One of the most popular and famous tracks near Lithgow, the Glow Worm Tunnel Walk goes 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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
The Glow Worm Tunnel Servicetrail. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.The cliffs surrounding the servicetrail. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.Going down to the bridge. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.Going up through the rock at the end of the bridge. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.The eastern end of the tunnel. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.Inside the Glow Worm Tunnel (notice the glow worms on the roof). | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.Looking through to the western end of the tunnel. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.The western end of the tunnel. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.The cliffs and fern grotto at the western end of the tunnel. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2007.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn right onto Inch Street and drive for another 1.2 km
Turn left onto Atkinson Street, 1 and drive for another 12.1 km
Continue onto Glow Worm Tunnel Road, 1 and drive for another 21.7 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park, this walk heads past the metal barriers and along the management trail, following the signs to the 'Glowworm Tunnel'. The trail winds for several hundred metres until descending slightly and crossing a small bridge, continuing up the stairs on the opposite side. Joining up with the management trail, the walk continues for a short period until coming to an intersection with another management trail.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 45 m head through the bicycle barrier.
Then pass the "Glow Worm Tunnel Car Park" (30 m on your left).
Then pass the toilet (45 m on your left).
After another 620 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 170 m continue straight.
After another 370 m continue straight.
After another 55 m head through the Glowworm Tunnel
Continue another 295 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.6 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
3.1 km
Time
1 h 15 min to 2 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
