No products in the cart.
Return To Shop
Camping Plus are adventurers at heart and we love to:
- bring our knowledge of the great outdoors to you; and
- provide you with the equipment that you need to have fun, safe and convenient adventures in today’s fast-paced life.
One of our favourite hikes not too far from the Gold Coast is Mt Warning. We’ve already mentioned the Mount Warning hike in our previous article but because we love it so much we thought we would dedicate a whole article to it!
So, you’ve decided to do the Mount Warning Hike? Here’s what you can expect:
Where is it located?
Mt Warning is a volcanic plug mountain, located 14 kilometres west of Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers region of beautiful northern New South Wales.
What is it?
Mt Warning is an extinct volcano, which used to be called the Tweed Volcano. Mt Warning or Wollumbin has great significance to the aboriginal Bundjalung people and contains many sacred sights and ritual spots. It is the feature of many aboriginal legends. Mt Warning is nestled within Wollumbin national park and offers a spectacular gondwana, world heritage listed rainforest experience.
Where did the name Mt Warning come from?
Apparently, in 1770, Captain Cook sailed passed the region and recorded sighting a peaked mountain, which warned him (and was named to warn other sailors) to steer clear of the dangerous reefs off Fingal Heads.
How long does it take to get there from the Gold Coast?
Mt Warning is only about 60 kilometres south of the Gold Coast, so it will probably only take you about an hour to get there in the car.
How far is the hike?
The hike to the summit of Mt Warning from the breakfast creek carpark is about 4000 meters or 4kilometers. As there is only one track up and back, this makes the round trip about 8 kilometres. Which is a fair hike when you consider the elevation! This is touted to take about 5.5 hours to complete, but we’ve seen people run it in 30 minutes so it’s up to you and your fitness levels how long it takes.
What is the elevation?
Mt Warning reaches skyward to about 1,156 meters, and the incline is not gradual. At the summit, you will have to do some rock scrambling, but don’t worry, there’s a chain there to help you out! We don’t recommend hiking this one during a thunderstorm (lightening often strikes atop Mt Warning), so always check your weather app before you climb.
What kind of fitness level do I need to hike it?
This is a fairly steep hike, which covers a decent distance, including, as mentioned a rock scramble at the top. So, this hike requires some level of strength and fitness before considering tackling it.
How Difficult is it to Climb Mount Warning?
As we have said, it is not an easy hike, so don’t expect it to be, but if you have a reasonable level of fitness and arrive prepared the effort of climbing to the top if well worth it when you take in the 360 degree view of northern New South Wales, from Byron Bay, to the Gold Coast and beyond!
What should I wear to be prepared?
The weather can vary quite dramatically at Mt Warning, and can change pretty quick due to the elevation. Camping Plus recommend being prepared, and taking a range of clothes just in case you get caught out. Maybe a raincoat, a jacket and some thick socks to avoid blisters, and hiking boots to start with!
What should I take with me to be prepared?
Camping Plus recommend taking a decent backpack containing the following hiking essentials at bare minimum:
- first aid kit;
- plenty of water;
- snacks & food for the top;
- headlight;
- poncho/raincoat;
- jacket;
- change of socks;
- hat;
- rehydration tablets;
- mobile phone;
- national park map;
- compass;
- spare battery/portable phone charger; and
- camera.
What is the Best Time of day to Climb Mount Warning?
Camping Plus recommend hiking Mt Warning early, aiming to be at the top for sunrise. This means you’ll hike in the dark, so take a headlamp to light the way! The hike is great at any time of the day but the sunrise is spectacular as it rises over the ocean. Sunset is beautiful as well and the 360 degree view means you can see the sunrise/set from many perspectives great for keen photographers. Make sure you check you’re weather app when planning to see what time the sunset or sunrise is so that you allow enough time to get up the top! There’s nothing worse than going all that way and missing it. Leaving the Gold Coast about 3 hours before the rise or set is due is a good safe choice.
Is there any camping nearby?
If you are thinking of making a trip of your Mt Warning adventure there is camping nearby at Mt Warning Rainforest Park (this is just as you drive in to do the summit hike). They offer great rates and facilities with Wi-Fi, a general store, cabins, tent sites and powered sites the park really has something for everyone. A stay nearby will mean you can make the most of the world heritage listed rainforest.
What are you waiting for?
Now you have all the information you need to make a day or weekend of Mt Warning, what excuses do you have left? Get out there and enjoy the ancient rainforest, 360 degree views, and local wildlife (koalas, turkeys lizards, native birds and frogs). If you need any gear to prepare or even just advice for your next hiking trip, pay Camping Plus a visit at our online or Gold Coast store.
Leave a reply