6 Best Glow Worm Tours near Adelaide You Should Add to Your Bucket List
My mates and I were on the lookout for something totally out of the ordinary; something beyond the usual bushwalks, winery trips, or lazy arvos by the beach. That’s when someone piped up with, “How about glow worm tours?”
Stoked by the idea, we couldn’t pass up the chance to check out Adelaide’s glowing underground magic.
Gosh, it was like stepping into a proper fairy tale! Tiny, glowing dots lit up the darkness like stars in the bush, creating a magical vibe that was absolutely unreal.
Naturally, we were hooked! So, we sussed out the best glow worm tours around Adelaide. Here’s a guide to the most stunning spots for this ethereal adventure.
Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours
Website: https://www.bluemts.com.au/13973/blue-mountains-glow-worm-tours/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluemountainsaustralia
Address: Bulgamatta Road Bilpin/Mt Tomah NSW
Hours: Depends on the booking
Contact: Online booking
The Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tours is located just west of Sydney, and it has been lighting up the lives of locals and visitors since 1996. It’s actually one of our favorite spots for glow worms!
The guided tours are an absolute must if you’re keen to get the full experience. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll tackle the famous Grand Canyon Walk, where a sneaky detour to a small creek unveils a hidden glow worm grotto.
The highlight? Climbing down into an ancient sandstone canyon and winding through its twists and turns until you reach a breathtaking natural amphitheater. As you sit there in silence, the glow worms slowly flicker to life, creating a starry sky-like display.
It’s not just about the glow worms here—it’s about immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of the Blue Mountains (yep, they’re totally blue mates!) while uncovering these natural wonders.
Pro Tip:
Blue Mountains’ self-guided glow worm tour option is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. With a downloadable guidebook, you can discover even more glow worm colonies around Katoomba and Leura!
Wolgan Valley Eco Tours’ Glow Worm Tunnel Walk
Media credit: wolganvalleyecotours
Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wollemi-guided-glow-worm-tunnel-walk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolganvalleyecotours/
Address: Wollemi National Park
Hours: Depends on the booking
Contact: 0439 464 660
Wolgan Valley Eco Tours’ Glow Worm Tunnel Walk is set in the stunning Wollemi National Park. It takes you along the popular Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, where thousands of glow worms put on an awe-inspiring light show.
Once inside the tunnel, we recommend switching off your torch and letting your eyes adjust to the darkness. Before you know it, you’ll spot soft pinpricks of blue light twinkling like tiny constellations all around you.
The tour crew provides wildlife-friendly headlamps and tablets so you can safely get up close and learn more about these fascinating little critters. Plus, the local guides are absolute legends, sharing their deep knowledge of the area’s ecology.
Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking spots like the Wolgan Valley, Bellbird Gorge, and Bells Grotto. Sure, it’s a bit of a workout, but trust us—it’s worth every step.
Pro Tip:
Worried about running out of steam? Wolgan Valley Eco Tours has you sorted with delicious meals and drinks (included in the tour price) to keep you hydrated and energized.
Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/riseupbyron/
Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/byron-glow-worms-hinterland-forest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseupbyron/
Address: Nightcap National Park
Hours: Depends on the booking
Contact: +61 2 6627 0200
Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours is a guided experience that takes you deep into the enchanting World Heritage-listed wilderness of Nightcap National Park.
The adventure kicks off with a scenic ride to a hidden glow worm cave. Your guides whisk you away into the dark where, as your eyes adjust, thousands of soft blue lights flicker to life around you.
Next, you’ll explore a temple nestled in the rainforest of Byron’s lush hinterland. And for those keen to embrace their inner zen, there’s an optional meditation or sound healing session led by a shaman.
Just when you think your glow worm tour couldn’t get any better, you’re treated to visits to stunning waterfalls, complete with an optional refreshing swim.
Pro Tip:
Cap off your Rise Up glow worm tour with a vegetarian dinner served at a scenic lookout—the perfect ending to a day filled with glowing lights and landscapes!
Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tour
Media credit: tamborineglowworms
Website: https://www.tamborineglowworms.com.au/prices-and-times.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamborineglowworms/
Address: 104 – 144 Hartley Road
Hours: Depends on booking
Contact: (07) 5545 1666
The Tamborine Mountain is nestled in the heart of the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. It’s a region renowned for its lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls—so count us in for an awesome glow worm tour in the area!
This 30-minute tour offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with glow worms during the day. That’s right, no need to wait until sunset to catch these little beauties in action—this colony is specially maintained for daytime viewing.
The glow worm cave is accessible only through guided tours, which helps protect these delicate critters and their unique habitat. As you wander down an even concrete path into the dimly lit cave, you’ll be greeted by thousands of soft blue lights.
And the fun doesn’t stop there—after your tour, you can check out Frog Hollow, a self-guided exhibit featuring fascinating frogs and insects. It’s a freebie included with your glow-worm ticket, so be sure to take a peek!
Pro Tip:
If you’ve got a big group of 10 or more, make a group package inquiry and explore add-ons to your Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Tour. Examples include a visit to the wine center or a meal at the onsite restaurant.
Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour from Gold Coast
Media credit: fabricio_omelczuck
Website: https://www.viator.com/Glow-Worm-Cave-and-Natural-Bridge-Tour
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural-bridge-glow-worm-caves-springbrook/
Address: Surfers Paradise
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +1 (702) 648-5873
The Natural Bridge Glow Worm Night Tour from the Gold Coast is tucked away in the breathtaking Springbrook National Park. This 3-hour evening tour takes you deep into the ancient coastal rainforest to witness a mesmerizing natural light show.
Guided by a top-notch local, you’ll wander through the cool, quiet rainforest of the Springbrook Plateau. Along the way to the glow worm cave, keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned for nocturnal Aussie critters like hooting owls and croaking frogs.
As you enter the famous Natural Bridge cave, you’ll be awestruck by the glow of millions of tiny worms lighting up the darkness like a galaxy beneath the earth.
The tour is as convenient as it is magical, with all the details sorted for you. From hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned coach to National Park fees, flashlights, and a guided rainforest walk, everything is covered—all you need to do is show up!
Pro Tip:
Toward the end of the tour, your guide will ask everyone to switch off their flashlights for an awe-inspiring moment of pure darkness. Take this chance to enjoy the serenity before hopping back on the coach for your return trip.
Aussie Explorations’ Glow Worm, BBQ, and Wine Tour
Media credit: loek_de_vroomen
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Glow_Worms_Sunset_BBQ_Wine_Star_Gazing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glow-worm-caves/
Address: Gold Coast
Hours: Depends on booking
Contact: Online booking
Aussie Explorations’ Glow Worms, BBQ, and Wine Tour is a 5.5-hour experience that combines nature, great food, and a bit of stargazing magic. As a bonus, you’ll guided by a friendly local who picks you up right from your doorstep.
Kick things off with a serene sunset at a breathtaking lookout. As the colors of the sky shift, sip on a glass of wine while an expert leads you on a stargazing journey under the southern stars.
Next, you’ll tuck into a ripper of a classic Aussie BBQ dinner under the open sky, complete with snags and all the fixings. It’s the perfect way to fill your belly before heading into the rainforest for the main event: the glow worms.
On a guided night walk, you’ll witness the forest come alive as thousands of glow worms light up the mossy banks and rocky walls. Their bioluminescent glow transforms the rainforest into a sparkling wonderland that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Pro Tip:
This Glow Worm, BBQ, and Wine Tour is best suited for those in good health. So, if you’re pregnant, have back issues, or other medical conditions, it’s worth considering a less strenuous adventure.