Wollemi glow worms protected during tunnel precinct $4.3 million upgrade

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have carried out a ‘glow worm friendly’ $4.3 million upgrade at the popular Glow Worm Tunnel precinct in Wollemi National Park, which is now open to visitors.

NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe officially opened the precinct, which now has a new path through the tunnel and handrails to keep visitors from accidently brushing against the glow worm webs.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff carried out the work in a glow worm safe way, to avoid disturbing the colony. This was achieved by using battery operated and hand-held tools, with only headlights and red lamps to illuminate the direct workspace.

Works to the precinct surrounding the tunnel, which attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year, include 5.7 km of upgraded walking tracks, new picnic tables, a new toilet block and an expansion of the car park.

The work was jointly funded by the Australian Government using the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, and the NSW Government.

The 387 metre long tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of a railway line for shale mining in the Wolgan Valley at Newnes. The tunnel’s high humidity and running stream made it a perfect home for the permanent glow worm population.

Visitors can learn more about the site with a self-guided audio tour and immersive videos that can be downloaded for free from October via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service app and website.

Minister Sharpe noted “The new path through the wonderful Glow Worm Tunnel makes it safer and easier for visitors to access and importantly, minimises disturbance to the glow worms.

“The repairs and upgrades to Glow Worm Tunnel Road mean visitors with two-wheel drive cars can now travel to the precinct during dry weather, making it accessible to more people.

“I want to congratulate the team from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for conducting this work under such delicate conditions and keeping the glow worms safe in the process.”