Starting at Granton it winds along the southern side of the Derwent River in a generally north westerly direction to New Norfolk.

Just prior to Hamilton is the turnoff to Bothwell via a sealed route that passes Arthurs Lake and ultimately goes on to Launceston.

After Tarraleah the road climbs steeply out of the Nive River gorge until it re-joins the original route near Brontë.

Snow is usually encountered in the Derwent Bridge area during most winters and may force closure of the road occasionally for several days.

[4] It runs through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, and through the West Coast Range before reaching Queenstown.