Mount Warning

Travel Guide

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

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.

Rydges Gold Coast Airport

Rydges Gold Coast Airport

4 out of 5
Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga, Bilinga, QLD
The price is CA $146 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $146
CA $161 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"It’s always a great stay at GC airport Rydges. Whether it’s an early morning flight or just to get ahead on the M1, this is our go-to. Friendly, clean & good food. In the warmer months the pool is delightful. Great cocktails too."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Rydges Gold Coast Airport
Mantra on Salt Beach

Mantra on Salt Beach

4.5 out of 5
Gunnamatta Avenue, Kingscliff, NSW
Fully refundable
The price is CA $140 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $140
CA $140 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Tweed Heads. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Local restaurants are only a short walk away"

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Mantra on Salt Beach
O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

4 out of 5
Lamington National Park Road, via Canungra, O'reilly, QLD
The price is CA $150 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
CA $150
CA $166 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in O'reilly. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (771 reviews)
"This is a beautiful lodge in the rainforest. Just a gorgeous setting with vivid bird life. We kind of bumped into this property by accident and regret that we couldn’t stay longer. There is so much to do that we didn’t have time for. Highly recommended as a destination and we would certainly recommend ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
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.
X Kirra Apartments

X Kirra Apartments

4.5 out of 5
72 Musgrave St, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kirra Beach and Coolangatta Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
"this was our 3rd stay in successive years. Great apartment, excellent parking on site, fabulous views, light and sun. Bed OK although not the most comfortable. Could do with blinds on Nthwest windows as TV could not be seen in afternoon-only a small inconvenience."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

X Kirra Apartments
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort

4 out of 5
76 Musgrave Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (499 reviews)
Great location and view
"Nice apartment overlooking the beach. Handy to playground and walkway"

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 2025

Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites

4 out of 5
99 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Gold Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a sauna. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,193 reviews)
"great location. only negative noise factor eg was next door to bin chute"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza Suites
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do