Glow Worm Tunnel

Deep in the Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel is a hauntingly beautiful relic of a bygone railway era. This dark, disused tunnel is now home to thousands of glow worms that create a starry ceiling of bioluminescent light. The journey to the tunnel is an adventure in itself, with a scenic drive through the Wollemi wilderness and a short walk along a historic railway formation.

Highlights & What to See

• Glow Worm Display: The main attraction – walk into the pitch-black tunnel and watch as your eyes adjust to the magical blue-green glow of thousands of glow worms clinging to the damp ceiling.
• Historic Railway Formation: The tunnel was part of the Newnes railway line, built to service the shale oil mine at Newnes. The walk follows the old rail bed, with remnants of the line visible along the way.
• Wollemi National Park Scenery: The drive and walk offer stunning views of rugged sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and lush eucalypt forest. Keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Newnes Ruins: Before or after the tunnel, explore the historic ruins of the Newnes oil-shale works, a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century industrial Australia.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least half a day for the full experience. The drive from the nearest town (Newnes) is about 30 minutes on a gravel road, and the walk to the tunnel is an easy 1.5 km (30 minutes) each way. Spend 20–30 minutes inside the tunnel to let your eyes fully adjust and to enjoy the glow worms. Combine with exploring the Newnes ruins and a picnic lunch to make a rewarding half-day trip. If you're coming from Port Stephens or the Hunter Valley, plan a full day including travel time.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Newnes – historic industrial site and gateway to the tunnel, with camping and picnic facilities.
• Wollemi National Park – vast wilderness area with other walks, lookouts, and the famous Wollemi Pine.
• Zig Zag Railway – heritage steam train experience near Lithgow, about 1.5 hours away.
• Blue Mountains National Park – world-famous for its dramatic scenery, lookouts, and bushwalks, about 1.5 hours south.
• Port Stephens – coastal hub with dolphin watching, sand dunes, and beaches, about 2 hours east.

Please check official sources for current details.