Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, Blue Mountains Travel Guide
Discover a magical world of bioluminescence in a historic railway tunnel in Wollemi National Park, near Lithgow, NSW.
The Glow Worm Tunnel is a disused railway tunnel near Lithgow, NSW, transformed into a mesmerizing display of bioluminescence. Built in the early 1900s for the Newnes oil shale industry, the tunnel is now home to thousands of glow worms, creating a magical, starlit effect for visitors who venture into its depths.
A brief summary to Glow Worm Tunnel walking track
- Glowworm Tunnel Rd, Newnes Plateau, New South Wales, 2790, AU
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Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Glow Worm Tunnel walking track.
- Bring a torch (preferably with a red-light option) to navigate the dark tunnel and minimize disturbance to the glow worms.
- Wear sturdy shoes as the tunnel floor can be wet and slippery.
- Minimize noise and avoid touching the glow worms or their webs to protect their habitat.
- Visit during off-peak times (early mornings or weekdays) to avoid crowds.
- Check for alerts and road closures before you leave, especially after heavy rain.
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Getting There
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Driving
The most common way to reach the Glow Worm Tunnel is by car. From Lithgow, follow the signs to Newnes via the Newnes Plateau. The route is signposted from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street Lithgow. Turn left at Atkinson Street and after 750m, turn right onto State Mine Gully Road. State Mine Gully Road is a gravel road that becomes Glowworm Tunnel Road. Continue along Glowworm Tunnel Road, a mostly unsealed road (4WD recommended in wet weather), for approximately 30 kilometers. The road can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully and watch out for wildlife and logging trucks. After about 39km, you'll drive through a 60m tunnel just before you reach the Glow Worm Tunnel car park. Parking is available at the Glowworm Tunnel car park, but spaces are limited, especially during peak times. As an alternative, you can park at the Old Coach Road car park and walk along the Pagoda walking track, connecting with the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track (4km return). There are no toll roads on the way to Glow Worm Tunnel. Parking is free. Note: Recent upgrades have improved the road leading to the car park.
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Walking
From the Glowworm Tunnel car park, the tunnel entrance is an easy 1km walk along the railway formation. The mostly flat track passes through a forest with tree ferns and pagoda rock formations. The walk to the tunnel entrance takes about 30 minutes. There are over 80 steps without handrails along the walk. The track is uneven hard-packed ground and stone. The track narrows to 0.5m-wide just before the set of winding timber steps after the bridge. The glow worm tunnel at the end of the walk is uneven and rocky. There is no cost to walk to the tunnel.
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Experience the magic of the Glow Worm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park, where natural beauty and unique wildlife create a mesmerizing adventure.
Explore the breathtaking Glow Worm Tunnel in Newnes Plateau, a unique natural wonder showcasing thousands of glowing creatures in the heart of New South Wales.
