Blue Mountains: Night Hike, Glow Worm Cave & Wildlife Tour

Summary

Blue mountains after dark hiking to glow worm cave with wildlife and waterfalls

You’ll follow a certified local guide deep into the Blue Mountains forest after dark on this night hike—spotting wildlife by headlamp, learning bush skills along the way, and reaching a hidden cave where glow worms light up like stars above a waterfall. Expect muddy shoes, cool air on your skin, and moments of real quiet you might not find anywhere else.

What’s the experience like?

"Don’t look up too fast — you’ll lose your night vision," said Mike, our guide, as we fumbled with our headlamps at the trailhead just outside Katoomba. There was this earthy smell, eucalyptus and damp moss, right away. I’d never hiked at night before — honestly, I was nervous about what I couldn’t see. Mike handed out red-light headlamps (apparently less scary for the wildlife) and cracked a joke about city folks tripping over wombat holes. It made me laugh but also made me watch my step.

The Blue Mountains felt different after sunset — quieter, but also somehow louder? We’d stop every so often because someone would hear rustling or catch a flash of eyeshine in the bush. Mike pointed out a lyrebird’s nest (I didn’t even know they were real), and there was this moment when everything went silent except for water dripping somewhere far off. The air got colder as we walked deeper; my breath started to fog up in front of my face. I kept thinking about how far we were from any streetlights — it’s hard to explain that kind of darkness if you haven’t been out here.

It took us about an hour to reach the cave overhang. My legs were tired but then Mike told us to switch off our lights. Suddenly the ceiling above us lit up like someone had poked holes in black velvet — thousands of tiny blue-green glow worms clinging to the rock. Someone whispered "wow" but mostly we just stood there quietly, letting our eyes adjust. The waterfall nearby made everything feel cooler and more alive. I tried taking a photo but it didn’t come close — you really have to be there for it.

On the way back, Mike showed us how to use some basic bush survival tricks (I still can’t tie that knot he did). There was a weird comfort in moving together through the dark, listening for animals and laughing when someone’s headlamp caught a spider web full-on. By the time we saw the car park lights again, my shoes were muddy and I felt… lighter? Not sure why that stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night hike to glow worm cave

• Start night hike with headlight
• Hike one hour to cave overhang
• Spotlight wildlife along the way
• Observe glow worms at waterfall

Top questions

How long is the Blue Mountains night hike?

The night hike is about 1 hour each way through the bush to reach the glow worm cave.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included but public transportation options are available nearby.

Are headlamps provided for the night walk?

Yes, headlamps with red light mode are provided as part of your gear for the hike.

Can beginners join this Blue Mountains glow worm tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What wildlife might we see during spotlighting?

You may spot native animals like lyrebirds or other nocturnal creatures during spotlighting with your guide.

Does this tour include food or drinks?

No meals are included; only water is provided during the adventure.

Is parking included at the meeting point?

Yes, parking fees are covered as part of your booking for this tour.

Are survival skills taught on this hike?

Your guide will share general bush survival skills as an optional part of the experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes all parking fees, water for your walk, red-light headlamps to help spot wildlife without startling them, and full guidance from an experienced certified outdoor instructor who’ll share optional bush survival tips along the trail before returning to your starting point together.