This ancient rainforest hosts one of the largest glow worm colonies

Illuminated stickybeaking through glow worm caves can be found one hour from the Gold Coast.

Like glow-in-the-dark stars stuck to the bedroom ceilings of our childhood, glow worms flood darkened spaces with otherworldly light shows. In Queensland’s Springbrook National Park, one of the hidden gems of the Gold Coast Hinterland, the itty bitty insects thrive, clustering into Australia’s largest known colony and drawing queues of awe-struck visitors daily.

From knowing where to find these glow worm caves (well, it’s technically one cave and several rocky overhangs) and precisely when to catch them, to getting across further glow worm hot spots throughout Queensland and Australia’s east coast, our guide to bioluminescent exploration will see you spellbound by its undeniable magic.

Springbrook National Park

Flowing with lush forest, waterfalls, streams, ancient trees and wildlife including several endangered species, Springbrook National Park is a spectacular natural playground that stretches over 6,558 hectares. It’s roughly 40 kilometres inland from the Gold Coast, about an hour’s drive from Surfers Paradise, forming part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, the world’s largest sub-tropical rainforest.

While a stroll along any of its trails will highlight the park’s majesty, tackling the one-kilometre Natural Bridge Circuit, off Bakers Road within the Natural Bridge section, will take you straight to Springbrook’s glow worm cave. If you’re driving straight in and out, punch ‘Nerang Murwillumbah Road Reserve’ into Maps.

glow worms inside a cave — Soak in the delicate radiance of nature’s tiny lanterns. (Image: Getty/Camille Niel)

Outsmart long sets of stairs by tackling the walk in a clockwise direction and before long, a striking basalt cave, crafted by the force of a waterfall cascading overhead, is destined to steal your attention. Thousands of the small fly species Arachnocampa flava, which are endemic to south-east Queensland, fill the cave’s roof, creating a blanket of tiny bluey-green lights. Think tiny speckly flies rather than worms, in fact. The sight is soothing yet eerily sinister, vivid yet cloaked in the dampness of the rocky wall — it’s a breathtaking wonder, no matter how many times you spy it.

glow worms inside a cave, Springbrook National Park — Marvel at the bioluminescence. (Image: Getty/Jessica North)

Now, some logistics to amplify your viewing. You’ll need to visit after sunset when darkness enhances the little guys’ radiance, and the best time of year to see them is during the wet season in full heat: December to March. Because it’s summer, you’ll also likely spot fireflies and microbats, so it’s a real feast for the senses.

Queensland National Parks also offer rules to comply with while visiting the glow worm cave, due to these phenomenal attractions being super sensitive to their surroundings.

You should bring torches — one between two people is advised — but visitors are urged to avoid shining them directly onto glow worms. Their light is emitted to lure prey (humans aren’t the only suckers for glow worm caves — midges and mozzies are also drawn in) and shining harsh lights may disrupt the natural feeding process.
No flash photography. Again, harsh light may interrupt feeding cycles.
No smoking, as smoke can kill glow worms.
Do not touch the insects.
Do not apply insect repellent while you’re up close. Again, the repellent could prove fatal to glow worms, so ensure you’re sufficiently lathered before you start the trail.
Cap your group at 12 people. More people and excessive noise mean a greater chance of disrupting those feeding cycles.

Additionally, we recommend wearing super grippy shoes as the grounds can be quite slippery, especially if you’re visiting after some rain. Plus, it’s pitch black in there.

Where else can you see glow worms?

If you’ve got a bit of time on the Gold Coast, you should also check out the Glow Worm Caves at Tamborine Mountain . The insects are real, but the cave is man-made and the team behind it offer guided tours, so you’ll hear all about how glow worms survive and more in-depth storytelling into what you’re marvelling. It’s located near Cedar Creek Estate vineyard on the corner of Long and Hartley roads.

Additionally, we love exploring:

Wollemi National Park, NSW

Located near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains, Wollemi National Park is home to the six-kilometre return Glow Worm Tunnel walking track, leading nature lovers to another high concentration of glow worms. Lining the walls of a historic 387-metre-long tunnel, thousands of the insects are spotted about 1.5 kilometres into the trail.

Great Otway National Park, VIC

One of the wettest corners of the state, Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road boasts its own impressive glow worm population at the park’s Melba Gully. Take the Madsens Track Nature Walk at night to spot the little fellas clinging onto soil banks and overhanging ledges. The walk is about 1.5 kilometres in total.

Marakoopa Cave in Mole Creek Karst National Park, Tas

an undeground stream at Mole Creek Caves — The majestic Mole Creek Caves boast underground streams and spectacular rock formations. (Image: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman)

A limestone underground structure located about 40 minutes from Tasmania’s Deloraine, the Marakoopa Cave in Mayberry is filled with glow worms but you’ll need to join a tour to access it. Mole Creek Karst National Park’s ticketing office provides seasonal tour options so check out the website to find a pick that’s perfect for you.

Glow Worm Glen Track in Morton National Park, NSW

Located within the Southern Highlands of NSW, Morton National Park is another great spot to catch glow worms spinning their magic after dark. The park’s Garland Road Reserve, otherwise known as the Glow Worm Glen Track, is a two-kilometre return trail illuminated at the William Street section. Park at the top end of the street before carefully scaling down towards a viewing platform where the beauties beam.

Discover our guide to Lamington National Park

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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