Life and light in Glow Worm Tunnel
Wollemi National Park
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.
Life in the tunnel
What are glow worms?
Watch glow worm expert Dr David Merritt explain what glow worms are and why they live in the tunnel.
Mining for light
Wolgan Valley railway heritage
Glow Worm Tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of the railway line servicing the Newnes Oil Shale mine. When mining stopped and the railway was abandoned, the unused tunnel was free for glow worms to use as their home.
A hand-built track in the dark
Behind the scenes: Glow Worm Tunnel track
The track inside the tunnel was upgraded to include a flat path and handrail that helps visitors see the glow worms safely. Watch this video to see how NPWS did this without disturbing the colony.
Visit Glow Worm Tunnel
-
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.
-
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.