Glow Worm Tunnel

Deep in the Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel is a surreal, abandoned railway tunnel that now teems with thousands of bioluminescent glow worms. The 400-metre-long tunnel, part of a former tramway built in the early 1900s, offers a magical, otherworldly experience. The walk to the tunnel winds through lush rainforest and past dramatic sandstone cliffs, building anticipation for the dark, twinkling spectacle inside.

Highlights & What to See

• Glow Worm Display: The main draw – after your eyes adjust to the darkness, the tunnel ceiling sparkles with hundreds of tiny blue-green lights created by glow worm larvae. Visit on a dry night or overcast day for the best effect.
• Abandoned Railway Relics: Look for remnants of the old tramway, including sleepers and rusted tracks, which add a sense of history and adventure.
• Rainforest Walk: The 1.5 km (one-way) trail from the car park is a scenic stroll through temperate rainforest, with tall tree ferns, mossy rocks, and the occasional lyrebird.
• Sandstone Canyons: The nearby Wollemi National Park is riddled with dramatic gorges and cliffs – keep an eye out for the distinctive pagoda rock formations.
• Wildlife Spotting: Wallabies, wombats, and a variety of birdlife are common in the area, especially around dawn and dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate around 2 to 3 hours for the round-trip walk and time inside the tunnel. The walk itself takes about 40 minutes each way at a leisurely pace. To fully appreciate the glow worms, spend at least 15–20 minutes in the tunnel with your torch off. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for the walk and the darkest conditions for the glow worms. If you're combining with other Hunter Valley activities, a half-day trip is sufficient.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Wine Region – Just a 45-minute drive away, the Hunter is perfect for wine tasting, gourmet dining, and hot-air ballooning after your tunnel adventure.
• Wollemi National Park – Explore more of this vast wilderness, including the iconic Wollemi Pine and the Pagoda Lookout.
• Lost City Walking Track – A challenging but rewarding 6 km loop through sandstone labyrinths, starting near the tunnel car park.
• Bilpin & the Apple Orchards – A 30-minute drive south, this area offers fresh apple pies, cider tastings, and pretty countryside drives.
• Lithgow & the Zig Zag Railway – About 30 minutes west, Lithgow has a historic railway experience and the fascinating Blast Furnace Park.

Please check official sources for current details.