A guide to the most scenic mountain road in Tasmania on the Lyell Highway from Queenstown.
It’s no secret that Tasmania has some of Australia’s most scenic roads, from epic mountain passes to unmatched coastal routes.
However, there is one particular spot on the West Coast that might just take the cake as Tassie’s most picturesque driving road which locals call the 99 Bends.
In this guide, I’ll outline everything you need to know before driving the 99 Bends road in Tasmania. From how to get here, what to expect and I’ll throw in some great photos from my recent drive in our big van.
- Where: Lyell Highway (A10) between Queenstown and Gormanston, West Coast Tasmania
- How long: about 4 km of winding road, so 10 minutes if you don’t stop and an hour if you do
- Bends: 44, despite the name
- Road surface: fully sealed and well maintained, fine for cars and campervans
- Parking: a pull-over area big enough for four cars at the southern end
- Watch for: logging and mining trucks, and steep drop-offs on the outside of the bends
My Video From the Most Scenic Road in Tasmania
Below is a quick cinematic clip from my sunset drive on this incredible scenic drive in Tasmania's West. I've only just started making videos like this, so let me know what you think and if you'd like to see more.
Where is the 99 Bends Road in Tasmania?
The 99 Bends is a section of the Lyell Highway (the A10) just outside Queenstown on Tasmania’s West Coast. You’ll find the stretch you’re looking for between Queenstown and Gormanston, climbing away from town toward the Iron Blow.
GPS Coordinates: 42°04’14.5″S 145°33’55.7″E
This is a GPS coordinate to a large pull-over area where at least 4 cars can park, just before the epic winding road up the mountain. Open the pull-over spot in Google Maps.
About the 99 Bends Road
No, this road doesn't exactly have 99 bends. It’s actually 44. However, it certainly feels like it does when you're driving it.
The 4 km road is well maintained and the tarmac is silky-smooth. This section of Tasmania is quite remote and you'll often have the road here to yourself. Some people like to come out here to test the limit of their cars but remember to do so safely and legally.
The road is also quite steep in some sections and logging/mining trucks occasionally use this road, so also remember to keep that in mind.
The 99 Bends Road is also a popular spot in the Targa Tasmania Rally.
We travelled around Tasmania in our big long-wheelbase converted campervan, so we were definitely not going fast. However, it was still an incredible experience and we were stoked with the images we were able to capture with our drone.
Acid Rain & The Strange Landscape
Driving the 99 Bends, you’ll notice the strange, almost lunar landscape around Queenstown. That’s the legacy of the Mt Lyell copper operation. The forest was cut down to fuel the smelters, and decades of sulfur fumes and acid rain then stopped anything growing back. Heavy West Coast rainfall stripped the bare topsoil down to rock.
The mine itself has sat on care and maintenance since 2014, and a decision on restarting it was on the table through 2026. The hills are slowly regreening where there’s still soil to hold them, though the steepest slopes may never come back. It’s a beautiful drive and an uncomfortable reminder of what the industry left behind.
More Photos From the Amazing Road
Below are some more photos that I hope will inspire you to take this epic scenic route!
Another great stop nearby is the Iron Blow Lookout just a little up the road.
Stops Worth Making on the Same Drive
You can drive the 99 Bends in ten minutes. Give it half a day and you get a lot more out of the same stretch of road.
Iron Blow Lookout sits at the top of the climb, a cantilevered platform hanging out over the flooded open cut where the whole Mt Lyell story started. It’s a two-minute walk from the car park and the best single view on the drive.
Horsetail Falls starts from a car park directly across the Lyell Highway from Iron Blow Road. It’s a 1 km return on a stepped boardwalk pinned to the hillside, maybe 30 minutes with photos, and steep enough that you’ll notice. It’s a seasonal waterfall, so go after rain, which on the West Coast is most of the time. The boards get slippery when wet.
Nelson Falls is further east along the Lyell Highway toward Derwent Bridge, an easy 20-minute return walk through rainforest.
Staying near the 99 Bends Road
Below are some of my top picks for staying on the West Coast of Tasmania.
1. Wheelhouse Apartments Strahan
These unique apartments are located in Strahan, each with river or lake view. Known as some of the best-rated online for Western Tasmania with their large floor-to-ceiling windows and location to the esplanade walking track.
2. The Boat House Strahan
Another Strahan favorite, this affordable holiday accommodation option features river views. It includes a kitchen and living area along with a small outdoor lawn area for the kids to play.
3. Penghana B&B Queenstown
Overlooking the town of Queenstown this 1898 National Trust Mansion is great for couples or singles exploring the area. The presentation of the interior is like stepping back in time & a wonderful free breakfast is provided.
I hope this guide has convinced you to point the car at the 99 Bends next time you’re on the West Coast. It’s a short drive and an easy detour, and it’s one of the few roads in Tasmania I’d go back and drive again for its own sake.
For more travel guides and inspiration for your trip, make sure to check out some more articles below.
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!
Bob
Thursday 26th of December 2024
I note that this article is called "How to drive the 99 bends" yet there is very little information on how to actually tackle this road.
As someone who drives this road 4 times a day I can offer this advice as to how to actually drive "the 99 bends":
1.) The road is in very poor condition by the standards of Australian Sealed roads and moderately poor condition for Tasmanian roads in general. Very narrow (below national minimum standard) Rated at 100kph (you are doing very, very well if you can average 55kph) I have ridden this section on my motorcycle a few times and found that an average of 65kph is really pushing it, don't try! Poor road surface, mix of torn up sections, "reverse speed bumps" and slick sections.
2.) You mention that Trucks/Busses use this road often, you aren't wrong. One thing you neglected to mention is they are very often 1/3 to 1/2 of the way in the oncoming lane when negotiating many of the 44 corners (your count is spot on!) Be prepared to come to a sudden stop as none on the heavy traffic uses UHF 40 so its a game of Russian roulette, especially in "tourist seasons" when coaches abound.
3.) A number of the corners are VERY slippery with only the smallest amount of rain, most of these are when the very small aggregate blacktop has been used. During periods of rain I would suggest a speed of less than 40kph and even then a couple of these corners on the downhill can be a problem as low as 30kph.
4.) A lot of locals will tailgate anyone "not going fast enough" up or down, there are a number of places to pull over to avoid these kind of people.
5.) In winter it can get icy on this road, avoid driving it unless you really, really have to. This short section averages 1 crash every 6 months as reported to State Roads (where Police/Ambulance/Tow/SES/Fire etc. are involved). I can tell you it is much more common than this when you include the "minor" stuff, it is pretty much a guarantee to see crash barrier damage in multiple locations at any time of the year.
Peter
Tuesday 15th of November 2022
There are other great places to stay other than those you mentioned. perhaps they haven't paid you to mention them.
Tony
Friday 27th of December 2024
@Olly Gaspar, Is there any new places in 2024?
Olly Gaspar
Tuesday 15th of November 2022
I've mentioned the top three based on my experience and reviews on top booking sites. None of these businesses have paid me. Instead of leaving a salty comment, how about you provide some value by mentioning one?