National park · Australia
Ben Lomond National Park
Go for the plateau and the Stacks Bluff views, not for a resort day: drive the Jacobs Ladder road from Upper Blessington (carry wheel chains Jun–Sep), walk Carr Villa to Alpine Village in 1.5 h, and skip the ski field unless snow is actually lying.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
181 km²70 sq mi
approximate
Established
1947
Best months
Nov–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 181 km²70 sq mi
- Roughly 180 km² of plateau and escarpment; boundary figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1947
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
Ben Lomond is Tasmania's alpine park: a dolerite plateau at around 1,400–1,500 m with cliffs, snow gums and frost hollows, declared a national park and scenic reserve in 1947. It holds the state's main downhill ski area, which runs on natural snow only, so most visitors come in the green months for the walking and the views. The road up is the experience: Jacobs Ladder is a steep, unpaved zigzag that is unsuitable for caravans and needs wheel chains in winter. Two marked routes cross the plateau, and a harder route climbs from Storys Creek in the south to Stacks Bluff.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1947Declared a national park and scenic reserve in July 1947.
Size and age
181 km²70 sq mi · national park since 1947
Roughly 180 km² of plateau and escarpment; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- Dolerite cliffs and a high plateau that feel nothing like the coastal east.
- Jacobs Ladder: one of Australia's steepest public mountain roads, with the whole climb in about 6 km.Jacobs Ladder: one of Australia's steepest public mountain roads, with the whole climb in about 3.7 mi.
- Stacks Bluff views across the southern plateau, reached on foot from Storys Creek.
- Snow gums, alpine heath and the state's main downhill ski area when snow allows.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanWarmest, longest days; afternoon cloud common
- FebStable walking weather
- MarCooling; clear plateau views
- AprCold nights; first snow possible
- MaySnow and ice on the road
- JunChains required; ski season starts
- JulDeepest snow; road can close
- AugSki peak; chains required
- SepSnow patches; chains still required
- OctThawing; mud and late snow
- NovWildflowers; dry underfoot
- DecLong days; carry layers
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine flora and snow gums in flowerNov–Jan · The park protects Tasmania's alpine plant communities. | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Bennett's wallabies and wombats near the roadAll year · Most active around dusk; drive slowly at night. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Snow and ice on the plateauJun–Sep · Snow cover is variable; the ski season depends on natural falls. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Launceston
Drive the Blessington Road (C401) via Upper Blessington, then the steep Jacobs Ladder climb to the plateau; the last section is unsealed.
1–1.5 h
From Launceston (ski season)
Daily coach shuttle to the mountain in season, plus a shuttle from the snowline to the top car park.
1.5 h
Open the page →
From Storys Creek (south)
Reach the southern trailhead near Rossarden by road for the Stacks Bluff walk; no through road across the plateau.
1.5–2 h
From Hobart
Drive via the Midlands Highway and Launceston, or via the east coast and Fingal.
3.5–4.5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jacobs Ladder and the escarpment | The zigzag road up the cliff line, with pull-offs and lookouts on the way. | Open to vehicles; unsuitable for caravans and trailers. |
| Alpine Village and the ski field | The cluster of lodges, the day shelter and the tows on the plateau edge. | Open year-round; services run mainly in the snow season. |
| Northern plateau | Carr Villa, the marked route to Alpine Village and the high point of the plateau. | Walk or ski only; routes are marked by snow poles, not formed. |
| Southern plateau and Stacks Bluff | The bluff and the cliffs above Storys Creek, reached from the south. | Walk only, from the Storys Creek trailhead. |
Sketch map
- 1Launceston · Town≈-41.433, 147.144Map ↗
- 2Upper Blessington · Village≈-41.433, 147.500Map ↗
- 3Jacobs Ladder · Gate≈-41.517, 147.633Map ↗
- 4Alpine Village · Headquarters≈-41.533, 147.650Map ↗
- 5Carr Villa · Trail≈-41.517, 147.617Map ↗
- 6Little Hell · Viewpoint≈-41.550, 147.667Map ↗
- 7Stacks Bluff · Summit≈-41.617, 147.683Map ↗
- 8Storys Creek · Trail≈-41.633, 147.733Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per vehicle, up to 8 people) | Free | vehicle | Tasmanian national parks charge per vehicle or per person; buy a day pass or a holiday pass online or at a gateway (check current rate). |
| Holiday pass (covers most Tasmanian parks) | Free | vehicle | Two-month pass; cheaper than day passes if you visit several parks (check). |
| Snowline shuttle to the top car park | AUD 8–12 | person | Runs in season from about 9:00; adult fare at the top of the band, child or concession at the bottom (check). |
| Wheel chains (hire off the mountain) | Free | hire | Not sold or hired on the mountain; arrange in Launceston or another major centre (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry pass permit or guide
Wheel chains permit or guide
Ski field access no permit
Park rules
- Wheel chains
- Must be carried between June and September; hire or buy them in a major centre before you drive up.
