Ben Lomond National Park

Ben Lomond is full of highlights, among them the state’s second highest peak, alpine wildflowers and a striking glacial landscape. 

The magnificent mountain and its stark, treeless landscape, visible from much of the north-east of the state, is dominated by an alpine plateau and surrounded on all sides by escarpments. Legges Tor, the highest peak on Ben Lomond, rises a lofty 1572m above sea level. 

This park is the main destination for alpine sports in Tasmania: cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing. 

On the drive to the plateau, travellers are treated to striking mountain-top features such as dolerite columns and scree slopes. The distinctive vegetation of Ben Lomond is different to other parts of Tasmania, and in the summer months alpine wildflowers make a colourful display.

Highlights

Jacobs Ladder

The six switchbacks of this rugged road leading up to the plateau and the view of the valley below make it one of Australia’s most remarkable (and challenging) drives. Take the 30kmh speed limit seriously; if you meet another vehicle while you’re descending, give way to it.

Wildlife

No matter the weather, there’s plenty of wildlife to encounter here, including wombats, Bennett’s wallabies, Forester kangaroos and pademelons.

Landscape

From this 100 square-kilometre plateau, there are expansive views to the plains below taking in dolerite formations and alpine vegetation, revealed after snowmelt.

Walks

Alpine Village to Little Hell

A cross-country ski trail in winter, this rock-hopping walk (90min return, 5.5km) offers sweeping views as it passes through an alpine landscape. 

Ben Lomond Summit Link Track

This easy track (1km) links the alpine village to the steeper and more challenging Summit Pass Track through a mixture of alpine vegetation and rock scree. 

Summit Pass Track

From Carr Villa to Alpine Village, challenge yourself on this quiet walk (3hr return, 5km), which offers wildflowers in the summer and a snow-covered landscape in winter (dress appropriately). 

Need to know

Camping

There's an unpowered, six-site camping area several kilometres below the summit and a kilometre inside the park boundary. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Alpine Village

The village is located at the foot of the ski slopes. Accommodation in these private lodges is generally restricted to members and their guests. 

Weather

Conditions in alpine areas change frequently and quickly, so be prepared and dress carefully. 

Entry

A parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks. 

Where

Ben Lomond National Park is a 1hr 10min drive (54km) east of Launceston and a 3hr 15min drive (218km) north of Hobart. 

Jacobs Ladder, the sharply winding and precipitous road to the plateau, is subject to ice and snow, and tyre chains are required for driving in winter. Before ascending, check road rules and conditions, and details of the winter shuttle service. 

More detail

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/ben-lomond-national-park