Mount Warning Mountain Hike NSW

Mount Warning

One morning after good nights sleep and a surge of energy we decided to jump in the car and go somewhere and fancied a walk. We were feeling active and ready for an adventure, we decided to head for the Mount Warning walk tracks and do the famous mountain hike.

As we crossed the Queensland / NSW border and headed down the motorway and Mount Warning came into site as we looked each other and thought we are about to hike this gigantic mountain.

Mount Warning Information

Now, for those of you who are not familiar with Mount Warning, here is a description

A mountain in the Tweed Range in the Northern rivers region of New South Wales Australia. It was formed from a volcanic plug of the now-gone tweed volcano. The mountain is located 14 kilometres south west of Murwillumbah near the border between New South Wales and Queensland. Lieutenant James Cook saw the mountain from the sea and named it Mount Warning”

The walking track is a tough walk even for the most active walker. With a staggering 60,000 people a year make the 8.8-kilometre (5.5 mi), five-hour round-trip trek to the top from Breakfast Creek. An ascent of the mountain takes approximately 1½ to 3½ hours (one way) and requires a good level of fitness. There are also viewing platforms at the summit. The total journey is 8.8 km (5.5 mi).

Our Climb

We set of pretty earlier to make sure we could take our time, and arrived shortly after 10 am. TIP people do get up early to catch sunrise from the top, now you would want give yourself 2 hours to get up before sunrise.

The walk and the tracks themselves are not to bad to start with its a gradual climb weaving in and out of the rainforest. However to get to the top and the final 50 metres does require pulling yourself up a stone wall helping yourself by a chain. And can be a little challenging if you are a bit less able.

Throughout the walk there are various lookout spots, with some beautiful views of the NSW and Queensland hinterland and seafronts. So make sure you bring a camera. And the final view from the top is a unreal 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

Getting There, Roads and Parking

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 Mt Warning Road
• Continue 3.5km to the end of Mt Warning Rd, where you’ll reach Breakfast Creek carpark in the national park

Road quality

• Mount Warning Road is often subject to rapidly rising floodwaters, even during localised storms.

Parking

• Limited parking is available at Breakfast Creek carpark. Not suitable such vehicles like coaches, caravans, and camper trailers.
• This can be a high-risk area for theft, consider not leaving valuables in your car.
• Keep clear and don’t obstruct the emergency vehicle parking zone.

Final Thought

Wondering what to bring. There is nothing on the mountain itself so be prepared. Bringing water and snacks is a must its a very long time to go without anything and in 30 degrees heat you wouldn’t want to take that risk. On the drive in 5 minutes before you park up and start climbing there is a café for some pre or post refreshments. Remember comfy shoes is so important as you could be walking for 4 – 5 hours. Also I would pack a jumper when you get to the top it can get pretty cold

If you are in the area this is well worth a visit and a must do. Set a date, be prepared and go explore. Mount Warning walk is worth the hike.

Thanks for stopping by if you fancy checking out some more Gold Coast adventures then check out our top 40 things to do on the coast.