Back to previous page

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track

Wollemi National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is the fastest and easiest way to experience the wonder of this historic tunnel, lit by thousands of glow worms. It’s a favourite with visitors to Wollemi National Park, near Lithgow.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
6km return
Time suggested
2 - 3hrs
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, raincoat, snacks, drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, torch
Please note
  • Glow Worm Tunnel is home to thousands of glow worms. Help protect them by staying on the path.
  • Please take care in the tunnel as it’s completely dark and the ground can be slippery.
  • When you turn off your torch, take the time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before you see the glow worms.
  • Try to keep noise to a minimum as glow worms are sensitive to sound.
  • Shine your torch on the ground or use one with a red-light option as red-light is the least disruptive for glow worms.
  • It’s best to visit during the week or in spring or autumn. It can be very busy and there’s limited parking during summer, weekends, and holiday periods.
  • Please stay on the walking tracks to protect this World Heritage Area.
  • The Glow Worm Tunnel to Newnes section of the track may be closed during or after heavy rain because of rock fall and flood risk. Please check alerts for track closures before you leave home.
  • The track beyond the lookout is not suitable for children.

Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is a short and easy 6km return walk. Just a 2.5hr drive from Sydney, it’s popular with families and anyone keen to see glow worms in their natural environment.

The track starts from the carpark at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. Enjoy the easy 1.5km walk to the tunnel entrance, past an impressive landscape of tall forests, lush tree ferns, narrow gorges and stunning pagoda rock formations.

The 387metre-long tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of the railway for the thriving mining industry at Newnes. It’s now home to thousands of glow worms that cling to the dark, damp walls. Because the tunnel is long, it gets dark enough to see glow worms during the day. Upgrades to the walking track to even out the surface and install a handrail make navigating in the dark easier. To see the glow worms, switch off your torch, keep quiet, and wait for them to light up the tunnel. 

Once you reach the end of the tunnel, follow the track for another 1.5km though lush forests of eucalyptus, broad-leaved hickory and tree ferns in the wet gully environment of Penrose Gorge. Take a break at the lookout to see expansive views of Donkey Mountain and Wolgan Valley.

As you walk back the way you came, look out for goannas and lyrebirds. During spring and summer, the walking track is dotted also with yellow pagoda daisies, while banksias bloom in the cooler months.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Tours and events at this location

  • 3 people in a tour group cross a wooden bridge set among tall tree ferns and a steep rock face in Wollemi National Park. Photo credit: Kristie Kearney © Wolgan Valley Eco Tours

    Wollemi guided Glow Worm Tunnel walk

    Join Wolgan Valley Eco Tours on the popular Glow Worm Tunnel walking track in Wollemi National Park and see the magical natural light show created by thousands of glow worms.

Also see

  • Stepping stones leading to the entrance of Glow Worm Tunnel surrounded by rainforest in Wollemi National Park. Credit: Jo Cox © DCCEEW

    Life and light in Glow Worm Tunnel

    Glow Worm Tunnel is a habitat for glow worms and an enchanting walk for visitors. Watch our videos to learn how an old railway tunnel from the days of oil shale mining has taken on a new life.

  • 2 hikers looking up at sheer cliffs on the Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop, Wollemi National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

    Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop

    Set aside a day to hike 9km through Wollemi National Park on Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop. Marvel at the historic railway tunnel, a lush rainforest gorge, and rocky pagoda outcrops, on this special walk between Newnes and Lithgow.

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

 

Think Before You TREK

Are you planning a bushwalk, going somewhere remote or where the weather is extreme? Stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and telling someone about it.

Bushwalkers in Wollemi National Park. Photo: Daniel Tran/DPIE

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info