Snow chains in Tasmania – Do you need them?
The question of whether you need to bring, buy or rent snow chains in Tasmania pops up every winter. I’ve got everything you need to know, right here!
Tasmania is a popular destination for its winter snow and gorgeous alpine scenery, and as the temperatures start to drop I keep seeing this question being asked:
“Do you need snow chains in Tasmania?“
It’s a simple question, but all it takes is a quick search and you’ll soon realise there are plenty of opinions, but very little in the way of factual information – especially for sealed roads where most of us want to travel!
We do have clear instructions from Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service for three locations where snow chains are required during winter:
- Ben Lomond National Park
- Mt Field National Park
- Hartz Mountains National Park
But when you look at other popular locations such as Cradle Mountain and Mt Wellington, or even general advice for the alpine regions of Tasmania where so many travellers plan to visit – especially in a rental car – there is very little guidance to be found for your winter road trip.
Challenge accepted!
Here is all the latest information on this important subject…
1. Snow chains in Ben Lomond National Park
The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service provide clear guidance for the use of snow chains in Ben Lomond National Park. Ben Lomond Alpine Resort also provide good guidance here.
“Between 1 June and 30 September, all vehicles are required to carry correctly fitted snow chains when visiting Ben Lomond National Park. Anti-freeze is also recommended. Snow chains are available to rent from Ben Lomond BASE, located at the bottom of the mountain prior to the National Park, on the corner of Blessington Road and Ben Lomond Road.”​ – P&WS
Have you ever heard of Jacobs Ladder? When you see photos of this spectacular and very steep unsealed road that is the only point of access to the snow and ski fields, you will realise exactly why it is mandatory for snow chains to be carried in Ben Lomond NP between June and September.
The P&WS provide a pre-recorded voice message providing the latest advice on road conditions for Jacobs Ladder – 0429 646 557
See my article 7 Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania for more information about visiting Ben Lomond in winter.
2. Snow chains in Mt Field National Park
The need for snow chains in Mt Field National depends on both the weather and road conditions.
First of all, there is no need for snow chains if you are only planning on visiting the Visitor Centre and surrounding walks, such as Russell Falls and Horseshoe falls. The visitor centre is at low altitude and rarely receives heavy snow falls. Access is also via sealed road.
However, if you plan on visiting Lake Dobson, Tarn Shelf, or any of the alpine walking trails of upper Mt Field NP then snow chains may be needed.
Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service provide the following advice on snow chains in Mt Field NP:
“Access to the Lake Dobson carpark is up a winding gravel road, 16km past the Park entrance. Due to snow conditions, vehicles using this road may require chains and the road may be closed. For information on road conditions phone 03 6288 1149 . This road is not suitable for campervans or buses.” – P&WS
Depending on how heavy and how recent snow falls have been, vehicle requirements for the road to Lake Dobson can vary:
- 4WD with snow chains (AWD or 2WD not permitted)
- 4WD or AWD without chains, or 2WD with snow chains
- Other combinations
For the latest information on road conditions and whether snow chains are required, I suggest ringing the number listed above, and also checking both the P&WS Facebook Page and the Waterfalls Cafe & Gallery FB Page.
See my article 7 Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania for more information about visiting Mt Field in winter.
3. Snow chains in Hartz Mountains National Park
Hartz Mountains NP is more remote and a lot less people visit compared with Mt Field – especially in winter.
For this reason the guidance provided by P&WS regarding the need for snow chains in Hartz Mountains NP is more explicit:
“Check the road conditions before you travel, as it can be closed by snow in winter. Unless your vehicle is fitted with chains, you should not drive further in snow. If you become stuck, death from hypothermia could result. No rangers are based in this park.”​ – P&WS
The last 13km of the road to the main car park is unsealed and often corrugated and I definitely wouldn’t be attempting this road after snow in either a 2WD or without snow chains.
See my article 7 Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania for more information about visiting Hartz Mountains in winter.
