Clarence
Glow Worms
The Wolgan Rail Trail. Drive or cycle 39 km along the old rail bed through a tunnel to the Glow Worm Tunnel walking tracks.
Logistics
Rail Trail Phase Nine
The Enchanting Glow Worm Tunnel
Nestled deep within the Wollemi National Park, the Glow Worm Tunnel is one of the Blue Mountains’ most magical and unique attractions. This abandoned railway tunnel, now home to thousands of bioluminescent glow worms, creates an otherworldly experience as visitors step into the darkness and witness the ceiling sparkle like a star-filled night sky. Originally constructed in the early 1900s as part of the Newnes railway line, the tunnel once carried trains transporting shale oil from the Wolgan Valley. Today, it offers a fascinating blend of natural wonder and industrial heritage, making it a must-visit destination for hikers, railway enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
About
The Wolgan Walking Trail and Glow Worm Tunnel: A Key Part of the Blue Mountains Rail Trail
As Phase Nine of the Blue Mountains Rail Trail, the Wolgan Walking Trail and Glow Worm Tunnel stand as a testament to the region’s deep railway history and environmental significance. This phase links Clarence to the historic Newnes Plateau, following sections of the defunct Wolgan Valley Railway, which was constructed in 1907 to transport oil shale. Today, the pathway allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the past, retracing the route once taken by steam trains through tunnels, bridges, and rugged escarpments.
As part of the Blue Mountains Rail Trail, this segment plays a vital role in preserving and promoting railway heritage. It highlights the ingenuity of early rail engineers while offering an immersive experience into the region’s spectacular landscape. The Glow Worm Tunnel, in particular, serves as a stunning reminder of how nature can reclaim industrial spaces, turning them into something truly extraordinary.
Features
Clarence: Glow Worms
Trail Features and Historical Context, Benefits, and Future Expansion
Trail Features and Historical Context
- The trail follows the original Newnes Railway alignment, passing through lush eucalyptus forests, fern-filled gullies, and sandstone cliffs.
- The Glow Worm Tunnel, a curved 400-meter tunnel, blocks out light at its center, creating the perfect conditions for glow worms to thrive.
- Visitors can see remnants of railway sleepers, old embankments, and cuttings that reveal the engineering challenges of building the line over a century ago.
- The trail connects with the Wolgan Valley, offering breathtaking views of its dramatic escarpments and the remains of the historic Newnes shale oil mining town.
Benefits
- Railway Heritage Preservation: By walking this trail, visitors gain insight into the Blue Mountains’ industrial past and the significance of rail transport in shaping the region.
- Ecotourism & Conservation: The Glow Worm Tunnel is a protected environment, emphasizing sustainable tourism that respects the delicate balance of human history and natural ecosystems.
- Health & Recreation: The trail provides a moderate, family-friendly hike, attracting a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers.
Future Expansion
- Plans to extend and improve trail signage, incorporating interactive historical information about the railway’s construction and use.
- Potential heritage restoration projects, including the preservation of old railway infrastructure along the route.
- Enhanced access and connectivity, ensuring the Wolgan Walking Trail seamlessly integrates into the broader Blue Mountains Rail Trail network.
As a gateway to one of the most unique and historically significant railway sites in Australia, the Clarence: Wolgan Walking Trail and Glow Worm Tunnel is more than just a hiking path—it is a journey through time, offering a profound connection to the past while celebrating the region’s natural beauty and railway legacy.
Blog
The Latest Insights and Information
about the Blue Mountains Rail Trail
All Aboard for Family Fun: Sunday, 6 July 2025
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.
All Aboard for Steam FunFest 2025 at Valley Heights Rail Museum!
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.
Glenbrook Historical Society has several guided walks
Chris Webber on the 13th March announced that, with the assistance of the Blue Mountains Historical Society, a Blue Mountains Rail Trail has now been created, combining 13 different sites throughout the Greater Blue Mountains, from Lapstone to Oberon via Lithgow.