It takes about an hour on the South Coast Line from the city. Get off at Helensburgh Station, and after a few minutes’ walk, you’ll reach your destination, the Helensburgh Glowworm Tunnel . Note that the Helensburgh Tunnel shown on the map is another tunnel to the right. If you take the wrong path, don’t worry, just turn around and you’ll find the correct one nearby!
The initial section of the tunnel often has standing water on the tracks, especially after a full day of rain, where it turns into a small stream. You might want to wear rain boots or cover your feet with plastic bags!
We recommend visiting at night when the sight is even more stunning. You can also visit during the day, but you’ll need to walk deeper into the tunnel to see clearly, and there’s still water inside, so you’ll have to wade through it.
We arrived at sunset; at first, the light was too strong to see much. But as we walked further and our eyes adjusted to the darkness! The longer you stay inside, the brighter it seems.
Things you need to know before visiting the Helensburgh Glowworm Tunnel
- A flashlight is essential, as there’s no light source inside. If you’re feeling brave, your phone’s built-in light could work, but a flashlight is definitely brighter. Plus, if you plan on taking photos with your phone, you can’t use the camera and flashlight at the same time.
Remember, don’t point the flashlight upwards, just illuminate the ground ahead. Similarly, don’t use the flash when photographing, as glow worms are very sensitive to light! - The mud and water can be quite bad, so choose your footwear carefully. Rain boots or sturdy sandals are recommended. The mud is slippery, so wearing plastic bags over your shoes or flip-flops might challenge your balance!
- Visiting at night is better. The blue glow is more vivid to the naked eye, and you can even see it from outside the tunnel, with reflections in the water. For photography, nighttime is a must. The darker it gets, the brighter the glow. Definitely bring a tripod; all the best shots are long exposures.
- The entrance is hard to spot; you’ll need to bravely walk towards a gap in the bushes. Nearby, you’ll see a sign introducing the tunnel’s history. Keep walking until you find the Helensburgh Station sign.