Glow Worm Tunnel

Hidden in the rugged Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel is an old railway tunnel that now hosts a dazzling natural light show. As you walk through the pitch-black tunnel, thousands of glowing larvae create a starry ceiling effect that feels utterly magical. This is a must-do for adventurous travellers exploring the Hunter Valley region.

Highlights & What to See

• Glow worm display: The main attraction – walk into the deep darkness and watch the blue-green glow of thousands of fungus gnat larvae clinging to the tunnel roof and walls.
• Historic railway tunnel: Built in the early 1900s for the Newnes railway line, the 400-metre-long tunnel is a piece of industrial heritage, with rough stone walls and an eerie atmosphere.
• Wollemi National Park scenery: The drive and walk to the tunnel take you through stunning sandstone bushland, with pockets of rainforest and dramatic cliffs.
• Nearby Newnes ruins: The ghost town of Newnes, once a booming oil-shale mining settlement, has crumbling foundations and a historic pub worth exploring.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow half a day for the round trip from the Hunter Valley wine region. The walk from the car park to the tunnel is about 1.5 km each way (30–40 minutes) on a relatively flat, gravel track. Spend 20–30 minutes inside the tunnel – give your eyes time to adjust to the dark for the best glow worm views. You can easily combine this with a visit to the Newnes ruins or a picnic by the Wolgan River.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley wine region: Base yourself in Pokolbin or Cessnock for world-class wineries, gourmet food, and cellar door experiences.
• Wollemi National Park: Extend your trip with bushwalks, swimming holes, and the dramatic Wolgan Valley.
• Blue Mountains: About 1.5 hours south, the Blue Mountains offer iconic lookouts, hiking, and the Three Sisters.
• Lithgow: A historic town with the Zig Zag Railway and the fascinating Eskbank House Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.