Jacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmania

# Ben Lomond Road: Tasmania's Ultimate Alpine Adventure

Picture this: you're winding through northeastern Tasmania, tackling one of the world's most insane hairpin turn sequences on your way to a 1,452m summit. Welcome to Ben Lomond Road—a 17.7km unpaved journey that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera working overtime.

Starting at Upper Blessington off the C401, this spectacular drive climbs through dramatic dolerite cliffs with an eye-watering elevation gain of 1,089 meters. The average gradient sits at 6.15%, but throw in sections hitting 13% and you've got yourself a properly challenging mountain road. The real showstopper? Jacob's Ladder—a series of six legendary hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerve in equal measure. There's even a lookout platform at the top where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: only 22-seat buses and smaller vehicles are allowed here, and bus drivers need a special alpine license. Stick to 30 km/h, let oncoming traffic pass, and definitely use your engine brake on the way down.

The whole experience takes about 45 minutes (without stops), and trust us—you won't want to rush it. You're driving through Ben Lomond National Park with stunning panoramas at every turn, surrounded by steep cliffs and sprawling rural plains. From here, you're also just 50km from Launceston and close to Tasmania's main ski fields.

Winter? Bring chains and antifreeze (mandatory June–September), and watch for sudden road closures due to snow and ice. Keep an eye out for rockfall and local wildlife too. This is raw, real mountain driving at its finest.