Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

IUCN Management Category II (National Park)

Biogeographical Province 6.2.2 (Tasmanian)

Geographical Location North-eastern Tasmania near coast: 41°30'-40'S, 147°35'-45'E.

Date and History of Establishment 23 July 1947.

Area 16,526 ha.

Land Tenure State Reserve.

Altitude 500-1,572m.

Physical Features The highest plateau of the north-east massif, 17 km long, 8 km wide, a dolerite still bounded on all sides by steep scarps with adjacent talus slopes of blocks and boulders. The plateau drains towards the centre to form the headwaters of the Nile River, which flows westwards through the spectacular Speke Gorge. Block streams of large boulders form a major element in the landscape. Rainfall is 1,250-1,500 mm annually.

Climate No information

Vegetation Approximately 25 per cent forest and woodland dominated by Eucalyptus delegatensis, with both sclerophyll and rainforest understorey. Also present is Nothofagus cunninghami-Atherosperma moschatum closed forest. Alpine scrubland occupies 50 per cent, with Protaceae and Myrtaceae species dominating. Telopea truncata-Lomatia polymorpha closed scrub, Orites spp. scrub and Baeckea leptocaulis heath are typical. Principal grassland/herbfield species are Poa labillardieri and Astelia alpina. The park contains the only Tasmanian locations of the New Zealand cushion plant Pygmaea ciliolata var. fiordensis.

Fauna The park contains most of the vertebrate fauna of other alpine parks in Tasmania. In particular the endemic fauna include the alpine skink (Leiolopisma ocellata) and the long-tailed rat (Pseudomys higginsi). Larger common mammals include the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), wombat (Vimbatus ursinus), brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), rufous pademelon (Thylogale billardieri) and the tiger cat (Dasyurus maculatus). Over 60 species of birds are commonly present including the more obvious forest raven (Corvus tasmanicus) and the black currawong (Strepera fuliginosa).

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities The most important snow-field area in northern Tasmania. Access road subject to landslides. One public shelter hut and private and club ski lodges. Only 50 km from Launceston, but few visitors in summer.

Scientific Research and Facilities None.

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management Total.

Most of the park is zoned 'Natural Area', with limited areas for 'Skifield Development' and 'Access' under the 1981 Draft Management Plan.

Management Constraints Some illegal logging on a small scale where logging areas occur near the park boundary. The small ski resort village on the plateau and the steep access road to it are the only major developments within the park.

Staff Ranger.

Budget A$ 28,328 (1979/80).

Local Addresses

Ranger-in-Charge, Ben Lomond National Park, c/- National Parks and Wildlife Service, 58 William Street, Launceston 7250.

References

Specht, R.L. et al. (1974). Conservation of major plant communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Aust. J. of Botany Suppl. 7: 341-343. National Parks and Wildlife Service 1981 Draft Management Plan for the Ben Lomond National Park and Conservation Area. NPWWS, Hobart.

Date No information