Driving to Ben Lomond? Here’s 5 Things You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort? Whether you’re heading here for skiing, snowboarding, or just chasing that fresh alpine air, getting here is half the adventure. This guide has everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable drive up to Tasmania’s premier snow destination.
1. An Unforgettable Drive
The road to Ben Lomond is one of the most iconic alpine drives in Australia, and the highest accessible road in Tasmania. As you climb, you’ll wind through rolling eucalyptus bushland, Australia’s largest boulder field, alpine wildflowers (in summer), and finally reach the jaw-dropping switchbacks of Jacob’s Ladder.
This final stretch up to the plateau offers breathtaking views and dramatic cliffs. It’s a favourite among photographers and road trippers alike – and well worth taking slow to soak it all in.
As with all Tasmanian National Parks, you will need a National Parks Pass to enter. These can be purchased from Ben Lomond Base at the bottom of the mountain.
2. Fill Up Before You Go
There are no fuel stations on the mountain, so make sure to fill up before starting your ascent. The closest petrol stations are in Launceston, Scottsdale and Fingal (all 60+ minutes from the top of the mountain). Mobile reception can be patchy once you’re up high, so best to sort fuel, snacks, and your playlist beforehand!
Why not stop at Ben Lomond Base en route to grab something to eat and use the wifi? It’s a great place to meet friends before you begin your drive up the mountain.
3. Driving a Hire Car?
Hiring a vehicle for your Ben Lomond trip? Rental companies have different policies for using their vehicles in alpine environments. Ben Lomond Road (from Ben Lomond Base to the top of the mountain) is unsealed and gravel. While generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, some hire companies request that you have extra coverage for gravel roads and alpine areas.
Additionally, during winter (1 June – 30 September), you may be required to fit wheel (snow) chains to your vehicle if the road is covered in snow or ice. A quick call to your rental company should give you the reassurance you need to drive up, or the ability to upgrade to snow cover policy if required.
4. When Are Wheel Chains Needed?
During winter, snow and ice can make alpine roads a little tricky. While Ben Lomond Road is often completely free of ice and snow, it is mandatory to carry wheel chains when driving to the top of the mountain between 1 June and 30 September. This is so that if conditions change while you’re up the mountain, you can fit the chains to get yourself safely back down (https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/ben-lomond-national-park/ben-lomond-alpine-village).
National Parks will inform you if you need to fit wheel chains to your car in person, or with signage on your way up the mountain. Additionally, you can call their hotline, updated at 9am everyday during the snow season: 0429 646 557. Our staff at Ben Lomond Base will also be able to check this for you.
- You need to carry chains at all times during the snow season, even if fitting them is not required that day.
- Fit chains at the designated chain bay when required — signs will indicate if chains are mandatory.
- Chains can be hired from Ben Lomond Base.
Where to hire wheel chains Ben Lomond Base, at the bottom of the mountain has everything you need for a day on the mountain – including wheel chains. Wheel chains come in a variety of sizes and are specific to your tyre size. The staff at Ben Lomond Base will be able to work out the right size for your car, just snap a picture of the numbers on the side of your tyre before you head in to see staff eg 275/60/18. Ben Lomond Base has a huge variety of wheel chain sizes available to rent from; however, if you have an uncommon tyre size, please get in touch with us first to check we have the right one for you.
First time fitting snow chains? If it’s your first time or you are unsure about fitting snow chains, we have a video explaining the process. This video is constantly played in the rentals area of Ben Lomond Base, but why not watch it before, or download it to your phone? There’s no service to stream it once you’re up the mountain but instructions are also displayed on the wheel chain bag.
Where to fit wheel chains If National Parks deem the road icy or snowy enough to require wheel chains, they will direct you to fit them in the fitting bays approximately halfway up the mountain, or at the bottom of Jacobs Ladder. Please follow all directions from Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife associates and drive slowly to take in the views!
5. Check Conditions Before You Go
Mountain weather changes fast. Before you leave, it’s essential to:
- Check the latest weather forecast for the region.
- Follow the Ben Lomond Facebook page and Ben Lomond Instagram page for live snow and road updates.
- Check out the webcams over at our Youtube page.
- Look for any access restrictions or closures from Tasmania Police or Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife.
The Payoff? 100% Worth It.
The drive takes a bit of preparation, but it’s worth every second. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with **Tasmania’s only commercial ski field**, panoramic alpine views, and that unbeatable crisp mountain air.
Whether it’s your first time seeing snow or your fiftieth lap of the slopes, Ben Lomond delivers the goods. And it all starts with that incredible drive up the mountain.
See you on the mountain!