GETTING TO
BEN LOMOND
Your mountain adventure starts before you reach the summit. From Launceston to Ben Lomond Base and the spectacular climb up Jacobs Ladder, here's everything you need to know about getting here.
HOW TO GET HERE
Ben Lomond National Park is approximately one hour from Launceston. Follow Blessington Road (C401) through White Hills and turn onto Ben Lomond Road towards the mountain.
FROM LAUNCESTON
Begin your journey from Launceston, following Blessington Road through White Hills towards Upper Blessington and the Ben Lomond turn-off.
STOP AT BEN LOMOND BASE
Ben Lomond Base is located at the junction of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road. Stop for refreshments, equipment collection, snow chains and National Parks passes.
CONTINUE TO THE MOUNTAIN
Follow Ben Lomond Road for approximately 18 km, passing through the national park and climbing Jacobs Ladder before arriving at the alpine village.
YOUR JOURNEY TO BEN LOMOND
Start in Launceston, stop at Ben Lomond Base and continue along Ben Lomond Road to the alpine village.
LAUNCESTON
Your journey begins in Launceston. Follow the scenic route through White Hills towards Ben Lomond.
BEN LOMOND BASE
Your recommended first stop for coffee, refreshments, ski equipment, snow chains, National Parks passes and visitor information.
BEN LOMOND ALPINE RESORT
Continue along Ben Lomond Road, ascend Jacobs Ladder and arrive at the alpine village and ski area.
Launceston → Ben Lomond Base → Ben Lomond Alpine Resort
START YOUR DAY AT BEN LOMOND BASE
Ben Lomond Base is located at the junction of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road, before entering the national park.
Whether you're visiting for skiing, snowboarding, snowplay or summer sightseeing, Ben Lomond Base is a convenient place to stop before heading up the mountain.
- Café, coffee and refreshments
- Ski and snowboard equipment hire
- Winter clothing and snow chain hire
- National Parks passes
- Visitor advice and mountain information
DRIVING JACOBS LADDER
Jacobs Ladder is one of Tasmania's most spectacular mountain roads. The winding climb takes visitors through dramatic dolerite cliffs before reaching the alpine plateau.
The road is steep, narrow and unsealed, with several tight bends. Drive carefully, observe the 30 km/h speed limit and give way to descending vehicles.
Do not stop on the bends. Only use designated stopping areas for photographs. Walking up Jacobs Ladder is not permitted for safety reasons.
Jacobs Ladder is a working mountain access road. Always follow road signs and drive to the conditions.
DRIVING TO BEN LOMOND IN WINTER
Winter conditions can change quickly. Snow, ice, strong winds and reduced visibility may affect access to the mountain. Always check conditions before travelling.
SNOW CHAINS
Snow chains must be carried in all vehicles between 1 June and 30 September, including four-wheel drives.
Snow chains are available for hire from Ben Lomond Base.
FITTING CHAINS
Chains must be fitted when directed by road signs or Parks Tasmania staff, or when required by road conditions.
Use designated fitting areas and follow all instructions.
ALLOW EXTRA TIME
Snow, ice and reduced visibility can considerably increase travel times.
Road restrictions and temporary closures may occur without notice.
Parks Tasmania provides recorded Ben Lomond road information during the winter season.
Road conditions: 0429 646 557
Road access can change at short notice. Follow all Parks Tasmania directions and restrictions.
PARKING & NATIONAL PARKS PASSES
ALPINE VILLAGE PARKING
Parking is available near the alpine village, with access to the ski area and mountain facilities.
Parking can become busy during peak winter periods, so we recommend arriving early.
LOWER MOUNTAIN PARKING
A lower car park is located below Jacobs Ladder.
Parking arrangements and road access may vary depending on weather, maintenance and winter conditions.
NATIONAL PARKS PASSES
A valid Tasmania National Parks pass is required to enter Ben Lomond National Park.
Passes can be purchased at Ben Lomond Base before heading up the mountain.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Do I need a four-wheel drive to reach Ben Lomond?
A four-wheel drive is not generally necessary in good road conditions, but the road is unsealed and conditions can be challenging. Check road restrictions and your vehicle's suitability before travelling. Snow chains must be carried during winter.
Do I need to carry snow chains?
Yes. Between 1 June and 30 September, vehicles travelling to Ben Lomond must carry snow chains, including four-wheel drives. Chains must be fitted when required.
Can I hire snow chains at Ben Lomond Base?
Yes. Ben Lomond Base provides snow chain hire. We recommend collecting chains before heading up the mountain.
Do I need a National Parks pass?
Yes. A valid Tasmania National Parks pass is required to enter Ben Lomond National Park. Passes are available from Ben Lomond Base.
Can Jacobs Ladder close in winter?
Yes. Snow, ice, wind and poor visibility can result in road restrictions or temporary closures. Always check current conditions.
Is there public transport from Launceston?
There is no regular public transport service from Launceston to Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. Visitors generally travel by private car, hire car or arranged tour.
Can I visit Ben Lomond during summer?
Yes. Ben Lomond National Park can be visited year-round, subject to road and park conditions. Summer is a great time to enjoy the scenery, alpine walking and Jacobs Ladder.
PLAN YOUR BEN LOMOND ADVENTURE
Check the weather, prepare for the journey and make Ben Lomond Base your first stop before heading up the mountain.