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Barren Grounds Nature Reserve

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Overview

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Where
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve in South Coast
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
2km return
Time suggested
1hr
Grade
Medium. This 12-stop tour takes place along a Grade 3 walking track.
What to
bring
Headphones, mobile phone, snacks
Please note
It's a good idea to download the app and tour before your visit, because there is no mobile reception in this part of the park.

More great reasons to visit

Family friendly

Bring the family when you visit. Tour the caves, share a picnic and take the short walk to Victoria Arch where amazing views await you. If you’re staying overnight, cook dinner or roast marshmallows together at the communal Barmah camp kitchen and dining hall.

A man builds an open fire while his family prepare marshmallows for roasting, Barmah communal dining room. Credit: Remy Brand/DPE © Remy Brand
 A man builds an open fire while his family prepare marshmallows for roasting, Barmah communal dining room. Credit: Remy Brand/DPE © Remy Brand

Connection to Country

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve lies in the traditional lands of the Gundungurra People. An epic Dreamtime story tells how Wombeyan and Jenolan caves were formed during a fight between 2 beings: Gurangatch (who was part-fish and part-reptile) and Mirragan (a legendary tiger cat).

Aerial view of Victoria Arch and the surrounding limestone terrain sparsely covered in trees. Credit: John Spencer © DPE
 Aerial view of Victoria Arch and the surrounding limestone terrain sparsely covered in trees. Credit: John Spencer © DPE

Wheelchair-accessible areas

Victoria Arch walking track is an accessible, step-free track that everyone can enjoy. Beginning at Wombeyan picnic area, it’s only a short 10 to 20-min journey to Victoria Arch, the majestic final chamber of Fig Tree Cave. Wombeyan Caves campground is also wheelchair accessible.

A man and his 2 sons walk along the step-free, wheelchair-accessible Victoria Arch walking track, a sealed path surrounded by trees. Credit: Remy Brand/DPE © Remy Brand
A man and his 2 sons walk along the step-free, wheelchair-accessible Victoria Arch walking track, a sealed path surrounded by trees. Credit: Remy Brand/DPE © Remy Brand

Surrounded by nature

Escape the hustle and bustle and spend restorative time in nature. From the 430-million-year-old limestone in the caves, to kangaroos and joeys resting near the cabins, this inviting, peaceful green valley protects some of our most treasured animals, birds and plants.

A kangaroo doe with her joey in her pouch rests outside Wombeyan Caves cabins. Credit: Stephen Babka © DPE
 A kangaroo doe with her joey in her pouch rests outside Wombeyan Caves cabins. Credit: Stephen Babka © DPE

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Life in the tunnel

What are glow worms?


Watch glow worm expert Dr David Merritt explain what glow worms are and why they live in the tunnel.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • A person using a red light torch inside the tunnel to see Glow Worms along the Glow Worm Tunnel walking track. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

    Life and light in Glow Worm Tunnel - Tash has been testing

    Glow Worm Tunnel is a habitat for glow worms and an enchanting walk for visitors. Watch our videos to learn how an old railway tunnel from the days of oil shale mining has taken on a new life.

  • 2 hikers looking up at sheer cliffs on the Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop, Wollemi National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

    Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop

    Set aside a day to hike 9km through Wollemi National Park on Glow Worm Tunnel via Wolgan Valley loop. Marvel at the historic railway tunnel, a lush rainforest gorge, and rocky pagoda outcrops, on this special walk between Newnes and Lithgow.

  • An image of Glow Worm Tunnel exit carved into a large rock wall with a family walking out to Penrose Gorge. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

    Glow Worm Tunnel walking track

    Glow Worm Tunnel walking track is the fastest and easiest way to experience the wonder of this historic tunnel, lit by thousands of glow worms. It’s a favourite with visitors to Wollemi National Park, near Lithgow.

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (89)

Tours (16)

Immersive stories (2)

Camping and accommodation (2)

Volunteering (3)

School excursions (22)

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