Glow Worm Tunnel walking track - Newnes Plateau, New South Wales

The Glowworm Tunnel Walking Track: A Unique Australian Experience

For the adventurous traveler seeking a truly memorable experience, the Glowworm Tunnel Walking Track presents a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and witness a captivating natural phenomenon. Located in the picturesque Newnes Plateau of New South Wales, Australia, this easily accessible trail offers a unique blend of tranquility and wonder. The track, managed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Location and Accessibility

The Glowworm Tunnel Walking Track is situated at Address: Glowworm Tunnel Rd, Newnes Plateau NSW 2790, Australia. Its convenient location makes it relatively straightforward to reach, although a two-wheel drive vehicle is often recommended due to the condition of the road leading to the trailhead. The phone number for inquiries and information is Phone: 247878877. Further details and trail maps are available on the official website: Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. The area’s landscape is characterized by sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation, contributing to a serene and captivating environment.

Trail Characteristics and Features

The walking track itself is predominantly an out-and-back trail, offering a moderate level of difficulty suitable for a wide range of hikers. It’s approximately 800 meters in length, providing a relatively short but rewarding hike. The trail is well-maintained, though it includes a few steps and uneven surfaces, demanding a reasonable level of fitness. A key feature of the track is, of course, the Glowworm Tunnel itself, a naturally formed passage illuminated by hundreds of glowworms (Panaxia americana), creating a breathtaking display of bioluminescence. Visitors are encouraged to bring a red light or torch to fully appreciate the spectacle within the tunnel, as it quickly becomes pitch black.

Points of Interest

Beyond the tunnel, visitors will find several points of interest. The trailhead features a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with mobility limitations. There’s also a basic toilet facility available at the car park. The surrounding area offers opportunities for further exploration, including scenic viewpoints and a chance to appreciate the unique geology of the Newnes Plateau. The track’s popularity suggests a consistent flow of visitors eager to experience this remarkable natural wonder.

Visitor Feedback and Recommendations

The Glowworm Tunnel Walking Track consistently receives positive feedback from visitors, as evidenced by its impressive average opinion of 4.7/5 on Google My Business. Many reviewers highlight the magic of the glowworms and the overall serenity of the experience. A common piece of advice is to arrive early, particularly during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing spot within the tunnel. The road conditions to the trailhead, while generally passable with a two-wheel drive vehicle, can be challenging in wet weather, with numerous potholes along the route. Planning a visit accordingly and checking road conditions beforehand is advisable.

Suitable for Families and Individuals

The Glowworm Tunnel Walking Track is generally considered good for kids, offering a captivating experience for families. However, the darkness within the tunnel may be unsettling for very young children, and adult supervision is always recommended. The trail’s relatively short length and manageable difficulty make it suitable for hikers of varying fitness levels. The track’s popularity also indicates a high level of safety and well-maintained conditions, providing peace of mind for visitors of all ages.

Additional Information & Considerations

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Walking: The primary mode of transport is on foot.
• Hiking Area: The track is a designated hiking area, promoting responsible trail use and preservation of the natural environment.
• Kid-Friendly Hikes: The track is frequently cited as an enjoyable hike for children.

Visitors are encouraged to respect the delicate ecosystem and adhere to all park regulations. Leaving no trace and minimizing disturbance to the glowworms are essential for preserving this unique natural wonder for future generations. The track’s free access further enhances its appeal, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable Australian adventure.

👍 Reviews of Glow Worm Tunnel walking track

Fgasco 7.

5/5

Yes you can make it there in a two wheel drive car. but lots of pothole in some stages. Then you head through a short tunnel before arriving to the car park. There are toilet there. The walk to the tunnel is easy but there are some steps. Remember to bring a red light or torch, once inside the tunnel. It gets very pitch black. Highly recommend going there its free.

Michelle B.

5/5

We drove there in a compact sedan but still managed to get there but expect a long & slow drive. An SUV or 4WD would have been a much better option. Overall, road conditions isn't too bad (it was raining in the morning).
Approx 1hr (4km) return track from the carpark. Total darkness in the cave/tunnel, walk all the way to the middle, give your eyes a couple minutes to adjust and be mesmerized by the glow worms on the walls & ceiling.

Garry M.

5/5

A reasonably easy 2 km walk from car park, is a main feature.
Make sure you take a torch and keep noise down to a minimum if you want to see the glow worms.
A beautiful area is just outside other end of tunnel.
If driving from Lithgow stop at areas on way for easy walks and great scenery.

Semple T.

5/5

Wonderful experience walking through the tunnel. The most glow worms I've ever seen in one place. Beautiful picnic area at the end of the tunnel before heading back. Dirt road into the tunnel.

E

5/5

Was on the fence after all the sooky reviews about the road. It was only the last 10ish kms that are a bit rough, wouldn’t do it without a 4wd, but with one it’s absolutely fine just slow for the last stretch

Absolutely worth it the glow worms were awesome. The longer you spend in the cave the more you see, takes a while to adjust to the darkness.

You can walk in and out in under an hour, can go further on for more walks if you want and some other places to stop on the way. Feel like you’re in Jurassic park.

Highly recommend for a day trip, Lithgow has heaps pf nice cafes and a great playground for a pit stop (see my other reviews)

Karly M.

5/5

Went during the week so it wasn’t too busy. Road out there is still fairly rough and quite tight. Some of the walk past the tunnel was closed due to rockslides. Tunnel was stunning though with all lights off, just creepy as it’s pitch black. Recommend bringing a red light if you have one

Steve M.

4/5

Very nice easy going track to the glow worm tunnel. The hardest part of the trip is the long drive on rough unsealed roads. Whilst the tracks to the tunnel are very nice with some beautiful scenery to be had, the glow worm cave itself wasn't anything to rave about. There were only a few small clusters of glow rooms throughout the tunnel. You really need to stay in the darkets part of the tunnel to let your eyes adjust to the darkness before you actually start seeing the glow worms. While I enjoyed the experience, I probably wouldn't do it again.

Chutney

5/5

Great spot, the glow worms and scenery were both amazing. Road in was a bit wild but crews were working on it at the time. If you're using Google Maps put the destination as the carport, not the actual tunnel.