Ben Lomond is the dramatic centrepiece of the northeast Tasmanian region. Best known for it's winter ski fields, the park is also a worthy summer destination, as anyone who loves wildflowers will tell you. Seeing them in such a rugged mountainous setting is a special treat, especially if you happen to be a photographer.

This 16,527 hectare park is accessible by a very steep and winding road called Jacobs Ladder, and the trip up is an experience in itself. Named in 1804 after a counterpart in Scotland, the mountain remained virtually unknown until it was visited and studied several times in 1905-1906 by the intrepid Colonel W.V. Legge. He gave many of its features their characteristic names, including several that refer to Africa's Nile River and its explorers.

Composed of sheets of ancient broken dolerite, the park's massive blocks, cliffs and scree are the result of 165 million years of frost shattering.

Needless to say, it can get bitterly cold here, even in summer. Always be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing, let the rangers know where you are going and try and be off the mountain by 4pm.

Several marked walking tracks are worth exploring. A track extends from Carr Villa on the slopes of the mountain to Legges Tor, the second highest peak in Tasmania. The walk takes about 2 hours each way and is steep in spots.

Rewarding your exertions are awe inspiring views at track's end. Camping is permitted in the park, but only if you are undertaking an extended walk. A small alpine village near the ski-fields has accommodation.

Besides the alpine moorlands covered with cushion plants, the park, declared in 1947, also contains a fine eucalypt forest at its lower levels.

Adapting amazingly well to the harsh conditions are the park's marsupial residents, especially wombats, which have the good sense to burrow, wallabies, velvet furred rats, sugar gliders (at the lower elevations) and even pygmy possums.

Just to the north of Ben Lomond is the Mt Barrow State Reserve, both of which reveal how quickly the vegetation changes as you climb. At Mt Barrow though, you'll have to get to the top on foot, but once there you can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the landscape.

For further information phone (003) 90 6279.

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