Check road and weather conditions
Jacob’s Ladder and the access road can be icy or closed—confirm park gate times and road status before driving up.
Above the Tree Line: Hiking and Skiing Ben Lomond National Park
Wind-swept plateau, accessible summit—Ben Lomond delivers alpine thrills just a short drive from Launceston.
Launceston, Tasmania•By Robert Eric Crews•Land Adventures,Winter Sports,Wildlife Nature,Camping Overnight,Climbing Mountaineering•February•summer
Continue ReadingA late-winter sun slices across the plateau and lights the dolerite columns like iron teeth. You climb out of the car at the small ski village—wind already working on a mind of its own—and for a moment the world narrows to the crunch of your boots on hard-packed snow and the broad, indifferent sky. Up here, the landscape has a blunt honesty: a flat, windswept plateau punctured by the craggy summit of Legges Tor (1,572 m), Tasmania’s alpine backbone visible in every direction. Whether you come to skin the short slopes in winter, to trace the rim of the plateau in summer, or to watch wedge-tailed eagles quarter the air, Ben Lomond feels like a place that tests you, and then hands you something quiet in return.
Duration2 hours–full day (depends on start point)
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Layer for alpine weather
Windproof and insulating layers save the day—temperatures and wind chill can change rapidly on the plateau.
Protect fragile alpine plants
Stay on marked tracks and avoid stepping on cushion plants and moss beds that take decades to recover.
Carry water and a map
Water sources are limited on the plateau; bring sufficient water or a reliable filter and a topographic map or GPS.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Lake Youd and nearby tarns—quiet campsites and reflections at dawn
- The dolerite pavements on the plateau—excellent micro-landscapes for photography
Wildlife
pademelon, wombat
Conservation Note
The plateau’s alpine flora is fragile; stick to tracks, camp only in designated sites, and follow Leave No Trace to protect ecosystems.
Ben Lomond has been used by Aboriginal Tasmanians for millennia, and shows later European pastoral and recreational use; the modern ski field dates from the mid-20th century.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:wildflower displays, shoulder-season hikes, birdwatching
Challenges:unpredictable snow patches, muddy trails, sudden winds
Spring melts transform tarns and brings wildflowers, but expect leftover snow at altitude and changeable conditions.
summer
Best for:summit walks, backcountry camping, clear vistas
Challenges:strong sun and UV, sudden afternoon storms
Summer offers the driest, warmest conditions for hiking and camping—early starts minimize afternoon weather shifts.
fall
Best for:crisp hiking days, photography, fewer crowds
Challenges:rapid cooling, shorter daylight hours, first snowfalls possible
Fall provides clear, cool days and excellent light for photos; nights can be notably cold and snow is possible at any time.
winter
Best for:alpine skiing, snowshoeing, winter photography
Challenges:icy roads, whiteouts, limited services
Winter turns Ben Lomond into Tasmania’s most reliable ski area—dress for severe cold and monitor conditions closely.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Shoot early or late for low-angle light across the dolerite columns; include foreground elements (cushion plants, fence posts) to give scale. Use a polarizer to deepen blues and manage glare on snow; bracket exposures in high-contrast conditions.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots
EssentialProvide ankle support and traction on scree, snow and rocky plateau surfaces.
Windproof shell and insulating layers
EssentialProtects against severe wind chill and sudden temperature drops on the plateau.
Water and filtration system
EssentialWater is scarce on the plateau—carry enough or a filter for trusted water sources.
Map and compass or GPS
EssentialVisibility can change fast; reliable navigation prevents getting lost on the plateau.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
sturdy hiking boots (traction and ankle support); windproof shell and warm mid-layer (alpine weather can be severe); 2–3 liters of water plus a filter (plateau water is limited); map/GPS and compass (visibility can change quickly).
Did You Know
Did You Know
Legges Tor (1,572 m) is Ben Lomond’s highest point and the mountain hosts Tasmania’s only developed alpine ski area.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
1) Drive time from Launceston is about 1–1.5 hours; 2) Check gate and road conditions before you go; 3) Fuel and supplies are limited—top up in Launceston; 4) Mobile reception is patchy—download maps offline.
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
Launceston and nearby towns pair this alpine day with cool-climate wines, artisan cheeses and cider—perfect for post-peak warmth and a local tavern meal.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Access1–1.5 hr drive from Launceston; Difficulty: moderate; Best for: day hikes, winter skiing, camping; Facilities: small ski village, limited services; Safety: rapid weather change, limited water sources.
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
Support park preservation by staying on marked trails, camping only in designated sites, packing out all waste, and avoiding disturbance to wildlife and fragile alpine vegetation.
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