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A woman in snow gear and googles is making her way up a slope at Ben Lomond National Park
Skiing, Ben Lomond (photograph: Dan Broun)

Ben Lomond National Park

Dolerite cliffs and a striking alpine plateau.

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  • Camping
  • Huts
  • Overnight walk
  • Parking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
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About

The spectacular ascent of Jacobs Ladder at Ben Lomond is quite possibly the most hair-raising and impressive alpine road in Tasmania. A series of switchbacks on the famous road creates a spectacular journey to a breathtaking destination.

Although a park for all seasons, winter is Ben Lomond's time to shine. Boasting one of Tasmania’s two ski fields, snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and tobogganing. Those who prefer to take it easy can sip on a hot chocolate, while immersed in the ‘ski village’ atmosphere of this authentic Tasmanian winter wonderland.

When the snow melts, a spectacular alpine landscape is revealed and you’ll be in awe of the beauty of the rocks set against stunning views. There are plenty of walks and rock climbing opportunities, and with wildlife in abundance it is not uncommon to see several different species in a day. Ben Lomond National Park is Tasmania’s off-the-beaten-track gem – sure to surprise and delight.

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Visible from much of Tasmania’s northern midlands, the striking alpine plateau of Ben Lomond National Park sits 1500 m high. Its highest point, the summit of Legges Tor, is the second highest peak in Tasmania, and the area is characterised by winter snowfall, a rich diversity of plant life, and spectacular dolerite cliffs and columns.

In the summer months, Ben Lomond offers an abundance of opp​ortunities for experienced walkers and rock climbers. A number of short walks provide great views of the vast screes and boulder fields, while the dolerite columns present a great challenge for motivated climbers and abseilers.

In the winter, Ben Lomond is the main location for downhill skiing in the state. The season usually runs from early July to late September, and there are 6 km of runs suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Cross-country skiing is also a popular activity in the park. Equipment hire and instruction are provided by private operators at the alpine village.

For visitors seeking a more relaxing experience, the forested roadside areas on the lower slopes offer good opportunities for birdwatching. Wedge-tailed eagles, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, honeyeaters and pardalotes can all be spotted in the park. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to explore some of the 220 different species in the area, which include displays of colourful alpine wildflowers in the summer.

Camping is available. Private lodges in the alpine village offer accommodation to members only.

Ben Lomond National Park is effectively a dolerite island in a sea of agricultural and forested lowlands. The park is dominated by an alpine plateau over 1500 metres high and surrounded on all sides by steep escarpments. The basement rocks comprise slates, siltstones, greywackes and quartzite. These were intruded by granite and, later, during the Jurassic Period, by dolerite. The only exception is a narrow seam of coal under Coalmine Crag and around the flanks of the Ben Lomond Plateau, which was once worked commercially. 

During the Pleistocene Ice Age, a small ice-cap existed on Ben Lomond, which was the only plateau in the North-East to be glaciated. The effects of these glaciers account for much of the contrast between the alpine scenery of Ben Lomond, which includes vast dolerite boulders and scree fields, and that of the other mountains in the North-East.

The reduction of natural vegetation since colonisation in North-East Tasmania means that the Ben Lomond National Park plays an increasingly important role in regional wildlife conservation. Bennetts wallabies and wombats are a common sight around the alpine village, and pademelons are abundant. Other wildlife to look out for includes Forester kangaroos, especially along the south-west edge of the park, potoroos, eastern quolls, echidnas and platypus.

For more information on our wildlife please see Tasmania's wildlife.

Visit our caring for wildlife page for more information on interacting with and protecting our native animals.

Ben Lomond National Park lies within the Tasmanian Aboriginal Ben Lomond nation. It is estimated that this nation comprised of three of four clans with a total population of 150 to 200 people.  The length of association with the area gives it special significance to the narrative of today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal community and their ongoing connection to country.

Ben Lomond was named after the Scottish mountain of the same name by Colonel William Patterson, who in 1804 was the founder of the first settlement in northern Tasmania. Although some rural development took place in the surrounding countryside, the mountain itself remained relatively unknown till the summer of 1805-6, when Colonel William Vincent Legge explored the plateau five times, and assessed the heights of the principal crags. Legges Tor, the highest peak in the park and second highest in the state, is named after the Colonel. 

Ben Lomond was declared a national park in July 1947.

Ben Lomond National Park map Buy a map from TasMap

​​​​Ben Lomond National Park is about an hour south-east of Launceston. Take the C401 through White Hills then turn right at Blessington onto Ben Lomond Road (C413).

From Hobart, the park is a 3 hour drive north on the Midlands Highway (A1). Turn off to Evandale (B41) and take the partly sealed road C413 towards Blessington. Turn left onto C420 (Deddington Rd), and then turn right on C401 (Blessington Rd). Continue towards Upper Blessington and then turn right onto Ben Lomond Road (C432). ​

The park boundary is 8 km from the Ben Lomond Road turn-off, and a further 18 km to the alpine village. The road is unsealed and the final climb up Jacobs Ladder to the plateau is steep and winding. There is a 30 km speed limit and vehicles travelling uphill should give way to those descending.

