Mount Warning

Travel Guide

Mount Warning featuring landscape views, mountains and forests
Mount Warning featuring landscape views
Mount Warning featuring bird life
Mount Warning which includes rainforest
Mount Warning featuring rainforest and forest scenes
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.

Mt Warning Rainforest Retreat
Mt Warning Rainforest Retreat
5 out of 5
112 Mount Warning Road, Mount Warning, NSW
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Mount Warning. Enjoy a full-service spa, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Hattons Bluff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Ideal rainforest setting, private, peaceful and great fireplace with firewood supplied."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2021

Mt Warning Rainforest Retreat
Greenmount Beach House
Greenmount Beach House
3 out of 5
3 Hill Street, Coolangatta, QLD
The price is €107 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
€107
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Terrific location. Great staff and service. Clean and very relaxing."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2025

Greenmount Beach House
Rydges Gold Coast Airport
Rydges Gold Coast Airport
4 out of 5
Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga, Bilinga, QLD
The price is €125 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
€125
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (922 reviews)
"Immaculate, welcoming and great service from the front desk staff. Also, location-location when you need a sleep NOW that's a 2 minute stroll from picking up your luggage. Ahhhhh."

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2025

Rydges Gold Coast Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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