Glow Worm Tunnel Road
The main forest road across the Newnes Plateau, from Lithgow to the Glow Worm Tunnel carpark, through pine plantation, native forest and pagoda country.
- Distanceabout 33km one-way
- Time1hr - 1hr 30min each way
- Vehicle2WD with care in dry conditions
- Nearest townLithgow
About this drive
State Mine Gully Road climbs out of Lithgow onto the plateau, where Glow Worm Tunnel Road runs north through Newnes State Forest into Wollemi National Park. Near the end the road passes through a short disused railway tunnel.
It is the backbone of the plateau: most of the 4WD tracks, trail-bike routes and bush camps in Newnes State Forest branch off this road.
Surface: Unsealed forest road, corrugated, potholed after rain. Vehicle: 2WD with care in dry conditions; high clearance or 4WD recommended.
Route map
Mapped length 33.1 km. Route line from OpenStreetMap; distance and grade in the summary are the official NPWS figures where available.
Take this map offline
Phone reception drops out across most of the Mountains. Save the route before you leave town.
GPX opens in Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Organic Maps, Garmin and most navigation apps and shows your live position on the route with no signal. How to use offline maps.How to get there
From Lithgow's Main Street, take Inch Street and Atkinson Street to State Mine Gully Road and follow it up the hill past the State Mine Heritage Park. At the top, continue north on Glow Worm Tunnel Road. Alternative: Old Bells Line of Road from Clarence (near the Zig Zag Railway).
Parking: Glow Worm Tunnel carpark at the northern end.
Finish point: -33.24791, 150.22343 · directions to the end
Good to know
- Log trucks use this road on weekdays - headlights on, keep left on crests.
- No fuel, no shops and almost no reception after Lithgow.
- After heavy rain the surface cuts up badly. Check Forestry Corporation and NPWS alerts.
Common questions
How long is Glow Worm Tunnel Road?
Glow Worm Tunnel Road is about 33km one-way and takes about 1hr - 1hr 30min each way.
Where does Glow Worm Tunnel Road start?
From Lithgow's Main Street, take Inch Street and Atkinson Street to State Mine Gully Road and follow it up the hill past the State Mine Heritage Park. At the top, continue north on Glow Worm Tunnel Road. Alternative: Old Bells Line of Road from Clarence (near the Zig Zag Railway). GPS: -33.46572, 150.16831.
Where do I park for Glow Worm Tunnel Road?
Glow Worm Tunnel carpark at the northern end.
Do I need a 4WD for Glow Worm Tunnel Road?
2WD with care in dry conditions; high clearance or 4WD recommended. Unsealed forest road, corrugated, potholed after rain.
Is there phone reception at Glow Worm Tunnel Road?
Do not rely on it. Download the GPX file or save this page offline before you leave Lithgow.
Sources: Forestry Corporation NSW - forest closures; OpenStreetMap contributors (route line). Last checked Friday 13 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.