number_6
In general, unsealed road in outback = need 4WD, depending on time of year. Often needs expert 4WD driving. Be aware that if you are stranded, and need a tow truck, that will cost several thousand dollars unless you are in designated areas, then there is an additional fine of $1000 per wheel (so $4000 minimum). Not sure if that applies on this route, but it happened to someone I know (cost over $10,000 for retrieval of his car and caravan). The sealed road route should be pretty sedate and no problem, unless there is flooding involved (deserts get the worst floods).
Agree that unsealed road in the outback usually means 4WD required. Also agree that getting stranded and required can cost several thousand dollars. Have not heard of the $1,000 per wheel fine ... where did you get this from?
Originally Posted by
number_6
I just checked and even though not off-road, Larapinta Loop is itemized as being at renter's risk and any CDW bought not applicable at the one company I checked. Each rental company has a different list of roads and different policies (some prohibit driving, some charge a fee, and almost all make you liable for all damages). Chipped windscreen can be expensive, for example (I have private travel insurance for that, and have had to use it 3 times in the past decade).
Just to clarify this: Mereenie loop/Larapinta Drive/Red Centre Way is often listed as prohibited - that's a technical but possibly big difference from renter's risk! If it is prohibited and you drive on it, you technically have no insurance from that point on, even if have an accident back on the sealed road. Of course, whether the rental company can prove this is another thing, but best to understand the difference.