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Glow Worm Tunnel walking track

Wollemi National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Glow Worm Tunnel walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

2km return

Time

1 - 2hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Gentle hills

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The track is 1-2m-wide and hard-packed ground with sections of uneven stone ground.

Steps

Occasional steps: At around 700m along the track, you'll arrive at the first of over 80 steps:

  • There are around 30 stone steps with no handrail that go down to a bridge
  • There's another 30 narrow, winding timber steps with no handrail that lead back up the track
  • After this, there are occasional stone steps along the track in groups of 2-3.

Other barriers

Pinch points: The track narrows to 0.5m-wide just before the set of winding timber steps after the bridge.

Other barriers:

  • There's a barrier at the trail-head with a 1m wide gap for walkers to get around it.
  • The glow worm tunnel at the end of the walk is uneven and rocky. The ground may be wet.

Getting there and parking

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is in the Lithgow area of Wollemi National Park. To get there:

From Bells Line of Road via Newnes Plateau

  • Turn off Bells Line of Road at Clarence (Zig Zag Railway).
  • Follow the gravel road through Newnes State Forest for 39km.
  • Continue on Glow Worm Tunnel Road until you reach the carpark.
  • From here, it’s an easy 1km walk along the railway formation to the tunnel entrance.

From Lithgow via Newnes Plateau

  • The route is signposted from the corner of Bridge St and Main Street.
  • Turn left at Atkinson Street and after 750m, right at State Mine Gully Road.
  • Continue on Glow Worm Tunnel Road until you reach the carpark.
  • From here, it’s an easy 1km walk along the railway formation to the tunnel entrance.

Road conditions and access

  • The unsealed gravel road in Newnes State Forest is in very poor condition with many potholes. While 2WD vehicles can access this route in dry weather, 4WD vehicles are recommended.
  • 2WD vehicles may prefer to take the route from Lithgow.
  • Please drive carefully on the narrow gravel roads, and look out for wildlife.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

  • There's a gravel carpark at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road, 1km south of the Glow Worm Tunnel. Car spaces are limited during peak times.
  • You can also park at the Old Coach Road carpark and walk along the Pagoda walking track and connect with Glow Worm Tunnel walking track (4km return).

Facilities

  • Drinking water is not available in this area so you’ll need to bring your own.
  • Please take all rubbish with you when you leave.

Toilets

There's a toilet block with 2 non-flush toilets. One of the toilets is an ambulant toilet.

  • Non-flush toilets

Carpark

Seats and resting points

There's a timber bench with a backrest at the very start of walk, next to the carpark and display shelter. There are no other seats or resting points along this walk.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams and may be challenging for people with reduced mobility:

  • There are over 80 steps without handrails along the walk
  • The track is uneven hard-packed ground and stone
  • There's a point where the track narrows to 0.5m-wide after the bridge and before the winding timber steps
  • The glow worm tunnel at the end of the walk is uneven and rocky

There's an ambulant toilet and a timber bench for resting at the start of the walk.

Prohibited

Camping

Camping is not permitted in the Glow Worm Tunnel area. The nearest campground is Newnes campground, which is accessed via Wolgan Valley Road.

Cycling

Cycling is not permitted along this walking track or in the Glow Worm Tunnel. You can cycle on Glow Worm Tunnel Road.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Map of Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, Wollemi National Park. Image: OEH

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