Burning Mountain: The 6,000-Year-Old Eternal Flame Beneath Australia's Surface

Photo Source - Google

Burning Mountain is considered to be the longest burning fire in the world, approximately, it has been ablaze for over 6,000 years.

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The Burning Mountain fire is believed to have been initially ignited by a coal seam that runs beneath the mountain's surface.

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Estimate duration of the fire range from 5,500 years ago to 15,000 years ago.

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Initially mistaken for a volcano, Burning Mountain is actually an underground coal seam fire that has slowly moved southwards at a rate of one meter per year.

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The mountain is now protected in the Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, where visitors can observe smoke near the parking lots.

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Easily accessible from Sydney, approximately 140 miles away, it's an ideal day trip to explore Australia's unique attractions.

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Within the reserve, visitors can take a 4-kilometer walk through the bushland, observing smoke and learning about the phenomenon from informational panels.

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The fire has visibly affected the soil, causing discolored and uneven terrain, accompanied by a distinct sulfur smell.

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Located approximately 140 miles north of Sydney, the mountain is easily accessible via the New England Highway.

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