A HIKER had to be airlifted off Mount Warning in Queensland last night after becoming too tired to walk down.

The rescue mission cost thousands of dollars and involved at least 20 people.

The 115kg walker was flown to Lismore hospital as a precaution about 6.30pm but was discharged shortly afterwards. He was treated for dehydration.

Tweed rescue crews were fuming.

Eighteen volunteers gathered at the base of the mountain ready to walk up with a stretcher as clouds shrouded the landmark, preventing the Lismore Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter from landing.

But the clouds parted long enough for the chopper to put down 400m from the 1159m peak and collect the man.

It is believed the walker had ignored signs at the bottom of the mountain warning hikers not to begin an ascent in the afternoon.

Tweed Rescue duty officer Mal Pearse said hikers needed to wear appropriate footwear and be fit enough to complete the gruelling walk.

“If the weather didn’t clear we were going to have to carry a 115kg man down the mountain,” he said.

“It would have taken all of us to do it and we would be here until 1am.

“You need to be ready to take on Mt Warning.

“We don’t mind coming to genuine accidents but frivolous jobs are very disconcerting.”

The debacle happened two days after a woman injured her leg hiking on the mountain and had to be stretchered down.

Mr Pearse said more and more unprepared hikers were getting in trouble on the mountain.

“It used to only be four or six a year but we’ve had two just this weekend,” he said.

“The message needs to be take care because while it is a beautiful spot it can also be dangerous.

“Everyone involved in these rescues gives up their time and we shouldn’t be here more often than we need to.”