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Alpine Village to Little Hell, Ben Lomond National Park
Flowering Scoparia, Alpine Village to Little Hell, Ben Lomond National Park (photograph: Adam Smith)

Alpine Village to Little Hell

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Alerts for Alpine Village to Little Hell

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Track closure: Ben Lomond walkway replacement
Applies from 20/2/2025Works to replace the village boardwalk at Ben Lomond National Park will commence on 20 February. 

They are expected to be completed prior to winter, weather permitting.

The site will remain open, however there will be no boardwalk access from the day shelter to the snow activity areas and café.

Visitors will need to access these areas from the road.​

Last reviewed 19/2/2025 01:30 PM

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    1.5 hour return, 5.5km
    Grade 5: Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
    Weather can change rapidly, walkers should be prepared for all conditions.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    Park in the main car park at the end of the road in the alpine village. The route starts from here and is clearly signposted.

    About

    ​Starting from the Ben Lomond Car Park, this walk follows the route of a cross-country ski trail. The path is not well defined but ski poles ensure that it’s easy to follow. 

    Small boulder fields early on in the walk require some rock-hopping. As the track flattens out it becomes easier to walk, and the ascent to Little Hell is gradual. Take the time to appreciate the colourful wildflowers surrounding the trail.

    From the summit of Little Hell there are superb views across the southern part of the plateau, encompassing Lake Baker and Lake Youl in the distance, and all the way to Stacks Bluff.

    Follow another trail through the western end of Surprise Valley – also marked by ski poles – to complete the circuit and return to the ski village.

      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. ​​


      ​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.​​​​​


      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.