SOUTH MURWILLUMBAH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Night Ride to the Galaxy: E‑biking the Burringbar Range Glow‑worm Tunnel
A guided evening e‑bike excursion along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to the 524 m Burringbar Range Tunnel to view glow worms and microbats.
Night Ride to the Galaxy: E‑biking the Burringbar Range Glow‑worm Tunnel.
Adventure brief
Night Ride to the Galaxy: E‑biking the Burringbar Range Glow‑worm Tunnel
Embark on an expert‑led evening adventure along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to the Burringbar Range Tunnel, a 524‑metre passage famed for its glow worms and resident microbats. The tour moves at dusk and into night, combining a short transfer, e‑bike riding, and a guided walk inside one of New South Wales’ longest rail tunnels for a compact, memorable outing.
Located in South Murwillumbah, New South Wales, the Glow Worm Tunnel offers an extraordinary outdoor experience blending natural wonder with scenic cycling. This evening e-bike tour takes you along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a relatively flat and accessible path that weaves through lush subtropical rainforest and the dramatic Burringbar Range.
A highlight of the ride is the Glow Worm Tunnel itself, one of the longest tunnels in New South Wales, where thousands of bioluminescent glow worms illuminate the darkness with a mesmerizing blue glow. These tiny creatures create a near-magical atmosphere inside the disused railway tunnel, offering a rare glimpse into an underground ecosystem rarely experienced in such an interactive way. As you glide on your e-bike through the tunnel, guides share fascinating stories about the glow worms and local microbat populations that coexist in this environment.
This tour is suitable for riders aged 8 and up, making it an inclusive adventure for families and groups. The electric-assist bikes ease the effort of cycling, allowing riders to focus on the sights and sounds around them rather than the physical challenge. The gradual incline and smooth trail make the route beginner-friendly but still captivating for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts wanting a new nighttime adventure.
Beyond the tunnel itself, the Burringbar Range features distinctive eucalyptus forests and native wildlife such as pademelons and various bird species. The region holds cultural significance for the Bundjalung people, and guides often include insights into the local Indigenous heritage, deepening the connection between riders and the landscape.
South Murwillumbah is the closest town to this excursion. Known for its relaxed charm and proximity to the Tweed Valley, visitors can easily pair the Glow Worm Tunnel tour with other nearby hikes, waterfalls, and farms. The area’s mild climate and verdant environment further enhance the experience, especially at dusk when the forest shifts into an otherworldly ambiance.
What makes this tour unique among New South Wales outdoor activities is its blend of accessible adventure, ecological education, and nocturnal wildlife observation. Riding through a glowing tunnel on e-bikes, illuminated only by nature’s tiny lights, offers an immersive and unforgettable escape from everyday life. From curious kids to seasoned travelers, this evening journey delivers a fresh perspective on Australia’s diverse natural treasures and invites exploration beyond the standard daytime trips.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
A compact evening loop: pickup and transfer, bike fitting, a guided ride along the rail trail, and a tunnel visit to view glow worms and microbats.
Pickup from accommodation
The operator collects guests from their accommodation and transfers them toward a nearby village about 30 minutes from Byron Bay to begin the outing.
Bike fitting & briefing
On arrival in the village, guides fit participants with e‑bikes, helmets, lights and waterproof panniers and deliver a safety briefing before departure.
Ride the Northern Rivers Rail Trail
A guided e‑bike ride along the rail trail under dusk skies brings the group toward the Burringbar Range Tunnel, with stops as needed for instruction and observation.
Tunnel walk and wildlife viewing
At the 524 m Burringbar Range Tunnel, the group walks inside to view glow worms and note microbat activity while the guide provides interpretation.
Participants must meet the operator’s age and booking requirements; the tour is suitable for ages 8 and up and requires a minimum booking of four people.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Glow worms and microbats in a long, atmospheric tunnel
The route culminates at the 524‑metre Burringbar Range Tunnel where guides lead a short walk inside to view the glow‑worm ‘galaxy’ and note nearby microbat activity—a rare nightscape along one of NSW’s longer rail tunnels.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail by e‑bike
Riders travel sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail by e‑bike at night, enjoying a guided, rolling approach to the tunnel that balances riding with time to stop, listen and observe the nocturnal environment.
Family‑friendly night ride with provided kit
The evening tour is designed for broad accessibility—suitable for children from age eight upwards—and runs with expert guides who equip riders for the night experience.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
After a short transfer from accommodation to a nearby village, guides fit each guest with an e‑bike and lights before setting off along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail at dusk. The pace is measured—enough to enjoy the ride and the cooling evening air—until the group reaches the Burringbar Range Tunnel, where a guided walk inside reveals the glow worms and nearby microbat activity, then returns to conclude the roughly three‑hour outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately three hours with seasonal start times in summer and winter; expect an evening departure and return within the advertised three‑hour window.
Guides fit participants with e‑bikes, helmets, lights and waterproof panniers prior to departure.
Participants are picked up from their accommodation and transferred to the nearby village where the ride begins; the village is approximately 30 minutes from Byron Bay.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours.
What are the seasonal start times?
Tours run in summer (6.30–9.30pm, 6 Oct–6 Apr) and winter (5.30–8.30pm, 7 Apr–5 Oct).
What age is the tour suitable for?
The experience is suitable for participants aged 8 years and up.
Is there a minimum group size?
Yes — bookings require a minimum of four people.
What equipment is provided?
Guides provide e‑bikes, helmets, lights and waterproof panniers as part of the tour.
Where does the tour visit?
The ride follows the Northern Rivers Rail Trail to the 524‑metre Burringbar Range Tunnel to view glow worms and microbats.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:27.731Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.