Glow Worm Tunnel (from Newnes)

The Glow Worm Tunnel can be accessed via two routes (a short walk via Clarence or a more challenging walk from Newnes). The destination is a disused rail tunnel, inhabited by thousands of glow worms. They can be seen at any time of day, as the curving railway tunnel is dark in the middle. This walk is the longer route that starts near the abandoned coal mining town of Newnes.

Rainforest

300m

Total Climb

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Getting there

Newnes is situated at the end of Wolgan Road, accessed via a turnoff from the Castlereagh Highway. (Head west from Lithgow for about 11km to a junction leading to Mudgee, then right onto the Castlereagh Highway; from here it’s another 5min until you reach Wolgan Road on your right). Google Maps reference.

Maps

89314S Ben Bullen (walk is well sign-posted)

Route/Trail notes

The 4WD road crosses the Wolgan River on a concrete ford (this initial section is accessed by private property owners) and climbes up towards the cliff line. Eventually the track joins the old Newnes railway formation (also known as the Wolgan Valley Railway), and from here the walking track is fairly flat. It's about 4km to a rainforest grotto, and just beyond this is the start of the tunnel.

Bring a torch but do not shine the torch on the glow worms! The tunnel can be a bit wet and slippery, so take care when walking through it.