What is Wollumbin (Mount Warning)?
Wollumbin, also known as Mount Warning, is a mountain in northern New South Wales near Murwillumbah. Rising to about 1,156 metres, it is the remnant central vent of an ancient shield volcano and a sacred site for the Bundjalung people.
The volcano was active about 23 million years ago. Over time, erosion wore away much of the volcano, leaving Wollumbin standing in the center of a huge caldera surrounded by ranges.
Captain James Cook named the mountain Mount Warning in 1770 to warn ships of the dangerous reefs offshore.
Cultural significance
Wollumbin is significant to the Bundjalung people, and the summit is associated with traditional laws and ceremonies. Elders have long asked visitors not to climb the mountain.
The summit track was closed in 2020 for safety reasons and to respect cultural values. In 2023, the name Wollumbin was given first place in the mountain's official name.
The mountain is part of Wollumbin National Park, within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Its summit is often said to be one of the first places on the Australian mainland to receive the morning sunlight.