The Sideling
14 km
distance
20 min
Contour time
8.7
avg score
Sealed
surface
Scenery
Tasmania
The northeast highlands form a distinct zone of Tasmania - lower and more agricultural than the central highlands, but...
Road quality
8.7 RQS
Exceptional. Consistently high curviness, surface, and low traffic.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in Sports car. Peak season: Year-round.
7-day forecast
Open and flowing - a good stage for an EV or GT car. Motorbikes equally at home. The best average sightlines of any stage in the collection.
Scored 8.7/10 by Contour's road quality algorithm across curviness, surface, elevation and traffic. Best suited for sports car drivers.
The road
The Sideling is the open-country stage - the one that shows Tasmania's northeast from above rather than from within a gorge or forest. The 14-kilometre road along the Sideling Range on the Tasman Highway connects the Scottsdale area to the Lilydale side, running along the escarpment with views across the surrounding countryside. The character is fast and flowing rather than technical. The bends are medium to large radius, the gradient is steady, and the main challenge is maintaining rhythm and confidence through a series of open sweepers that look approachable but reward precision. The elevation ranges from 221 m to 621 m - a solid 400-metre climb that is spread evenly enough to feel manageable.
The Sideling is the open-country stage - the one that shows Tasmania's northeast from above rather than from within a gorge or forest.
Why this road
The region
The northeast highlands form a distinct zone of Tasmania - lower and more agricultural than the central highlands, but with character shaped by the Ringarooma and North Esk rivers. Scottsdale is the service town for the region. The Sideling Range separates the northeast plateau from the Tamar Valley to the west.
Before you go
Fuel in Scottsdale. The road is in good condition year-round. Logging trucks use this road - be aware on working days. The Tasman Highway is the main route between Scottsdale and Launceston.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Scottsdale
Service town for the northeast with good provisions. Gateway to the far northeast coast at Bridport.
Bridport
30 minutes from Scottsdale, a quiet beach town on Anderson Bay with good fishing.
Route
Start
Sideling (west)
End
Sideling (east)
Gallery
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