Trail summary
Safety advice
Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track will remain closed pending the development of a Memorandum of Understanding and further joint management arrangements, with future management of the park to be guided by Aboriginal custodians.
Hike overview
Wollumbin (Mount Warning) summit track is located 12km south-west of Murwillumbah, in Wollumbin National Park. The 8.8 km, return walk through the rainforest, culminates in breathtaking 360 degree views around the ancient caldera with coastal views stretching from The Gold Coast to Byron Bay. Winding upwards from the Breakfast Creek parking area the Mount Warning summit track passes through a variety of vegetation communities. Subtropical and temperate rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and heath shrubland are all encountered on your journey. The climb ends with a challenging rock scramble before reaching the summit, the perfect place to picnic before heading back down again.
Wollumbin, which means 'cloud catcher' to some Aboriginal People, is a traditional place of cultural law, initiation and spiritual education for the people of the Bundjalung Nation. Under Bundjalung law, only certain people can climb the summit. Out of respect for their law and culture, consider not climbing the summit.
If you choose to tackle this challenging track, take extreme care. The 8.8km return walk takes at least 5hrs and is long and steep, with a very strenuous 100m vertical rock scramble to reach the summit. The high, exposed summit can attract wild weather and the track shouldn't be attempted in poor conditions, especially during thunderstorms. In winter, it's important to start before midday to avoid a dangerous descent in the dark.
As an alternative to climbimg the mountain enjoy a shorter walk catering for the less energetic, the Lyrebird track, which winds through Gondwana rainforest to a lookout. Some of the best views of Wollumbin can be found along Pinnacle walk and lookout in Border Ranges National Park. You can also try Goorgana walking track or Pholis Gap walking track in nearby Nightcap National Park, or Best of All lookout at Queensland's Springbrook National Park.
Wollumbin is a place of great spiritual significance to the Bundjalung People. Visitors are asked to respect their wishes and choose not to climb the summit track.
Border Ranges National Park and Nightcap National Park provide some of the best photo opportunities of Wollumbin in all its glory.
If you do climb this track it requires extreme caution. It's long, steep, difficult and dangerous in places. It shouldn't be attempted in poor weather or when high winds or thunderstorms are forecast.
For your safety, set out before midday in winter as descending in the dark is treacherous and you may become lost.
Tips
Take advantage of toilets at the carpark. You'll need to bag and carry out your waste, including toilet waste, on the summit track.
- Toilets are available only at the start of the walk.
- Suitable footwear should be worn.
- Temperature drops rapidly as you ascend.
- Carry your own water and refreshments.
- Take all your litter away with you.
- Keep to the track - short cuts cause erosion.
- Camping and fires are not permitted.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
Trail features
- Timber Boardwalk
- Rough Trail
- Rainforest
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
- Scenic Viewpoints
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1092 m
Min elevation: 447 m
Total climbing: 907 m
Total descent: -907 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Mount Warning, Uki, Murwillumbah, Tyalgum, Chillingham
Wollumbin National Park is located 12km south-west of Murwillumbah, off Kyogle Road.
From Murwillumbah: Take the Kyogle Rd towards Uki. Around 10km from Murwillumbah, before you reach Uki, turn right into Mount Warning Road. Continue 3.5km to the end of Mount Warning Rd, where you’ll reach Breakfast Creek carpark in the national park.
Mount Warning Road is a sealed road, subject to rapidly rising floodwaters, even during localised storms.
Limited parking is available at Breakfast Creek carpark. Not suitable for longer vehicles including coaches, caravans, and camper trailers. This is a high-risk area for theft, please don’t leave valuables in your car. Please make sure you don’t obstruct the emergency vehicle parking zone.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- 4WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
About the region
Wollumbin, which rises from World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park to a height of 1,157 metres above sea level, is a remnant central vent of an ancient volcano. Formerly known as Mount Warning, this spectacular peak can be viewed from a range of vantage points in the surrounding massive crater (caldera), including Cudgen Nature Reserve, Border Ranges National Park and Nightcap National Park, Cape Byron Lighthouse and various settlements.
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Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Wollumbin Hike (Mount Warning) Summit Track (8.8km)”
I am mentally preparing myself for this to get fit again.
Awesome hike/climb! Unfortunately we went on a wet and cloudy day and saw a white out from the top.