Glowworm Tunnel

Hidden in the rugged Lithgow region of New South Wales, the Glowworm Tunnel is a hauntingly beautiful relic of early 20th-century railway engineering. This disused railway tunnel, abandoned since the 1940s, now serves as an otherworldly destination where thousands of glowworms illuminate the darkness like a starry night underground. Accessible via a scenic bushwalk through Wollemi National Park, the tunnel offers a unique blend of industrial history and natural wonder that will captivate adventurous travellers.

Highlights & What to See

• Glowworm Display: The main attraction – walk deep into the tunnel (about 400 metres) and turn off your torch to see the ceiling twinkling with bioluminescent glowworms. It’s a magical, silent spectacle.
• Historic Railway Heritage: The tunnel was part of the Zig Zag Railway, an engineering marvel of its time. Look for remnant tracks, stonework and the imposing brick portal at the entrance.
• Bushwalking in Wollemi National Park: The 2.5 km (one-way) walk to the tunnel follows an old railway formation through eucalypt forest, with views over the Grose Valley. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Zig Zag Railway: Nearby, you can ride a heritage steam train along the original scenic route (check operating days) – a delightful way to experience the area’s railway history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a half-day for the Glowworm Tunnel experience. The walk from the Newnes Plateau car park to the tunnel and back takes about 1.5–2 hours, plus time inside the tunnel (allow 20–30 minutes to fully appreciate the glowworms and explore). Combine this with a visit to the Zig Zag Railway or a picnic at the nearby Wolgan Valley for a full day out. Arrive in the late afternoon to see the glowworms at their best – they’re more active as dusk approaches.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lithgow – Historic town with a fascinating mining and railway past, plus the excellent Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum.
• Wollemi National Park – Vast wilderness area with superb bushwalking, canyoning and the iconic Wollemi Pine.
• Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Leura) – Iconic lookouts, waterfalls and the Three Sisters, about 1.5 hours’ drive east.
• Jenolan Caves – Stunning limestone cave system with guided tours, roughly 1 hour from Lithgow.
• Zig Zag Railway – Heritage steam train rides through dramatic scenery; a perfect complement to the tunnel visit.

Please check official sources for current details.