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.
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.
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.
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.
- Timber Boardwalk
- Rainforest
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Exposed Ledges
- Rock Scrambling
- Steep Terrain
Total distance: 8785 m
Max elevation: 1092 m
Min elevation: 447 m
Total climbing: 907 m
Total descent: -907 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Wollumbin National Park.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
- 2WD Access
- 4WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- BBQ Facilities
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Wollumbin National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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7 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.