Be the first in Australia to see the sunrise by trekking up Mt Warning before dawn

THIS is not a daredevil drill. But it is a Warning.Be the first in Australia to see the sunrise from the top of this 1156m ancient volcano in Northern NSW.

View of Mount Warning, near Byron Bay, northern NSW

THIS is not a daredevil drill. But it is a Warning.

Be the first in Australia to see the sunrise from the top of the 1156m ancient volcano that is Mt Warning — or Wollumbin as it’s called by the indigenous people of the Bundjalung Nation.

But if hiking up a huge hill at dawn isn’t your thing, don’t worry — there’s still plenty of mountain magic to experience later in the day.

The 8.8km five-hour return walk through the rainforest culminates in breathtaking 360 degree views around the caldera remnants with coastal views stretching from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay. The climb is not just for the very fit, but it is quite arduous.

Family exploring the base of Mount Warning.

Just be forewarned that when it comes to mastering this mountain, you’re not exactly Robinson Crusoe. The path can be crowded with a line-up at the summit ascent and descent.

However, the climber camaraderie makes up for the loss of wilderness solitude, with lots of friendly nods, waves and progress reports as you cross paths.

Walk through subtropical and temperate rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and heath shrub land before your climb ends with a challenging 300m vertical rock scramble to the summit.

There’s a chain embedded into the rock for assistance — use it.

Sunset over Mount Warning, NSW.

While everyone loves a clear view from the top, it’s not infrequent for the weather to change even as you watch.

The indigenous nickname for Mount Warning, ‘the cloud catcher’, is very appropriate. Just remember the silver lining: when shrouded in mist and cloud, it becomes even more enchanting with rushing streams and waterfalls.

No matter the weather, the top of the mountain is the natural place for a picnic, with plenty of flat ground and bench seating.

And it’s literally all downhill from there.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE … DO:

As an alternative to climbing the mountain — or in addition to it — enjoy a shorter walk that caters for the less energetic. The Lyrebird Track crosses Breakfast Creek before winding some 200m through palm forest to a platform set among the lush tropical rainforest. A picnic at The Korrumbyn Creek Picnic Area, situated on the left hand side of the road as you drive towards the mountain, is also available. Listen out for the calls of Whipbirds, Noisy Pitta and, of course, Lyrebirds.

A female lyrebird.

DISCOVER:

Every season is different in Wollumbin National Park. During spring, the forest floor comes alive with colour and activity — while the canopy above blooms with flowers and bears fruit. Birds display their bright breeding plumage while animals take advantage of the free bounty. Enjoy the sweet fragrance of nectar filling the forest to entice insects, birds, bats and mammals. As we near summer, be prepared for spectacular storms in the afternoon, watch the clouds roll in from the top or set up you camera to snap an awesome shot for a viral Insta post.

Mavis’ Kitchen.

EAT AND DRINK:

It’s worth the trip up Mt Warning just to celebrate afterwards at Mavis’s Kitchen, nestled at the base of the mountain. The beautiful old Queenslander that houses the restaurant looks as though it’s been here forever, but it was in fact co-owner Peter’s childhood home, which then became home to Labrador’s beloved Harley Street Brasserie, before Peter and partner Charlie decided on a tree change. They pair cut the house into three pieces, popped it on a truck, pieced it back together and, voila, Mavis’s Kitchen was made.