
There are plenty of natural sparkly attractions to explore near Sydney. From picturesque waterfalls that light up after dark, bioluminescent beaches and more. One spot that boasts a stunning galaxy of glow worms lies within spitting distance of Sydney in the Wollemi National Park. The scenic national park which offers scenic walks, swimming and camping is also home to a 400m long tunnel that is filled with thousands of glow worms. It’s conveniently located on a short and easy walking track that leads directly to the magical tunnel, only a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney.
Construction has been underway to upgrade the track inside the Glow Worm Tunnel causing the area to close down but it has recently reopened after a $4.3 million upgrade with new walkways and more.
Glow Worm Tunnel, Wollemi National Park
The now disused tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of the railway for the mining industry at Newnes — an abandoned oil shale ghost town in NSW. While the tunnel may be man-made, you can witness a breathtaking natural light show once you’ve made your way inside it.
Conveniently, it is almost an entirely flat walk barring a few stairs making it an easy track to follow for all fitness levels.
How to get there
The best way to get to the tunnel is via the Glow Worm Tunnel Track which starts from the carpark at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road. The walk to the entrance of the tunnel is just as beautiful with tall forests, lush tree ferns and dramatic landscapes. The Glow Worm Tunnel can also be accessed from Old Coach Road or from Wolgan Valley Road near Newnes.
Once inside the tunnel, visitors are advised to switch off their lights, remain quiet and give themselves time to adjust to the darkness. The tunnel will soon light up with the striking glow of thousands of glow worms.
Tips for visiting the Glow Worm Tunnel
- While it is recommended that you carry a torch to the tunnel, it’s crucial that you don’t point the light at the worms. Artificial light causes the creatures to switch off their natural bioluminescence.
- The best time to visit the tunnel is early in the morning or late in the day. You can also catch the glow worms after rainfall.
Find more information about the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track and how to get there on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.