Burning Mountain Walking Track

Deep in the Hunter Valley, a geological oddity smoulders beneath the earth: Burning Mountain, Australia’s only known burning coal seam. The 4km return walk to the summit is a short but memorable excursion that feels more like a visit to an otherworldly volcanic landscape than a gentle bushwalk. Smoke curls from vents, the ground is warm underfoot, and the air carries a faint sulphurous tang – it’s a vivid encounter with the raw power of nature.

Highlights & What to See

• The Smouldering Seam: The main attraction is the active coal fire, which has been burning for an estimated 5,500 years. Walk to the lookout platform and watch smoke drift from fissures; on still days you can feel the heat radiating from the ground.
• Changing Colours: The heat has baked the surrounding sandstone into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows – a photographer’s dream. The contrast with the green bushland is striking.
• Interpretive Signs: Along the track, informative signs explain the science behind the fire and the history of the site, including Aboriginal stories about the mountain.
• Birdlife: Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above the ridge, and listen for the calls of lyrebirds in the gullies.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1.5–2 hours for the return walk, including time to linger at the lookout and read the interpretive signs. The track is well-graded but includes some gentle uphill sections; sturdy shoes are recommended. It’s best done in the morning when the light is soft and the temperatures are cooler. Combine with a visit to the nearby Hunter Valley wine region for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Region: Just a 30-minute drive away, the world-renowned vineyards of Pokolbin and Lovedale offer cellar doors, gourmet restaurants and cheese tastings.
• Mount Royal National Park: For more hiking, head to this park with its dramatic escarpments and rainforest walks.
• Singleton: A historic town with a charming main street, perfect for a coffee stop and a browse in antique shops.
• Barrington Tops National Park: About 1.5 hours north, this World Heritage-listed wilderness offers rugged hiking, waterfalls and ancient forests.

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