The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

2.9 km Return

0 m

Moderate track

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.

Going up through the rock at the end of the bridge

Inside the Glow Worm Tunnel (notice the glow worms on the roof)

Looking through to the western end of the tunnel

The cliffs and fern grotto at the western end of the tunnel

(0km) End of Glowworm Tunnel Rd → Int of Glowworm Tunnel and Pagoda Servicetrails

1.2 km

18 mins

0m Moderate track

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.

(1km) Int of Glowworm Tunnel and Pagoda Servicetrails → Eastern end of Glowworm tunnel

120 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: Following the signpost pointing towards the 'Glow Worm Tunnel', the walk heads along the management trail above the creek (which is to the left). The walk soon comes to a large tunnel.

(1km) Eastern end of Glowworm tunnel → Western end of Glowworm Tunnel

150 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the eastern end of the tunnel, the walk goes through the tunnel. There is usually a small flattened section along one side, allowing walkers to keep their feet dry. (Note: You will definitely need torches in the tunnel). There is a small sign informing visitors of the need to be quiet in the tunnel so as not to disturb the worms. The walk emerges from the tunnel into a small clearing, surrounded by cliffs.

Maps for the The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Ben Bullen	1:25 000 Map Series	89314S BEN BULLEN	NSW-89314S
Glen Alice	1:50 000 Map Series	89314 GLEN ALICE	CW-89314
Wallerawang	1:100 000 Map Series	8931 WALLERAWANG	8931

Cross sectional view of the The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk

Altitude analysis for The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.9 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 1.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 150m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 150m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Glow Worm Tunnel Walk walk.

The Deep Pass Trail

1.9 km One way, 1 Hr

Going through one of the prettiest campsites near Lithgow, the Deep Pass Trail goes steeply into a valley surrounded by amazing cliffs, and up the other side. Nayook Canyon is a good sidetrip, with beautiful cascading waterfalls that the track climbs around.

Moderate track

The Nayook Canyon Bushtrack

2.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

Passing close by one of the prettiest campsites in the Blue Mountains (Deep Pass), the Nayook Canyon Bushtrack explores the beautiful Nayook Creek. Winding its way through the ferns along the creek bed, climbing small cascading waterfalls and scrambling around rock-pools are all the delights of this

Experienced only

Zig-Zag Railway Walk

4.6 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

With a steam train ride from the end of the walk back to the start, the Zig-Zag Railway Walk is a very interesting one. Climbing to the ridges above the railway, this walk offers walkers the opportunity to watch the train as it puffs and hoots it's way from Clarence Station to Bottom Points Station.

Total climbing: 245m

Moderate track

Asgard Kiln and Mine

5.6 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to the Asgard Kiln and Mine is a great, quick trip which passes through some interesting swamp environments. The track does not get bogged in the swamp but passes along a dry service trail and bush track. The Asgard Kiln and Mine is well worth the visit, but don't forget to take a torch!

Total climbing: 221m

Hard track

Pyramid Shaped Rock

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Pyramid Shaped Rock, is a rock shaped (somewhat) like a pyramid. It is a great place to camp the night, with a flat clear area for your tent, or a nice place to stop for lunch on a day trip. The rock is adjacent to a swamp with water (normally), and the rock's proximity to Thor and Asgard Head walks

Total climbing: 154m

Moderate track

Thor Head

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

The walk to Thor Head has some breathtaking views. The last part of the walk follows a large unfenced cliff line and there is no track for the last 1km. The views along the way are fantastic. If the climb up Thor Head is not for you, the views from the rocky knoll along the cliff line are just as sp

Total climbing: 305m

Very experienced only

Victoria Falls

3.1 km Return, 2 hrs

The Victoria Falls walk is a great way to get up close to an amazing cascade. The walk explores the top and bottom of the falls, with the chance to climb behind Victoria Falls. This walk heads down into a section of the Grose Valley from the end of Victoria Falls Rd. Although there is no where to s

Total climbing: 431m

Hard track

Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station

22.5 km One way, 3 Days

This walk explores a fantastic section of the Grose Valley. Starting above Victoria Falls, the walk explores the cascades before dropping into the valley for the first nights rest at Burra Korain campsite. The walk then heads down through the valley to the Blue Gum Forest before camping at Acacia Fl

Total climbing: 1580m

Experienced only

Victoria Falls Lookout

206 m Return, 15 mins

This short, return walk takes you to the lookout above Victoria Falls. Despite the name, the lookout does not view Victoria Falls, but instead gives a magnificent view over the Grose Valley and the surrounding cliffs. There are better lookouts closer to Blackheath, but if you're in the area this ver

Total climbing: 15m

Moderate track

Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest

13.8 km One way, 8 hrs

This long day-walk follows a remote track down from Victoria Falls lookout, passing the waterfall, and into the Grose Valley, to the famous Blue Gum Forest, a scenic and historic highlight of this area. From the Blue Gum Forest, the walk climbs steeply to finish at Perry's Lookdown. You will need to

Total climbing: 1102m

Experienced only

Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

22.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is a fantastic overnight walk with a sleep in Acacia Flats camping area. The Grose Valley, with its views of the Grose River and surrounding cliffs, gives a dramatic backdrop during most of this walk. The climbs up and down the valley give an appreciation of the scale of it all. Public transpor

Total climbing: 1561m

Experienced only

Victoria Falls to Pierces Pass

8.9 km One way, 2 Days

This is a magnificent overnight walk, allowing time to really explore the area. Enjoying views of Victoria Falls and other cascades makes a great way to start this walk. The campsite of Burra Korain Flats is not as popular as Acacia Flats, enhancing the serenity of the Grose Valley. The walk out via

Total climbing: 854m

Experienced only