An abandoned 400 m railway tunnel near Lithgow whose dark, dripping walls sparkle with thousands of blue-green glow worms.
FreeFamily
Deep in the Wollemi wilderness near Newnes, the Glow Worm Tunnel is a 400-metre curve of pitch darkness left over from the Wolgan Valley railway of 1907. Switch your torch off, let your eyes adjust, and the walls light up with constellations of blue-green glow worms — one of the most magical hidden places in NSW.
Getting there
From Lithgow, follow Glow Worm Tunnel Road (unsealed but 2WD-friendly in dry weather) about 35 km to the car park. The upgraded walking track leads 1 km through ferny rainforest to the tunnel mouth. Combine the visit with the ruins of the Newnes industrial site or a Blue Mountains road trip.
Inside the tunnel
The floor is wet and uneven, so bring a torch (point it at the ground, never the walls) and sturdy shoes. Keep voices low — glow worms dim when disturbed. Midweek visits are quietest, and the glow is best in the tunnel’s dark middle section. Explore more national park gems while you’re out this way.
🏅 Own or manage this place? Get your “Featured on AustralianSecret” badge
Show visitors you're featured in our independent directory — copy this snippet into your website. The badge links back to your listing here.
Watch
Photo Gallery
Facilities
None at the tunnel — nearest toilets and fuel in Lithgow
Photography Tips
Long exposures on a tripod (20–30 s, high ISO) capture the glow worm constellations; keep torches off during the exposure.
Insider Tips
Carry a torch pointed at the floor, wear waterproof shoes, keep quiet inside and never touch the walls — glow worms are easily disturbed.
Getting There
Drive 35 km from Lithgow via Glow Worm Tunnel Road (unsealed, dry-weather 2WD), then walk the 1 km tunnel track from the car park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a torch for the Glow Worm Tunnel?
Yes — the 400 m tunnel is completely dark and the floor is wet and rocky. Point torches at the ground and switch them off to see the glow worms.
When is the best time to see the glow worms?
Any time of day works because the tunnel is naturally dark inside. Midweek visits are quieter, which keeps the worms glowing brightly.
Can a 2WD car reach the Glow Worm Tunnel?
In dry weather, yes. Glow Worm Tunnel Road from Lithgow is unsealed but usually fine for careful 2WD driving — check conditions after rain.
How long is the walk to the tunnel?
About 1 km each way from the car park on an upgraded track through rainforest, taking 15–20 minutes each direction.
