Ben Lomond

Rising dramatically from the Tasmanian midlands, Ben Lomond is a rugged plateau that feels a world away from the island's gentler landscapes. In winter, its slopes transform into Tasmania's premier ski destination, but year‑round the national park offers epic walking, breathtaking views and a sense of untamed alpine wilderness that rewards adventurous travellers.

Highlights & What to See

• Ben Lomond Plateau: The heart of the park, a spectacular dolerite plateau that holds Tasmania's only commercial ski fields. In summer, the bare rock and alpine heath create a stark, lunar beauty.
• Legges Tor: At 1572 m, Tasmania's second‑highest peak. A moderately challenging walk from the car park rewards you with panoramic views over the northeast and, on clear days, the Bass Strait islands.
• Jacobs Ladder: The thrilling access road – a steep, winding gravel track with 18 switchbacks that climbs 1000 m in just 8 km. The drive itself is an adventure (check conditions before heading up).
• Giblin Falls: A short, easy walk from the main road leads to a pretty waterfall cascading over dolerite columns – a refreshing stop on a warm day.
• Alpine Flora & Wildlife: Keep an eye out for snow gums, cushion plants and the endemic Ben Lomond snow daisy. You might spot wombats, wallabies or even a wedge‑tailed eagle soaring overhead.

Suggested Time to Spend

A day trip from Launceston is perfectly doable – allow at least 4–5 hours on the plateau to tackle a walk (Legges Tor takes about 2.5 hours return), soak up the views and enjoy a picnic. If you're skiing or snowboarding in winter, plan a full day or stay overnight at the ski lodge. For walkers wanting to explore more remote trails, an overnight camp on the plateau is a magical experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Launceston – the gateway city, just 50 km away, with its excellent food scene, Cataract Gorge and historic architecture.
• Freycinet National Park – about a 2‑hour drive east, famous for Wineglass Bay and stunning coastal granite peaks.
• Hobart – Tasmania's capital, roughly 2.5 hours south, offering MONA, Salamanca Market and Mount Wellington.
• Cradle Mountain – a classic alpine destination in the World Heritage Area, around 3 hours west.
• Port Arthur – the historic penal settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, about 2.5 hours southeast.
• Bruny Island – a food‑lover's paradise with dramatic cliffs and wildlife, reachable via a 2‑hour drive and ferry from Hobart.

Please check official sources for current details.