Newnes glow worm tunnel

Glow Worms inside the tunnel.

The entrance to the glow worm tunnel.

A sign at the entrance to the glow worm tunnel.

The Newnes glow worm tunnel is a disused railway tunnel in the Wolgan Valley, New South Wales, Australia, that is famous for its resident glow worms, the bioluminescent larvae of Arachnocampa richardsae, a type of fungus gnat.

Description and history

The 600-metre tunnel was bored through the sandstone in 1907 as part of the Newnes railway line that served the Newnes Oil Shale mines that operated during the early 20th century. The railway was closed in 1932 and the rails were pulled out of the tunnel.

The tunnel is now within the Wollemi National Park and is a popular attraction for bushwalkers and tourists. In addition to the glow worms, the area features spectacular gorges, caves and scenery. The site is maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Access

There are several ways to get to the Newnes Glow Worm tunnel:

• 22km walk each way: Walk for 22km along the route of the old railway line from Newnes
• 9km return walk: Drive to the weir over the Wolgan River 7km before Newnes. Walk up the nearby fire trail to the railway line to the right
• Walk or cycle in from Newnes State forest
• Drive from Lithgow or Clarence (both roads eventually join up), about 25km bumpy dirt road, and walk 1km to the tunnel.

References

• Allan Watson's Newnes Services web page Newnes Information
• Deane, Henry (1979), The Wolgan Valley Railway - Its Construction, Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division, ISBN 0909650098 

External links

• Newnes Services
• Info Blue Mountains