Glow Worm Tunnel Hike

Overview The Glow Worm Tunnel Hike is a walking track within Wollemi National Park, located on the Newnes Plateau near Lithgow. The main feature of the walk is a disused 400-metre railway tunnel that is now home to thousands of bioluminescent fungus gnat larvae, commonly known as glow worms. The tunnel was originally constructed in the early 1900s as part of the railway line for the Newnes mining industry and was decommissioned in 1932. Because the tunnel is long and curved, its centre becomes dark enough to view the glow worms during the daytime.

The most direct route to the tunnel is the Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track, which starts from a designated car park at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. This track leads visitors on a walk through bushland featuring tall forests, tree ferns, and pagoda rock formations before reaching the tunnel entrance. The walk from the car park to the tunnel is approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometres each way. The area is managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and recent upgrades have improved the track surface and added features like sandstone steps and a handrail inside the tunnel.

Highlights

• A 400-metre historic railway tunnel that can be walked through.
• A large colony of glow worms that are visible during the day due to the tunnel's darkness.
• The walk to the tunnel passes through a landscape of tall forests, lush ferns, and distinctive pagoda rock formations.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: The unique and memorable experience of seeing glow worms in a natural setting, which many children find fascinating. The walk to the tunnel is considered relatively easy and achievable for families. Recent upgrades have made the track surface smoother and safer to navigate.

What to watch out for: The unsealed Glow Worm Tunnel Road can be rough, bumpy, and slippery, particularly after rain; a 4WD is recommended in wet conditions. The car park has limited space and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during holidays. The tunnel is completely dark, which may be frightening for some children, and the ground can be wet and slippery. Noise and bright lights disturb the glow worms, and other visitors can sometimes be loud.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: Families with primary school-aged children and older. The walk is described as a Grade 3 track, and children under five may need assistance.

Facilities: Toilets are available at the car park. There are no other facilities like cafes or drinking water sources.

Note: A torch is required for navigating the dark tunnel; using one with a red light option is recommended to minimise disturbance to the glow worms. The area has no mobile phone reception. The track is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs due to steps and narrow sections.