Ascending Order
Tasmania’s only ski resort takes three big zigs and three major zags to reach. The only road into Ben Lomond National Park, about 60 kms northwest of Launceston, travels from Upper Blessington, up.
The zigzag takes the name of Jacob’s Ladder, a 225-metre stretch of unsurfaced road that climbs at a 70-degree. (For the mathematically minded, the climb is 1060 metres within 18 kilometres, one of the steepest hauls in Oz.)
Most humble suburban cars can scale the ladder, but whether most suburban hearts can hold out is another matter. Chains are essential in winter.
Do you know of any other extreme road – either in gradient or sheer engineering? Nominate an offbeat route of renown, and we’ll do our best to investigate.