Ben Lomond Summit Road — Blessington to Ben Lomond Plateau via Jacob’s Ladder
Eleven switchbacks. One brutal dolerite skyline.
Jacob’s Ladder is not subtle. The road climbs the eastern escarpment of Ben Lomond — Tasmania’s second highest peak at 1572 metres — through eleven tight switchbacks so steep that buses and low-clearance vehicles are explicitly banned. The dolerite columns rising above you on the final ascent feel vertical. From the township of Blessington in the northern midlands the route winds through farmland before hitting the national park boundary and starting the climb. The plateau at the top is a subalpine boulder field of frost-shattered dolerite, home to a small ski village that operates in winter, and sweeping views across northeastern Tasmania on a clear day that stretch to the coast.
In summer the road is accessible to high-clearance 4WDs and confident 2WD vehicles, but the tight switchbacks and loose surface punish anything with a long wheelbase or wide track — a 70-series LandCruiser fits, but only just on some corners. In winter and spring, snow and ice make the upper section genuinely dangerous without mud-terrain or all-season tyres and chains. National Parks pass required. No fuel on the plateau; fill up in Launceston or Blessington. The ski village has basic accommodation, and dispersed camping is available at the Carr Villa campsite at the base of the ladder. Cell service disappears on the plateau.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Scenic Drive, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35 km |
| Duration | Half day - 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5157 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Blessington, Tasmania |
| Land manager | Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parks.tas.gov.au |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Landcruiser 200 Series handle Jacob's Ladder without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will make it, but you'll want low-range engaged on the switchbacks — grades hit 15–20% on loose dolerite rock. Longer wheelbase vehicles need to be careful on the tighter hairpins, and underbody scrapes are possible if you're not precise with your line.
When is Jacob's Ladder actually open and driveable?
December through March is your window — the plateau sits at over 5,000ft and gets snow, ice, and road closures outside summer. Check current conditions with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service before you go, as the road can close mid-season after storms too.
Do you need a park pass or permit to drive Ben Lomond National Park?
Yes — a Tasmania National Parks pass is required to enter Ben Lomond National Park. Day passes and annual passes are available; buy online through Parks Tasmania or at self-registration stations. If you're camping on the plateau, factor that into your stay duration.
What's the actual hardest section and what makes it dangerous?
The eleven dolerite switchbacks of Jacob's Ladder are the crux — loose rock, near-vertical exposure on the outer edge, and no guardrails on most turns. The surface shifts under tyres, especially after rain, and there's nowhere to pass oncoming traffic on several hairpins, so patience and communication matter.
Is there any water or fuel available on or near the plateau?
No fuel anywhere near the trail — fill up in Launceston before heading out, roughly 50km away. Water sources on the plateau are limited and untreated; carry your own drinking water for the day or purify from alpine streams if you're camping overnight.
Trail track
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