- Road suitability
- Jacobs Ladder is steep and unsealed and is not suitable for caravans, trailers or large motorhomes.
- Stay with the markers
- Plateau routes are marked by snow poles rather than formed trails; in cloud or snow, turn back rather than guess.
- Fires
- No campfires on the plateau; use a fuel stove if you cook.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; drive slowly at dawn and dusk.
Where to stay
In the park
Ben Lomond Alpine Village lodges
On-mountain accommodation at the ski field; limited beds, book ahead in season.
Near the park
Creek Inn
A small inn with a handful of rooms on the approach road; rates around A$170 a double, extra for adults and children (check).
Near the park
Launceston
The practical base: full range of hotels and hostels, 1–1.5 h from the park.
Near the park
Camping
No formal campground on the plateau; campers use the surrounding state forest and reserve areas (check).
Safety
Snow, ice and whiteout on the plateau high
Cold and wind medium
Steep unsealed road medium
Wildlife on the road medium
Accessibility
- The Alpine Village day area and the Little Hell lookout walk are the most manageable stops for limited mobility; the plateau itself is rough.
- Jacobs Ladder is steep and unsealed, and there is no public transport to the top outside the seasonal shuttle.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on the marked routes: alpine plants recover slowly from trampling.
- Carry out all rubbish; there are no bins on the plateau.
- Use the seasonal shuttle from the snowline in winter to cut traffic and chain damage on the road.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Ben Lomond National Park?
Tasmanian national parks charge per vehicle or per person rather than a flat national fee, so the entry cost depends on your vehicle and how many parks you plan to visit. Buy a day pass or a two-month holiday pass online before you drive up; rates change, so check the current price on the parks website. The seasonal snowline shuttle is a separate fare, roughly A$8–12 per person.
What are the best hikes in Ben Lomond National Park?
For most visitors it is Carr Villa to Alpine Village, about 1.5 hours one way with a steep climb onto the plateau, and the short Alpine Village to Little Hell walk, about 1.5 hours return, for views to Stacks Bluff. The harder option is Storys Creek to Stacks Bluff from the southern trailhead near Rossarden, a rough 5–7 hour return that needs navigation skills.
When is the best time to visit Ben Lomond National Park?
November to March for walking: long days, dry-ish ground and the alpine plants in flower. June to September is the snow season, when wheel chains must be carried and the road can close; the ski field runs on natural snow only, so check the snow report before driving up.
Do I need wheel chains to drive up Ben Lomond?
Yes, between June and September you must carry wheel chains, and they are not sold or hired on the mountain. Arrange them in Launceston or another major centre before you go. In season you can also leave the car at the snowline and take the shuttle to the top car park.
Can I drive a caravan or motorhome up Jacobs Ladder?
No. The climb is steep, narrow and unsealed, and is not suitable for caravans, trailers or large motorhomes. Leave them in Launceston or at a lower parking area and drive up in a car, or use the seasonal shuttle.
Is there anywhere to stay in the park?
There are lodges at the Alpine Village on the mountain, with limited beds that fill in the ski season, and a small inn on the approach road. Most visitors base themselves in Launceston, 1–1.5 hours away, and there is no formal campground on the plateau.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go