4. Snow chains at Cradle Mountain, Mt Wellington and other alpine regions
You would think that these super popular destinations would have plenty of info, right?
Nope.
I’ve trawled the internet looking for as much info as possible, even going so far as to read the sleep-inducing Tasmanian Road Rules, but with no luck.
To get to the bottom of this conundrum I submitted a formal request to the Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council and they have provided an answer (of sorts).
Word for word, this is what I asked the Council:
- Is it permitted for a vehicle (car/4WD/campervan/motorhome) to drive on a sealed road with snow chains fitted, where it has not snowed?
- Is it permitted for a vehicle (car/4WD/campervan/motorhome) to drive on a sealed road with snow chains fitted, where it has snowed?
- If ‘Yes’, does this apply for any snow (no matter how shallow), or only where the layer of snow on the road exceeds a specific depth?
- If ‘Yes’, are there any compliance requirements that drivers need to be aware of?
- Are there any variations to these rules that are dependent on the vehicle type?
- Are there any rules regarding the type of snow chains that must be used? (design/material etc.)
- Is there an official source of information regarding the use of snow chains in Tasmania, and general driving in the snow in Tasmania, that I can recommend to my community?
This is the response I received:
To be honest, I was hoping for a bit more detail regarding some of the specifics of my questions – but there is still plenty here that is very helpful.
Using the advice provided and a dash of common sense, this is how I would approach the issue:
- No snow (sealed and dirt roads): Snow chains are not required
- Lots of snow + Dirt road: Do fit chains. It isn’t common, but you are most likely to encounter this at Ben Lomond, Mt Field (upper elevations), and Hartz Mountains NP.
- Lots of snow + Sealed road: If it is absolutely essential that you get from A to B, and you know for sure that the snow will be deep, then DO fit chains. BUT… this is going to be a very rare scenario, as snow on main roads in Tasmania normally either melts quickly, or is cleared by snowploughs quickly. If it was me as a short-term visitor, I wouldn’t bother with chains because it is extremely unlikely you’ll get any use out of them. Just be ready with an ‘Option B’ backup plan in case you can’t drive through a particular region. Having a bit of ‘flex’ in your itinerary can help with this.
- A little bit of snow + Dirt road: Follow the advice provided by P&WS where it is available. If there is no guidance then it’s your call on whether snow chains are needed.
- A little bit of snow + Sealed road: I wouldn’t fit chains, for two reasons. Firstly, it is likely you could be in breach of the Regulation quoted above as you could damage the road surface. Secondly, I don’t feel it is worth the hassle due to snow either melting quickly, or being cleared very quickly.
Should you bring your own snow chains to Tasmania?
If you already have snow chains and you are driving your own vehicle to Tasmania, then you might as well bring your snow chains, just in case you end up needing them.
Should you rent or buy snow chains?
Before you get to Tasmania – The chances of snow being heavy enough to warrant the use of snow chains in Tasmania is so low that it isn’t worth buying or renting snow chains before you get here.
On arrival in Tasmania:
- If you are bringing your own vehicle for your Tassie road trip then I would wait and see what the conditions are like on arrival before deciding whether to rent or buy snow chains. Honestly, it’s very unlikely you will need them.
- If you are going to rent a vehicle on arrival in Tasmania, then don’t bother with snow chains, because nearly all rental companies prohibit you from driving in the snow.
Final thoughts…
I hope you have found this guide helpful deciding whether or not you will need snow chains on your Tasmania road trip. The most important piece of advice I can provide is to play it safe in the alpine regions of Tasmania. Getting yourself and your family home in one piece is the most important thing!
As with all my articles on the website, I will update the content as soon as any new information comes to light, and if there are any changes to the advice provided here I will be sure to let you know – not just here but also over in our friendly Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group.
Other comprehensive articles that you will find useful include my Tasmania Car Hire Comparison and Tassie Campervan/Motorhome Rental Guide, and of course there is also my very popular guide to the 7 Best Places to See the Snow in Tasmania.
Happy and safe travels!
Andrew.