Ben Lomond National ParkAbout Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond National Park is a protected area in northeast Tasmania centred on the mountain of the same name and its surrounding alpine plateau.
The park’s primary attractions are high-country scenery and mountain recreation. The summit of Mount Ben Lomond reaches 1,461 metres, and a compact ski area occupies the park’s northern slopes; walking tracks provide access across the plateau and to the summit.
The park has been managed for both conservation and recreation by Tasmanian authorities, protecting alpine vegetation types and providing facilities for mountain users. Infrastructure is limited compared with lowland parks, reflecting the alpine environment.
The park lies in northeast Tasmania, roughly northeast of Launceston, on the island’s upland Langloff/Ben Lomond massif.
- Summit elevation: Summit elevation is 1,461 metres, making it one of Tasmania’s higher accessible peaks.
- Winter conditions: Seasonal snow and a small ski field mean winter conditions can support snow sports, though operations are limited and weather dependent.
What to See#
- Mount Ben Lomond: The mountain summit reaches 1,461 metres and is the highest point within the park, offering alpine views and an exposed plateau above the treeline.
- Ben Lomond ski area: The northern slopes host a small alpine ski area and associated access road and facilities used in winter months for downhill skiing and snow activities.
- Alpine plateau: An upland plateau above 1,000 metres characterised by alpine herbfields and buttongrass moorland, forming the park’s primary conservation landscape.
Best Time to Visit Ben Lomond National Park
Summer is the most accessible season for walking and sightseeing; winter is for experienced mountaineers with appropriate gear.
Weather & Climate near Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond National Park's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1283 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 6° - 16° | 11° | 58 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 14° | 7° | 80 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 10° | 3° | 98 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 0° - 7° | 0° | 120 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 126 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -2° - 3° | -5° | 144 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -2° - 4° | -4° | 149 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 6° | -2° | 122 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 9° | 1° | 107 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 12° | 4° | 97 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 4° - 14° | 6° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond is reached from the town of Launceston via the A3 and then smaller district roads toward the Ben Lomond area (approximately 1.5-2 hours drive). The visitor center and start points for walks are signposted from local roads; check Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania for current access conditions.
Tips for Visiting Ben Lomond National Park
- Drive carefully on the access roads - they can be narrow and winding with limited guardrails.
- Bring layers: even summer days on Ben Lomond can be cool and changeable, and the summit often has a sharp wind.
- If hiking to the summit, start early and be prepared for ice or snow outside of summer months.