Wollumbin Hike (Mount Warning) Summit Track (8.8km)

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.