We’ve been on many glow worm hunting adventures in the Blue Mountains lately, hoping to take you beyond the popular Glow Worm Tunnel near Newnes. We’ve moved on from areas where we’ve heard they can be found to areas where we have a hunch they might be. The Waterfall Walk at Mount Wilson was one of those hunches, and it definitely paid off.
But what we didn’t realise, when we went to scout out the location in daylight, was that the walk itself is absolutely beautiful. It’s every bit as ferny as the nearby and well known Cathedral of Ferns, and we didn’t see another soul there, despite it being a busy Saturday!
In this guide, we’re sharing the walk by day, as well as where to find the glow worms by night.
The Mount Wilson Waterfall Walk
The stats
Distance: 1.4km total
Elevation: 70m
Difficulty: Easy
The Mount Wilson Waterfall Walk is a circuit that can be done either clockwise or anti-clockwise. If you are heading clockwise then start the trail at the north end of the car park. We recommend going clockwise during the day, and anti clockwise by night.
Starting the trail
The Waterfall Walk might be a very short trail, but it really delivers on the wow factor. If you love lush forests with towering tree ferns and lots of hanging vines, you’re going to have a field day on this walk.
As soon as you set foot on the trail you head immediately into the dense forest, and it is spectacular from the off.
Having zero expectations for this walk, beyond thinking that it could be suitable glow worm habitat, the trail really surprised me. It’s one of the most beautiful forests I’ve walked in, in the Blue Mountains, which is really saying something.
You’ll start heading down into the rainforest on a series of well maintained stairs and you feel totally immersed very quickly.
You’ll then follow the narrow dirt track which flattens out and takes you around the forest of sassafras and giant coachwood trees, and past masses of ferns and hanging vines.
After 750m you’ll come to a side track on your left, signposted for the lower falls. It’s just a minute off the main trail, down a few more steps.
You’ll see the small waterfall in a rainforest gully, which won’t have very much flow unless there has been plenty of recent rain.
After taking in the view you head back onto the main trail which takes you briefly uphill, before it flattens and a few hundred metres later you’ll arrive at the upper falls.
The upper falls are much bigger and would be impressive after heavy rain, for us it was more of a trickle, but still pretty, as it cascades down basalt rock.
Once you’re ready to leave the upper falls you have done the most beautiful part of the walk.
The next 200m sees you climbing back up the hill but on an easier gradient than the way you descended. There are either steps or a sloping path which is in great condition.
If you want to see more waterfalls in Mount Wilson, you have a couple of good options. The first is at Pheasants Cave which is a relatively easy walk, the second is a hidden waterfall grotto, which is gorgeous, but more challenging.
The Waterfall Walk by night
You definitely want to head in the opposite direction to the way we recommend walking the circuit by day, heading anti-clockwise to the upper falls first. This starts at the southern end of the car park.
The descent, even in darkness, is quick and generally easy. There is one steep section on loose gravel, but it’s just a few steps and is manageable in the dark with care.
As you reach the last stairs before the upper falls, turn your torch off and let your eyes adjust.
It takes several minutes but then you’ll start to see glow worms popping up all over the place - including on the staircase! The majority are concentrated around the opposite bank of the gully to where you are standing, you can get closer by crossing over the upper falls - watch for the rocks which can be slippery!
It’s a gorgeous sight, but it’s not the best spot!
When you’re ready, continue along to the lower falls, as you go keep switching your torch off and you’ll see pockets of glow worms scattered along much of the trail. When you get to the lower falls you’ll start to see more and more in the gully, but to truly appreciate the amount that are there, you need to walk through the creek - for us it was extremely shallow, but do check the depth first.
After a couple of minutes walking in the creek you’ll come to the rock face (which is shielded by trees from the lookout which is why you need to get into the creek) and this is where you’ll find the densest quantity of shining blue lights!
It is incredibly unlikely you’ll see anyone else on this night walk, so you’ll have the whole amazing spot to yourself! There’s nothing like seeing a whole wall light up with glow worms to add a little magic to your night.
We had a wonderful time at the Mount Wilson glow worm colony and there are definitely as many here as we’ve seen elsewhere, if not more, but there is one big difference - the glow worms are scattered over a large area.
If you want to see hundreds and hundreds in one small area then you would be better visiting Burralow Creek or Horseshoe Falls as they have a lot of glow worms concentrated in one main patch.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in firefly season (which tends to last for 3ish weeks during December) you will also be treated to a jaw-dropping firefly display. This is the best spot we’ve been to in the mountains for fireflies so far, with hundreds of golden lights dancing between the tree ferns. I could go on and on about how phenomenal it was, but trust me, it’s something you really need to see for yourself!
You can read more about the Blue Mountains firefly season in this guide.
Caring for the glow worms
Please don’t shine light on the glow worms; they don’t like it and will turn their lights out. To find a spot to sit and relax in you can use a torch shone directly at the ground, and then turn it out.
You’ll see so much less if you keep a light on.
Also if you’re keen on getting a photo, bring a tripod which will allow you to pick up the glow worms without shining a light on them.
Packing suggestions for Mount Wilson
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially in the Blue Mountains. The Mount Wilson area can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter, so you want to pack the right equipment. You will also want to additional things if you are going looking for glow worms.
Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check them out on Amazon
Head torch with red light: If you’re going on the search for glow worms, a head torch is a must. We recommend this one as it has a red light. Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Where to stay for your glow worm adventure
Cathedral Reserve Campsite
There is a campsite just a few minutes drive away at Cathedral Reserve which has a pit toilet, firepits and BBQs. It’s very popular on weekends.
Bilpin
Bilpin is just a 30 minute drive away and has a lot of accommodation options. We share our favourites in this post.
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