Glow Worm Caves: 5 Places to See Them in Australia

Discover the lit-up world of glow worm caves in Australia. This unique phenomenon is a marvellous experience for people of all ages.

Moreover, enjoy this education-based experience in some parts of Australia with a guided tour. Accordingly, some of the experiences on offer are within the Blue Mountains and Gold Coast.

Interestingly, the glow worms found in Australia and New Zealand are unique to the rest of the world as these insects are carnivorous.

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What Are Glow Worms and How Do They Emit Light?

Strangely enough, glow worms aren’t worms; they are a type of beetle named a fungus gnat. When you see a glow worm, you aren’t viewing the adult insect. It is the larvae of the insect which is giving off the glow.

The larvae lifecycle is the longest part of the Glow Worms life. They spend nine months to a year within caves and protected environments while emitting light to capture their prey. However, once they’ve grown into an adult, they typically only live for a matter of days.

The larvae capture small bugs, typically midge flies, with their long strands of silk thread covered in mucous, which appears similar to drool.

To illustrate, the colour of light is usually a bright blue or green shade. Usually, one can find these glow worms in groups, scattered underneath the roof of a cave or another protected environment.

The light created by these creatures is a phenomenon named bioluminescence. For instance, this is a chemical reaction inside the body of an organism.

Moreover, this light is a result of a chemical reaction between luciferin, luciferase, ATP and oxygen. Finally, glowworms emit light to attract their prey, since many insects are attracted to light.

Where Are They Found, And When Is the Best Time of Year to View Them?

The best time of year to view glow worms is usually between December and March, as this is the time of year with the highest humidity. Keep in mind, some places have the ability to offer year-round viewing as the climate within the caves stays the same.

Also, their habitat is typically within dark and protected environments such as caves and rainforests. Although, now and then, they may be seen underneath rocks and within the bark of trees.

5 Fun Facts on Glow Worms

The ability of plants, insects, animals or fungi to emit light is a phenomenon called bioluminescence.
If the glow worm is really bright, that typically means that it’s hungrier than usual.
An adult glow worm has no mouth and is unable to eat
Some glow worms are carnivorous while others are herbivores
Australia has eight species of glow worms

Important Things to Keep In Mind When Visiting Glow Worm Caves

When visiting glow worms, it’s important to be responsible for their environment as we don’t want to disturb their habitats. While visiting, please keep these few key points in mind:

No smoking
No flash photography or use of torches, this will cause the insect to turn off their light
Do not touch them
Keep a safe distance
Keep noise low

5 Places to See Glow Worms in Australia

Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast

One of the most popular glow worm caves in Australia is the Tamborine Mountain Caves.

With the guarantee of viewing thousands of the creatures in these glow worms caves, it is a worthwhile adventure for adults and children.

Moreover, the informative and guided tour is ideal for an educational family day activity.

Begin the journey with a walk through the rainforest while crossing Cedar Creek. In fact, the creation of this cave is to protect the local species of glow worms.

Address: 104 Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

Melba Gully Glow Worms, Great Otway National Park

The Melba Gully glow worms is the most popular viewing location for these intriguing creatures within Victoria.

Experience views of the large colony of glow worms via the Madsens loop track. Moreover, the walk takes roughly 35 minutes to complete and is well worth the nighttime trek.

Be sure to look in the trees and gully banks to spot the glow of this extraordinary insect.

Finally, the Melba gully glow worms are the best place to see glow worms in Victoria. Although, there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to find them.

Address: 5 Melba Gully Rd, Lavers Hill VIC 3238

Glow Worm Tunnel, Wollemi National Park

Begin the adventure to the glow worm tunnel in Wollemi National Park by parking at the end of Glow Worm Tunnel Road.

Firstly, this walking track is an easy 1km adventure that leads to a 400m long tunnel built in the early 1900s. In fact, the creation of the tunnel was part of a railway that is now claimed by thousands of glow worms.

Secondly, view the creatures over the roof and walls of the tunnel. Although, be sure to keep quiet while walking through the tunnel to avoid echo and disturbance to the glow worms.

Finally, this glow worms cave is likely one of the best displays of glow worms in Australia. It is magnificent that nature has taken over a man-made creation.

Address: Glowworm Tunnel Rd, Newnes Plateau NSW 2790

Marakoopa Cave, Tasmania

The Marakoopa caves are a fantastic place to visit glow worms all year round as the climate never changes within the cave. Keep in mind, it’s a chilly 9 degrees Celcius at all times; It’s best to take a warm jacket with you!

While touring through the caves, examine the limestone formations and finish up the tour with views of the glow worms.

Additionally, King Solomons cave also offers displays of glow worms and is within a short drive of the Marakoopa caves.

Moreover, bookings are required for these caves as they are tour-based. Although, it has been deemed a worthwhile adventure by many individuals who have experienced these glow worm caves.

Address: 330 Mayberry Rd, Mayberry TAS 7304

Glow Worm Glen, Bundanoon

Glow Worm Glen is a glow worms cave near a small town a couple of hours out of Sydney.

To start your journey, park somewhere along Garland Road and follow the signage towards the cave. Typically the walk takes an hour to complete aside from viewing the glow worms.

Alternatively, the walk also begins at William Street.

Usually, it is best to begin your walk at the end of sunset, which results in nightfall by the time you reach the caves.

Be sure to visit this glow worms cave with a friend or family member to share the enjoyment of this incredible phenomenon.

Address: 33 Garland Road, Bundanoon

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the natural phenomenon of glow worms is a rewarding experience for people of all ages.

Unfortunately, these unique creatures may require travel for many people. However, the rarity of these insects makes the adventure much more valuable.

Speaking from experience, I got the chance to view glow worms in New Zealand some years ago. Many people didn’t believe me when I told them about these creatures. I enjoyed the experience muchly and would love to see these creatures in the wild again.

Finally, decide on the location that is closest to you and enjoy this unusual natural experience.

Where do you plan to visit the glow worm caves? Are you lucky enough to have one of these locations close to you?