mountain biking
Ben Lomond is home to the infamous Ben Lomond Descent, a massive drop of 1050 vertical metres and a 25km ride from an alpine plateau down through eucalypt bushlands.
Seeking the ultimate Tasmanian downhill? You found it! The Ben Lomond Descent begins up in the mountain’s alpine plateau before dropping down the hair-raising six-pin mountain road, Jacob’s Ladder. Pass alpine flora, Australia’s largest boulder fields and stunning eucalypt bushland as you drop a whopping 1050 vertical metres.
The ride is run by our partners, Mountain Bike Tasmania, who’ve been providing tours of the descent for nearly 20 years! Ian and his team of local guides are able to tailor the ride to riders of any level and can even offer extra technical sections for those with a more extensive mountain biking experience.
Their tour includes: mountain bike and helmet rental, a transfer from Ben Lomond BASE at the bottom of the mountain to the alpine ski village at the top, a local guide, and lunch at The BASE Cafe, all for the great-value price of $255 ($295 from Launceston).
Tours depart on demand and must be booked in advance. Tours last 5-6 hours including transfer from Ben Lomond BASE. Get in touch to book now: admin@mountainbiketasmania.com.au
Bookings can be pencilled in in advance and payment is only taken once you arrive in Tasmania.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
The tour includes:
– Mountain bike
– Helmet
– Local guide
– Transfer from Ben Lomond BASE
– Meal Voucher for Ben Lomond BASE Cafe (Value $20)
– A route tailored to your MTBing experience
Ask your guide and they’ll even stop off at the Jacob’s Ladder viewing platform for you to take some incredible shots of the road you’ll be riding down.
THE ROUTE
Mostly downhill, this 25km route begins at the Ben Lomond Alpine Ski Village seated at 1450m above sea level. From here you’ll ride across the alpine plateau to the famous, six hair-pin mountain road, Jacob’s Ladder. You’ll have awesome views of boulder fields, dolerite cliffs and the northeast countryside.
The route then connects to an old 4WD track through eucalypt forests, before turning into an awesome single-track section used in the annual multi-sport Ben Lomond Descent race. Finally, you’ll head down more single tracks and fire trails until you reach Ben Lomond BASE in time for a refuel with coffee, food and sweet treats before your drive home.
BeN LOMOND BASE
