Get back to nature with a hike through pristine rainforest to the summit of an ancient mountain, and be the first person in Australia to see the light of a new day.
The impressive eco-system of the Wollumbin-Mount Warning rainforest is one of the most unique in the world. Abundant with birds, plants and wildlife, this World Heritage Listed wilderness is a place to unwind, re-energise and connect with nature. Climb to the peak to be one of the first people in the country to have morning sun warm your skin. Stay overnight in a cabin in the Rainforest Park or unroll your swag and camp out under the stars.
The dual name of the mountain comes from the Aboriginal and colonial history of the area. As a landmark, it was named Mount Warning by Captain Cook to alert to seafarers of the offshore reef. Its Aboriginal name, Wollumbin, means ‘cloud catcher’ and is a sacred to the people of the Bundjalung Nation. In 2009, the Wollumbin National Park and the Mount Warning National Park were united.
A trek on this spectacular remnant vent of an ancient volcano, some 1,157 metres (3,796 feet) above sea level is rewarded with stunning views of the Caldera, Gold Coast and Byron Bay.
The 9-kilometre (5-mile) return trip begins at the Breakfast Creek parking area and passes through untouched subtropical rainforest, scrubland and damp sclerophyll forests of banksias, acacias and eucalypts. Before the peak is a challenging rock scramble, guided by a sturdy chain. Due to its height and position on the east coast, this is the first mountain peak in Australia to be warmed by sunrise at the Autumn and Spring equinoctes. Step onto the summit and breath the fresh air, relax and enjoy the sweeping 360-degree views.
For a shorter, easier walk, take the Lyrebird Track over Breakfast Creek through 200 metres (656-feet) of exquisite Gondwana Rainforest. Hear the calls of whipbirds and look for wallabies, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, possums and the elusive platypus.
Mount Warning is in the Northern Rivers region of N.S.W, an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. The Rainforest Park, with its camping grounds and walking tracks, are at the foot of the mountain.
Be sure to pack a torch if hiking before sun rise, as well as water and a small snack for energy. Leaving the marked trail, camping or making fires are not permitted on the mountain. Wear all-weather protective clothing and appropriate footwear as rain can make temperatures drop dramatically and the track can become slippery.
