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Can’t wait until Vivid to see a luminous display? We’ve got a year-round rec. Deep within Wollemi National Park, about two-and-a-half hours west of Sydney, an old railway tunnel sparkles with thousands of bioluminescent glow worms. After a major upgrade in recent years, the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is once again one of the most enchanting (and surprisingly accessible) adventures in the Blue Mountains. Curious? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel?
The Glow Worm Tunnel is a 387-metre-long railway tunnel carved through sandstone in the early 1900s to service the shale mining industry in the nearby Wolgan Valley. When the railway closed decades ago, the tunnel was left to nature – and thanks to the constant trickle of water and high humidity, it became the perfect habitat for a thriving glow worm colony.
Today, thousands of tiny blue-green lights shimmer across the tunnel ceiling. They’re produced by the larvae of glow worm insects — which, despite the name, aren’t worms at all.
Where is the Glow Worm Tunnel in NSW?
You’ll find the tunnel inside Wollemi National Park, part of the vast Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and roughly 30 minutes north of Lithgow.
It’s one of several glow worm hotspots in the region. You can also spot the glowing creatures at Horseshoe Falls in the Blue Mountains, or further south near Helensburgh.
What can you see at the Glow Worm Tunnel?
The headline act is the colony of Blue Mountains glow worm that live inside the tunnel. These tiny insects emit a bluish glow to attract prey, creating the illusion of a starry night sky underground.
Thousands cling to the damp tunnel walls and ceiling, their delicate silk threads hanging down like fishing lines. When insects fly into the threads, the glow worms reel them in for dinner – a slightly sinister but pretty damn fascinating natural light show.
Outside the tunnel, the surrounding landscape is equally impressive. Wollemi National Park is home to rugged pagoda rock formations, dense eucalypt forests and plenty of wildlife, including goannas and lyrebirds.
What can you do at the Glow Worm Tunnel?
Most visitors experience the tunnel via the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, a scenic bushwalk that takes you through sandstone formations, forest gullies and eventually into the glowing tunnel itself.
The most popular route is a 6km return walk starting from the Glow Worm Tunnel car park. From there, you’ll follow a roughly 1.5km path to the tunnel entrance before walking through the tunnel itself. On the other side, the track continues through lush bushland and into sections of Penrose Gorge.
Recent upgrades added improved paths, safety railings inside the tunnel and upgraded walking tracks, making the experience safer while protecting the glow worm colony. Facilities like picnic tables and toilets were also installed at the trailhead.
Longer hikes also connect through the surrounding wilderness, giving keen walkers the chance to explore deeper into the park.
How do you get to the Glow Worm Tunnel?
Driving is the easiest option. From Sydney the trip takes about two-and-a-half hours.
Head west via the Bells Line of Road or through the Blue Mountains to Lithgow, then follow signs toward Wollemi National Park and Glow Worm Tunnel Road. The road becomes gravel for the final stretch but is usually accessible to standard vehicles in dry conditions.
When is Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel open?
The walking track and tunnel are generally open daily from 9am to 4.30pm, except on Christmas Day. Access may occasionally close due to bushfire risk or extreme weather, so it’s always worth checking park alerts before visiting.
How much does it cost to go to Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel?
Visiting the Glow Worm Tunnel is free. There’s no entry fee for the walk or the tunnel itself.
Guided tours from Sydney are also available if you prefer a structured day trip — these typically include transport, meals and a guide, and can cost a few hundred dollars per person.
Is Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel accessible?
While the upgrades improved safety, the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track isn’t fully accessible. The route includes uneven terrain, stairs and narrow sections, meaning it’s not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
When is the best time to visit Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel?
Glow worms are visible year-round, but they’re often most active during the warmer months, especially from December to March.
That said, winter visits can be equally magical – and far quieter. Cooler weather also means fewer crowds, while the surrounding bushland changes with the seasons, from summer wildflowers to winter banksia blooms.
Do you need a ticket to access Lithgow Glow Worm Tunnel?
There’s no need to book a ticket if you want to go along for a self-guided hike, but if you’re keen to get educated with a guided tour of the tunnel, you’ll need to book – you can do that over here.
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