Ben Lomond Summit Link Track – Ben Lomond National Park

The Easiest Way onto the Alpine Plateau

The Summit Link Track is one of the easiest ways to experience the remarkable alpine environment of Ben Lomond National Park without committing to a long or difficult mountain walk. Starting near the Alpine Village, this short, well-formed walk crosses the high plateau through low alpine vegetation and scattered dolerite boulders. With very little elevation change, it offers genuine high-country scenery for relatively little effort. It is also a great walk to do after negotiating the famous Jacobs Ladder switchbacks, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, experience the plateau and decide whether you feel like tackling one of Ben Lomond’s longer walks.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The Summit Link Track crosses the alpine plateau near the Alpine Village, weaving through low-growing vegetation and around scattered dolerite boulders. There is very little elevation change compared with most Ben Lomond walks, making this one of the most accessible opportunities to experience Tasmania’s high alpine country. The surface is generally well formed, although sections can still be rocky and uneven underfoot.

Difficulty

The Summit Link Track is an easy walk and is suitable for most visitors with a reasonable level of mobility. However, easy walking does not mean mild weather. The track sits at more than 1,450 metres above sea level, so walkers remain exposed to rapid temperature changes, strong winds, fog, rain and snow.

Walk Highlights

🌼 Alpine Vegetation

One of the highlights of the walk is the opportunity to see Ben Lomond’s distinctive alpine vegetation at close range. The plateau supports more than 220 plant species, and during summer the low alpine vegetation can be dotted with colourful wildflowers.

🪨 Dolerite Boulder Fields

The track winds among scattered dolerite boulders and rocky scree that give the Ben Lomond plateau its rugged character. These rocky landscapes also provide clues to the area’s glacial past, when ice shaped parts of the high plateau.

🏔️ High Plateau Scenery

Despite the short distance, the walk gives visitors the feeling of being well above the surrounding countryside. The open plateau, low vegetation, boulders and rapidly changing sky create a landscape unlike almost anywhere else in Tasmania’s north-east.

What to Bring

• Warm jacket – even in summer the plateau can be cold and windy
• Sturdy walking shoes – rocky and uneven ground occurs in places
• Water – carry your own drinking water
• Sun protection – the plateau is exposed
• Rain protection – weather can change quickly
• Snow chains – required to be carried for vehicle access during the winter period when directed

Safety

Although this is a short walk, Ben Lomond is an alpine environment. Keep the following in mind:

• Check weather and road conditions before driving up Jacobs Ladder
• Be prepared for sudden cold, wind, fog, rain or snow
• Carry warm and waterproof clothing
• Stay on the formed track to protect fragile alpine vegetation
• Follow all winter road and snow-chain requirements
• Do not approach exposed edges in poor visibility

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. The Summit Link Track is one of the easiest walks around the Ben Lomond alpine plateau and can be a great introduction to mountain walking for families. Children should still be dressed for alpine weather and supervised around rocky terrain and during poor conditions.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Ben Lomond National Park.

Getting There

From Launceston, travel toward White Hills and Blessington before turning onto Ben Lomond Road. The national park boundary is approximately 8 km from the turn-off, with the Alpine Village a  further drive up the mountain. The final ascent includes the famous Jacobs Ladder, a steep series of switchbacks climbing dramatically toward the plateau. Drivers should take their time, watch for approaching vehicles and check winter access requirements before starting the climb.

Facilities

Facilities around Ben Lomond include:

• Toilets
• Seasonal ski facilities
• Equipment hire during the ski season
• Picnic facilities
• Camping lower on the mountain

Some Alpine Village services operate seasonally, so don’t assume all facilities will be available outside the winter ski period.

Best Time to Walk

For most walkers, late spring through summer and early autumn provides the easiest conditions. Summer offers the best chance to see alpine wildflowers and generally avoids the more  complicated winter driving conditions. Winter completely transforms the plateau, but snow, ice, road restrictions and rapidly changing weather require additional preparation.

Why Walk the Summit Link Track?

The Summit Link Track is ideal for visitors who want to experience Ben Lomond’s alpine environment without tackling a strenuous mountain walk. In a relatively short distance you can walk among dolerite boulders, see alpine plants, experience the exposed high plateau and enjoy a landscape dramatically different from the forests and farmland below. It also works perfectly as a warm-up before a longer walk or as an easy activity after the drive up Jacobs Ladder.

For maximum alpine scenery with minimum walking effort, the Summit Link Track is one of the most accessible walks in Ben Lomond National Park.