Burning Mountain
Mountain Ancient underground coal seam burning for thousands of years
Burning Mountain near Wingen, New South Wales, is an underground coal seam that has burned for millennia. Visitors follow an interpretive trail to see steam vents, scorched ground, and explanatory signage.
Burning Mountain, also called Mount Wingen, is a natural landmark near the village of Wingen in New South Wales, Australia, where an underground coal seam has been smouldering for thousands of years. It is widely recognised as the oldest known coal seam fire in the world, burning for around 6,000 years.
The visible effect is a persistent low-temperature fire that has altered the surface and produced fumaroles and scorched ground along a burn line. Visitors use marked walking tracks and an interpretive trail at the reserve to view the site and learn about the geology and ecology.
The feature sits in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, close to the small settlement of Wingen and managed as a protected reserve within the state’s park system.
- Reserve status: The site is designated as a nature reserve with walking trails and interpretive signage explaining the underground coal seam fire and its geological importance.
How to Get to Burning Mountain #
Burning Mountain Reserve is located near the village of Wingen off the New England Highway (A15). The reserve is signposted from the highway and there is a short walk from the small carpark to the viewing platform.
Tips for Visiting Burning Mountain #
- Walk to the official viewing platform at Burning Mountain Reserve to see the telltale smoke vents and fissures.
- Avoid visiting after heavy rain - access paths can be slippery and the reserve is protected for safety reasons.
- Read the Aboriginal Dreaming stories at the reserve signage; the local narrative predates scientific explanations and is part of the site's cultural significance.
Best Time to Visit Burning Mountain #
Best visited in autumn through spring for comfortable walking conditions and clearer views.
Weather & Climate near Burning Mountain #
Burning Mountain's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (835 mm/year).
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
