Wollumbin National Park, commonly known as Mount Warning, is on most people's must-do list. However, if you were here 23 million year ago, you would've been in grave danger as it would've been the plug of then active Tweed Volcano. Over time, the volcano died and as its plug cooled, it shranked and eroded to what it appears today. The elevation of Mount Warning is abour 1600 meters above sea level according to Wikipedia and the walking track will lead you right to its summit.
Warning: this is not for bush-walking beginners! If you are afraid of heights, then the last section of the track which involves rock scrambling (steep) may not be for you, but the rest of the track is still very enjoyable. There are bolted-in chains to help you if you finds it a bit hard to scramble over some sections during the final climb. Other than that, the rest of the track are not as difficult and mostly shady, as it winds along the mountain. The total distance is 8.8 km return, takes at least 4 hours to complete the whole track and return to the carpark unless you are super fit, here are some tips for the hike:
1. Start the hike early, recommended to start 8.30am at the lastest. The track is really humid during the day.
2. Bring at least 2L of water, wear bug/mozzie spray, sun screen and a hat.
3. Plan ahead and only walk the track when weather is good, as track is really slippery when wet and there are several lightning rods at the summit, and becoming a human BBQ is probably the last thing anyone wants.
4. If you are climbing in winter times, bring a warm jumper and some gloves. The closer you get to the summit, the colder it is and gloves will help you holding on to the chains if need-be during the final ascend.
5. If you are climbing for sunrise, make sure you have people with you, wear water-proof clothing and headlights.
Once you get over the hard climb, the unobstructed view on the 360 degree viewing platform will be your ultimate reward and you would be standing almost at the heart of the caldera (sure feels like it). It is hard not to picture what the actual volcano would've looked like from where you stand.
Mount Warning track is busy throughout the year for obvious reasons, and because it is the first place to see sunrise in Australia, it may even be busier before dawn. If you are not climbing for sunrise, then around 8.30 to 9am, a lot of the early hikers would have come down from the climb, that's probably the best time to find parking. It is a small-ish car park, so if you are hiking with a group, best to consider meeting up somewhere else first and decides on the car-pooling. After car park, walk up and you will see an information sign, the track starts right next to it. The stairs at the beginning section of the track is for sure a leg warmer/burner, especially straight after the long drive. After that, the track mostly just winds up the moutain, except for a few muddy bits and one rock hop before the final scramble. The ancient forests, views from the forest clearings should hopefully keep you pre-occupied enough to get to the final ascend! Take a break and make sure you are ready before starting the final scramble. When I did it, I felt like the middle section of the scramble is the hardest, because of its steepness and rocks position. Most of the rocks are pointed upward, which means your steps need to be stratched out further, so the chains were super helpful for me.
The entire track is clearly marked and well worn, do keep in mind to stay on the designated track. Firstly, this is a place of significance to the Aboriginies and please show respect while you are enjoying the walk. Secondly, with the amount of 'wait-a-while' I've seen on the track, you can only imagine what poisonous plants are out there off the track...
As Mount Warning is in between Byron Bay and Gold Coast, you could head to either of them to have lunch or some delicious coffee afterwards. The other option is to head to Murwillumba, which is the closest town there. There is a service/petrol station that you could stop for a quick coffee and rest, right next to the Pacific Motorway at the Murwillumba exit, on your way back to Brisbane.
Hope this helps with giving you an idea of what to expect and enjoy your outings!
You only live once, be true to yourself! Enjoy whatever it is that engages you.
