Glow Worms near the 12 Apostles Coast
Fairy lights in the forest! Don’t forget to bring a torch!
Just 35 minutes east of the 12 Apostles, Melba Gully offers a magical end to your day with its glow worm colonies nestled within the deep rainforests. The forest’s stillness is illuminated by the eerie green glow of these captivating creatures.
Glow worms aren’t actually worms—these fascinating creatures are the larvae of fungus gnats, and they shine brightest after rain or on nights without moonlight.
Fun Facts
- The glowing green light comes from the abdomen of the glow worm larvae.
- Shine torches directly on the glow worms or touch them, and you risk harming them—disturbing their glow and potentially impacting their survival.
- Glow worms remain in their glowing larval stage for up to a year.
As adults, they don’t have mouths and only live for a few days. - The female lays around 130 eggs before dying immediately after.
Note: This natural light show is best experienced with minimal disruption. Bring a torch for your own safety, but be sure to keep it pointed away from the glow worms to protect their delicate environment.
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