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The Historic Newnes Railway and Glowworm Tunnel
On foot explore the Gardens of Stone canyon country before tracing the embankments of the former Wolgan Valley Railway to the iconic Glowworm Tunnel.
Your guides connect the landscape with its industrial past — shale‑oil works, 19th century railways and remote settlements — while you experience classic pagoda formations, breath taking views, cool canyons and, conditions permitting, a riverside stop and swim before shuffling into the cool darkness of the glowworm tunnel with its starry canopy of bioluminescent larvae!
The hike is located in the heart of the Wollemi National Park and participants will need to be able to walk over rough tracks and trails, climb steps and descend steep gradients carrying a light pack for a distance of 10kms for approximately 5 hours. National Parks grade sections of the walk as medium/ hard
Itinerary highlights
Pagodas, canyons, glowworms and railway.
Sandstone pagodas and canyon sections
With a maximum number of 10 guests and always two guides walk on the former Newnes (Wolgan Valley) Railway embankment (1907–1932) and visit the famous Glowworm Tunnel (loan red‑lens headlamps provided) with an optional dip in the Wolgan River (time/conditions permitting) whilst being provided with expert interpretation by archaeologists/historians
Tour details
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Single Available from 24 May 2026
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Single Available from 16 June 2026
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Single Available from 14 July 2026
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Single Available from 25 July 2026
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Single Available from 18 August 2026
Features
Service facilities
This business does not currently offer accessible facilities.
Operation information
Heritage Hikes Australia (Katoomba)
Heritage Hikes Australia offers guided bushwalking/hiking experiences that combine outdoor adventure with the discovery of Australia’s historical landscapes.
These small-group walks explore places where history remains visible in the landscape. Guests visit former mining settlements, forgotten railway lines, mountain huts and archaeological sites while learning how the past can be read through ruins, artefacts and environmental clues.
Experiences range from part-day to full-day and multi-day hiking adventures across several national parks in New South Wales, including the Blue Mountains, Dharug, Wollemi and Kosciuszko regions. Locations include the Newnes historic site with its former shale mining town ruins and railway, including the Glow Worm Tunnel; the Devines Hill convict road works and the remote alpine huts of the Snowy Mountains.
What makes Heritage Hikes Australia unique is the combination of outdoor guiding and professional heritage expertise. Walks are led by experienced bushwalkers who are also professional archaeologists, historians and museum specialists. Guests learn to observe the landscape like an archaeologist and uncover stories often missed by traditional tours. Heritage Hikes Australia operates under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is a member of Outdoors NSW and ACT.
These experiences appeal to curious travellers, history enthusiasts, walkers and families who enjoy learning while exploring nature. Each walk blends storytelling, heritage interpretation and outdoor adventure to create a memorable way to experience the Australian bush.
Memberships
- Australian Museums and Galleries Association
- Outdoors NSW & ACT
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