My late father and I at the summit in 1998.

I was 10 at the time and it will forever be one of my favourite memories.

It's always been my dream to re-create this experience with my 13 year old son.

Mt Warning is my Ferngully

By Jacquiline Kruse

I often like to refer to my favourite place

on this Earth as Ferngully, better known as Mount Warning or Mount Wollumbin. When my parents took me to see the animated film Ferngully in cinemas during the early 90's, I was captivated by the mystical beauty of the rainforests, the fairies, and Mount Warning in particular. To me, there was nothing more beautiful than a

mountain surrounded by the magic, peace and healing of fairies, rising in the background as a beacon of pure light and good, a symbol of all that is magnificent in nature.

My dream of seeing and climbing this mountain became a reality during our family's first attempt at ascending Mount Warning shortly after we saw Ferngully. A memory forever treasured and cemented in my mind and heart, was walking amongst the beauty of the rainforest during our trek, excitedly keeping a look out for my fairy friends. Reflecting on that experience brings me a joy I cannot adequately describe. When my parents and I reached the summit track, they decided I was too young to ascend to the top, so my father climbed to the top alone. But we weren't quite ready to part with this special place. And it turns out, Mount Warning wasn't ready to part ways with us either.

In 1998, my parents and I again returned to Mount Warning. I like to think of it as nothing short of a calling. And this time, when we reached the summit track, we climbed it and reached the summit together. It was a celebration as we stood there, taking happy snaps and basking in our success and joy as we gazed out at a view that had to be seen to be believed. We were absolutely elated. I will never forget those feelings. I will never forget the joy of climbing Mount Warning. To me, there is no other place in this world that I adore more than Mount Warning.

I was ten years old when I summited Mount Warning. I am now 36 years old, and have a teenage son of my own, with whom I wanted to share this amazing experience with. I'd always planned on returning with my son, transporting myself to a time and place of magic; so exquisite and the epitome of nature's utter brilliance and magnificence. In 2016, my father sadly passed away. But I take comfort in the fact we shared so many wonderful memories, in particular climbing Mount Warning. When I learned of the news that the climbing of Mount Warning was no longer allowed, I was devastated. My dream of sharing this wonderful place with my son now feels like just that - a dream.

But I still have hope. I still dream that one day I will return to my favourite place, relive beautiful memories, and share these memories and an unforgettable experience with my son. Carrying on a legacy that for me began nearly 30 years ago. I believe anybody who has had the honour of climbing this natural masterpiece deserves that honour once again. My wish is that in sharing my story, perhaps the laws and restrictions will be reconsidered and changed, so that future generations can experience the beauty that is Mount Warning.

Jacqueline Kruse