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.
A 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.
Trail Wisdom
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.
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
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
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
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Provide ankle support and traction on scree, snow and rocky plateau surfaces.
Windproof shell and insulating layersEssential
Protects against severe wind chill and sudden temperature drops on the plateau.
Water and filtration systemEssential
Water is scarce on the plateau—carry enough or a filter for trusted water sources.
Map and compass or GPSEssential
Visibility can change fast; reliable navigation prevents getting lost on the plateau.
Common Questions
How long is the hike to the summit of Legges Tor?
From the ski village car park it’s a relatively short summit walk—often under two hours round-trip depending on conditions; full approaches from valley trailheads can be all-day efforts with significantly more elevation gain.
Is Ben Lomond a good place to ski?
Yes—Ben Lomond hosts Tasmania’s main developed alpine ski area with short lift-served runs; conditions vary year to year and can be quite different from mainland Australian snow fields.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Camping is allowed in designated areas; check current Park policies and any booking requirements, and use established campsites to minimize impact.
Are there marked trails across the plateau?
Yes—there are established tracks and summit routes, but navigation skills are important when visibility is poor; stick to marked trails to protect fragile vegetation.
When is the best time to visit for hiking?
Late summer (January–March) offers the most stable conditions for hiking, with less risk of snow and long daylight hours.
What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see pademelons, wombats and a range of birdlife including raptors; nocturnal and shy species are common but sightings vary.
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
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
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
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
Access: 1–1.5 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
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.