The Best of All Lookouts

Yes, it is a bit of a splendiferous name. Welcome to the ancient world of Gondwana, where Australia’s rich natural history comes alive. Here, in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, majestic Antarctic beech trees (Nothofagus moorei) allow you to peek into the time when Australia was part of the vast supercontinent. Millions of years ago, these trees thrived across a cooler and wetter land, before climate shifts confined them to the high rainfall areas along the east coast. As you stand on the eroded rim of the Mount Warning shield volcano, you are immersed in a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and teeming with life—and with great lookouts!

Antarctic beech trees

These majestic Antarctic beech trees, Nothofagus moorei, are a present day link with Gondwana then the climate was much cooler and wetter. Entire forests of these trees covered vast areas.

Over 105 million-year period the super continent of Gondwana broke up into the land masses of Africa, Madagascar, South America, India, Antarctica, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Caledonia and Australia. About 10 million years ago Australia’s climate began to dry, and over time, the rainforests retreated to isolated areas of high rainfall and altitude on the east coast. 

An Impressive Outlook – shaped by upheaval

As Australia drifted northward some 20 to 30 million years ago it passed over one of the Earth’s hot spots which gave rise to volcanic activity. Molten material poured forth from beneath the surface south of here and formed the Mount Warning shield volcano. High rainfall created a myriad of streams and rivers which eroded the volcano into its present shape.

The fertile volcanic soils, high humidity and rainfall provided all the elements needed for subtropical rainforest to thrive. Below you lies Numinbah Nature Reserve, part of the remaining subtropical rainforest, which clothes much of the circular eroded rim as well as the central vent of Mount Warning. You are standing on the eroded rim of this volcano.

Conclusion

As you leave the Gondwana Rainforests, take a moment to reflect on the ancient forces that shaped this landscape. The Antarctic beech trees and the towering remnants of the Mount Warning shield volcano serve as living monuments to a time when Australia was part of a vast, connected world. Today, this rare ecosystem continues to thrive, preserving the history of millions of years and reminding us of the delicate balance between nature and time. Standing here, you are not just witnessing the past—you are part of a story that stretches across continents and epochs.