The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk is an 11.5km, grade 3 hike located in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
One of the most popular and famous tracks near Lithgow the Glow Worm Tunnel Walk passes through a spectacular old railway tunnel. With thousands of glow worms along the sides and roof of the tunnel a fascinating effect of the stars is produced. Remember that it is necessary to be quiet so as not to disturb the glow worms. A torch is required - the tunnel is pretty long and it gets really dark in the middle.
This hike is an extended version of the Glow Worm Tunnel Walking Track and completes a circuit via the Old Coach Road.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 886 m
Min elevation: 553 m
Total climbing: 417 m
Total descent: -386 m
Tips
- Please take care in the tunnel as the ground is rocky, uneven and slippery.
- It's completely dark inside the tunnel, so remember to bring a torch.
- Try to keep noise to a minimum as glow worms are sensitive to sound.
- 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 track to protect the fragile ecosystem in this World Heritage-listed national park.
Trail location
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Getting there
From Bells Line of Road via Newnes Plateau Turn off Bells Line of Road at Clarence (Zig Zag Railway).Follow the gravel road through Newnes State Forest for 39km. Continue on Glow Worm Tunnel Road until you reach the carpark. From here, it's an easy 1km walk along the railway formation to the tunnel entrance.From Lithgow via Newnes Plateau. The route is signposted from the corner of Bridge St and Main Street.Turn left at Atkinson Street and after 750m, right at State Mine Gully Road.Continue on Glow Worm Tunnel Road until you reach the carpark. From here, it's an easy 1km walk along the railway formation to the tunnel entrance.
Please drive slowly along the narrow gravel roads and look out for wildlife. Unsealed roads Vehicle access 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access) Weather restrictions 4WD required in wet weather Parking The carpark is at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road, 1km south of the Glow Worm Tunnel. Car spaces are limited during peak times. 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).
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Gear to consider
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk (11.5km)”
Jessica Smith
Nick Lyell
Brad Smith