Glow Worm Tunnel self-guided audio tour
Wollemi National Park
Overview
Discover the fascinating history of the Glow Worm Tunnel on this self-guided audio tour in Wollemi National Park. You’ll follow the bed of the old Wolgan Valley Railway line to Tunnel No. 2, now home to thousands of glow worms.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 6km return
- Time suggested
- 2-3 hr
- Grade
- Medium. This 10-stop tour takes place along a hard-packed ground track with sections of uneven stone ground. The tunnel is completely dark and the ground can be slippery.
- What to
bring - Mobile phone, headphones, drinking water, torch
- Please note
It's a good idea to download the app and tour before your visit, because there is no mobile reception in this part of the park.
Bring a torch with a red light to help you find your way in the tunnel.
Did you know that when you walk along the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, you’re following the bed of an old railway line?
The Wolgan Valley Railway was built in 1907 and was an engineering marvel, covering 51km of forbidding terrain in what we now know as Wollemi National Park.
On this audio tour, you’ll learn about the history of the railway and what life was like for the labourers who worked here. Along the way, you’ll visit Tunnel No. 2, an old railway tunnel that’s now home to a colony of glow worms.
Feel your senses awaken when you reach the tunnel and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Then bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights as entomologist Dr. David Merritt shares his knowledge of the glow worms and their unique behaviours.
Also see
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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.
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Glow Worm Tunnel walking track
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.
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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.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/immersive-stories/glow-worm-tunnel-self-guided-audio-tour/local-alerts
Park info
- in Wollemi National Park in the Sydney and surrounds, North Coast and Country NSW regions
Wollemi National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Glow Worm Tunnel self-guided audio tour.
Getting there and parking
Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is in the Lithgow area of Wollemi National Park. To get there:
Directions from Lithgow via Clarence
- Take the B59 (Chifley Road) to Clarence (Zig Zag Railway).
- Turn left at Petra Avenue and continue onto Old Bells Line of Road for 8.4 km.
- At the end of Old Bells Line of Road, turn right onto Glow Worm Tunnel Road. Continue for 26.8km.
- You will drive through a 60m long single lane tunnel just before you reach the Glow Worm Tunnel Carpark.
Directions from Lithgow, via State Mine Gully Road (check Local Alerts as roads may be closed for infrastructure upgrades)
- The route is signposted from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Street Lithgow.
- From Bridge Street, turn right at Inch Street.
- Turn left at Atkinson Street and after 750m, turn right onto State Mine Gully Road. State Mine Gully Road is a gravel road that becomes Glow Worm Tunnel Road.
- After about 39km, you’ll drive through a 60m tunnel just before you reach the Glow Worm Tunnel car park.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- 4WD required in wet weather
Parking
There’s a small parking area with limited parking at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road, 1.5km from the Glow Worm Tunnel.
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
- There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.
- Drinking water is not available in this area.
- There are raised platforms that you can use as seating or tables at the Glow Worm Tunnel carpark and outside the Glow Worm Tunnel.
- There are toilets in the carpark at the start of Glow Worm Tunnel walking track.
Maps and downloads
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.