The Glow Worm Tunnel
The Glow Worm Tunnel
If you’re looking for a hike that combines natural beauty, a bit of history, and something downright magical, the Glow Worm Tunnel walk in Wollemi National Park is one of those hikes that really stays with you. It’s a relatively easy adventure tucked away on the Newnes Plateau, near Lithgow, NSW (around three hours from Sydney)—and it’s perfect for a day trip that’ll leave both kids and grown-ups wide-eyed in wonder. This is a walk that ticks all the boxes: short, sweet, and seriously magical.
Quick Details
Length: 2km return
Elevation: Pretty much zero… It’s fairly flat aside from a couple of staircases
Grade: Easy
Best season: Year-round - But best in Summer
Suitable for kids: Yes
Starting the Trail
The trail head can be found at the very end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. There is a car park that can fit quite a few cars, but it does fill up fast on weekends and holidays. The track and the Glow Worm Tunnel itself were upgraded in 2024 and the results really are something. The track is an easy, pleasant walk, with only a couple of small staircases to navigate. We took the little adventurers with us and they found it to be pretty easy.
Leaving the car park, we headed off down a wide track winding its way through the bush, past stone walls, over a little bridge, and passing by a creek. We had thought with it being such a popular trail that we wouldn’t see any wildlife, but then as we were walking along the track we heard a rustling sound beside us. We crouched down and saw a goanna walking along next to us! We also saw an echidna and a lyre bird before we’d even made it to the tunnel.
History of the Area
You’ll find information signs along the trail providing stories of how the tunnel was carved out of the rock. It’s worth stopping to read them along the way (if for no other reason than to catch your breath on a hot day). The Glow Worm Tunnel itself is a 387-meter-long disused railway tunnel, originally constructed in the early 1900s for the Newnes oil shale mining operations. If you look up at the stone walls along the trail you can sometimes see marks from workers' pick-axes.
Back to the Trail
There’s really only one track to follow so as long as you stick to it and don’t go wandering off into the bush you won’t get lost. There is a junction with the Pagoda Track, but it's clearly marked. The entrance to the Glow Worm Tunnel is surrounded by thick ferns - proof that nature always has a way of reclaiming things when left alone. A walkway of sandstone steps leads up to the opening. It’s a very picturesque spot in its own right.
Part of the 2024 upgrades was a viewing platform through the tunnel. A raised walkway with a railing on one side. As we get deeper into the tunnel it curves slightly to our left and soon the light from the entrance has disappeared. We’re blind to our surroundings, as it’s nothing but darkness. As our eyes adjust we look up and see the glow worms that look like a night sky filled with stars. Thousands and thousands of tiny, pale blue lights.
What is a Glow Worm?
Glow worms are actually the larvae of a fungus gnat (Arachnocampa richardsae). They spend most of their life as a glow worm as they only live less than a week as a gnat (honestly, worst Pokemon evolution ever). They thrive in dark, damp environments, which makes this tunnel the perfect home. Try not to shine bright lights or camera flashes on them—it's best to use a red-light torch if you’ve got one, as bright light can harm them.
If you’re hoping to photograph them in the tunnel, your best bet is to take a tripod with you to keep your phone or camera steady, and then use a long exposure. Some phones have an astrophotography setting, which is perfect!
Through the Tunnel
We held tight to the railing and let it guide us through the tunnel. It’s a strange sensation walking through the dark. The sound of our hands running along the metal seemed loud and grating compared to the utter silence of standing still. The glow worms are brightest and gathered together in the greatest numbers in the centre of the tunnel. Here there’s no wind to disturb their sticky snares to trap their prey.
Finding the Light Once More
As we come to the end of the tunnel the light from the exit gives some comfort to our straining eyes. Walking out to the other side we find another beautifully renovated area with seating amongst the trees and ferns. It would make for a great spot for a picnic. The trail continues past the tunnel and if you followed it all the way you’d reach the Wolgan Valley road and the Newnes campground.
As the little adventurers were with us on our visit we only explored a short stretch outside of the tunnel. The track is surrounded by ferns and trees - wandering beside the creek for a while past high stone walls. We’ve already added the longer hike to our list for later in the year. We passed a few hikers with big packs heading that way—no doubt tackling the longer loop.
Getting There
The carpark can be found at the very end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. From Bells Line, turn onto Old Bell’s Line of Road at Zig Zag Railway Station and drive to the T-intersection with Glow Worm Tunnel Road, turn right. From Lithgow, we take State Mine Gully Road which merges into Glow Worm Tunnel Road. It’s around 35km from Lithgow.
Tips and Tricks
Glow Worms are at their brightest late in the afternoon when they get hungry, and in the warmer months, so Summer is a great time to visit.
Keep noise and light to a minimum in the tunnel, and use a red light torch if you have one.
Since it’s such a short hike why not add a second hike in the area like Lost City, or Pool of Diana.