Between June and September, all vehicles are required to carry correctly fitted snow chains. Anti-freeze is also recommended. Snow chains are available to rent from Ben Lomond BASE, located at the bottom of the mountain prior to the National Park, on the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road.​

During skiing season, a shuttle bus operates from the Ben Lomond lower carpark.

In snowy and icy conditions, the road to Ben Lomond National Park may be closed without notice at the barrier 4.5 km from the alpine village.


Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

​The snow season generally runs from mid-June until the end of September but depends on weather conditions. Please refer to the following websites for more information around their services and operating hours:

Snow chains must be carried between June and September - Snow chains are available to rent from Ben Lomond BASE, located at the bottom of the mountain prior to the National Park, on the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road.​

​​​​​​​​​To reach the summit, visitors must first climb Jacob​s Ladder; a steep and narrow section of road.  Snow chains must be carried between June and September - they are not available on the mountain, but can be rented or purchased from outlets in major centres. Anti-freeze is also recommended.​ 

Walking up Jacobs Ladder (the road) is not permitted for safety reasons.

​Daily road conditions available during ski season via contacting 0429 646 557.​​

Please note visitors use the road at their own risk, and the PWS is not responsible for visitors who ignore the requirements to fit or carry snow chains. Unfortunately, due to liability and occupational health and safety issues, the PWS will not assist in vehicle recovery activities except under an emergency situation.

​​During the ski season, a transport service ​​from the Ben Lomond lower carpark is operated by Ben Lomond Snow Sports, a private operator. To check whether they are running contact 0487 140 248. ​​

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​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

​​​​​Walker safety - alpine walks ​​​​​​ (such as Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Walls of Jerusalem, Southwest)

Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March. 

When visiting alpine areas you should include at a minimum, in addition to your basic walking gear, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front (seam sealed and breathable fabric, Gore-Tex or similar), waterproof over trousers (seam sealed and breathable fabric​​, Gore-Tex or similar), sturdy walking boots and warm clothing (a fleece or woollen jumper, thermal base layers, hat and gloves).

Deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Children, older people and those with an illness or disability are at the greatest risk in such conditions. 

Watch the hypothermia safety video with English subtitles to understand the dangers of being cold and how to be prepared. (Safety video with Chinese subtitles.)

Please observe all track signs – they are provided for your safety. Stay on the formed walking tracks at all times – both for your own safety and to protect the sensitive alpine region.

For more information on pack items and safety, please see Safety in parks.​​​​​

Experiences in Ben Lomond National Park

1.5 hour return, 5.5km, Grade 5

Visitors to Ben Lomond National Park can explore the area via this cross-country ski trail, which offers spectacular views of the glacial landscape.

Ben Lomond National Park

Alpine Village to Little Hell

Visitors to Ben Lomond National Park can explore the area via this cross-country ski trail, which offers spectacular views of the glacial landscape.

1.5 hour return, 5.5km, Grade 5
Read more
30 minutes, 1km, Grade 2

The new Summit Link Track makes it easier than ever to discover the spectacular alpine vegetation of Ben Lomond National Park.

Ben Lomond National Park

Ben Lomond Summit Link Track

The new Summit Link Track makes it easier than ever to discover the spectacular alpine vegetation of Ben Lomond National Park.

30 minutes, 1km, Grade 2
Read more
2-3 hours one way, 5km, Grade 3

Colourful wildflowers in summer and a snowy landscape in winter make the Carr Villa to Alpine Village trail a joy for keen walkers in Ben Lomond National Park.

Ben Lomond National Park

Carr Villa to Alpine Village track

Colourful wildflowers in summer and a snowy landscape in winter make the Carr Villa to Alpine Village trail a joy for keen walkers in Ben Lomond National Park.

2-3 hours one way, 5km, Grade 3
Read more
Snow boarding at Ben Lomond

Though not widely known for its snow sports, Tasmania has two ski fields operating over the winter months. Mount Mawson, located at Mount Field National Park in the south, and Ben Lomond in the north.

Hobart and South, Launceston and North

Skiing and snow activities

Though not widely known for its snow sports, Tasmania has two ski fields operating over the winter months. Mount Mawson, located at Mount Field National Park in the south, and Ben Lomond in the north.

Read more

Accommodation

Stay Overnight

  • Ben Lomond Alpine Village

Staying at the Alpine Village in Ben Lomond National Park will ensure you have easy access to the nearby ski slopes and beautiful plateau walks.

Bookings and more info

Ben Lomond Alpine Village

  • Ben Lomond camping

Enjoy the peace and quiet at this sheltered camping spot set among trees in Ben Lomond National Park.

Bookings and more info

Ben Lomond camping