transport to ben lomond
Ben Lomond National Park is located one hour from Launceston and 1.5 hours from The Spirit of Tasmania port in Devonport. It’s also located en route to the East Coast so makes the perfect stop on a tour of Tasmania, or day trip from Launceston.
How to get to Ben Lomond
As there is currently no public transport to Ben Lomond, those without a car will need to hire one or join a tour (like Pepper Bush Adventures).
Driving to Ben Lomond? Get some top tips on how to prepare for your journey.
The Route
The easiest way to get to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort is by car on a scenic hour’s drive east from Launceston, Tasmania.
From Launceston, follow Blessington Road (C401) for 30 minutes until you reach Ben Lomond Base at the start of Ben Lomond Road.
This is a great point to stop in at The Base and speak to staff about current conditions on the mountain, purchase the required National Parks pass, grab yourself a coffee or use the facilities. As a visitor information centre, Ben Lomond Base also has tips on hikes as well as e-bike rentals in Summer, and wheel chains and snow sport equipment in Winter.
After you’ve got everything you need, jump back in the car and continue for another 30 minutes until you reach the upper Ben Lomond car park at the end of Ben Lomond Road. Please note that Ben Lomond Road is an unsealed gravel road.
Ten minutes before you reach the ski village, you’ll drive the famous Jacob’s ladder, a stunning, six-corner stretch of road ascending Ben Lomond National Park.
Driving to Ben Lomond in Winter?
It’s mandatory to carry wheel chains in winter (1 June to 30 September) and hold a valid National Parks Pass when entering Ben Lomond National Park. Ben Lomond Base at the foothill of Ben Lomond sells National Parks Passes and rents out chains so you can easily pick up both enroute to the mountain.
The final 8km of the journey to Ben Lomond ski village, including Jacobs Ladder, is subject to icy and sometimes snowy conditions. When this occurs, you will be asked to fit wheel chains to your tyres at the fitting bay (either by the lower car park, or at the bottom of Jacobs Ladder). Wheel chains will provide you with extra grip to help you get up the mountain safely. Find out how to fit them.
on this page
Snow Chains
Snow chains must be carried in all vehicles travelling to the top of the mountain. Hiring or purchasing snow chains allows you to drive to the top of the mountain without any delays, and to take in the majestic views at your leisure on the drive up to Ben Lomond Ski Village.
Wheel chain hire can be purchased at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort Base at the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road as you turn onto the gravel road to the mountain.
Note: Chains must be carried during the winter season at Ben Lomond.
Shuttle Bus Service
Ben Lomond Snow Sports run a shuttle bus service from the lower car park to the ski village during the winter months. Please click here for more details.
National Parks Pass
A valid park pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania’s national parks.
A range of national park passes lets you choose the best way to get out and experience Tasmania’s world-class national parks. The money raised from park fees is reinvested and goes directly towards the upkeep of your parks and reserves. It is used to maintain and upgrade visitor facilities, walking tracks and visitor centres and provide a range of services. Additional fees may also apply to cover activities such as guided cave tours, multi-day walks and campground stays.
Visitors can purchase passes per vehicle, or per person if arriving by bus, motorbike, bike or on foot.
Entry into Ben Lomond National Park is subject to a National Parks Entry Fee which can be pre-purchased, click here for more information.
