Spray Tunnel Zeehan
Walk through a hand-carved 1904 mining tunnel and witness a magical glow worm display on Tasmania's West Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for glow worms
Spray Tunnel Zeehan
Best Time
Best for glow worms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a hand-carved 1904 mining tunnel and witness a magical glow worm display on Tasmania's West Coast.
"Worth the detour and the tunnel has an eerie but cool feeling to it."
Glow Worm Etiquette
Use a red light sparingly; avoid bright lights to protect glow worms. :sparkles:
Drive with Caution
Narrow, winding dirt road. Be prepared for oncoming traffic. :oncoming_automobile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spray Tunnel
Tunnel Entrance
Walk through this 100m hand-carved, keyhole-shaped tunnel, a relic of the Spray Silver Mine's operations.
Glow Worms
Inside the Tunnel
Witness a magical display of glow worms on the tunnel roof, especially enchanting after dark.
Spray Tunnel Loop Trail
Trailhead near Zeehan Golf Club
An easy 1-hour return walk through rainforest, leading to the historic tunnel and mine remnants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Glow Worms
Road Conditions & Vehicle Advice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Glow Worm Etiquette
Use a red light sparingly; avoid bright lights to protect glow worms. :sparkles:
Drive with Caution
Narrow, winding dirt road. Be prepared for oncoming traffic. :oncoming_automobile:
Vehicle Size Advisory
Under 6m length recommended for the road to the tunnel. :car:
Footwear for the Trail
Wear sturdy shoes for the rainforest trail and potentially rocky paths. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Glow Worm Etiquette
Use a red light sparingly; avoid bright lights to protect glow worms. :sparkles:
Drive with Caution
Narrow, winding dirt road. Be prepared for oncoming traffic. :oncoming_automobile:
Vehicle Size Advisory
Under 6m length recommended for the road to the tunnel. :car:
Footwear for the Trail
Wear sturdy shoes for the rainforest trail and potentially rocky paths. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Local History
Explore Zeehan's mining history; a model train display is nearby. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Spray Tunnel a worthwhile detour, appreciating its historical significance and the magical glow worm display. The narrow, winding access road and potential for encountering other vehicles can be a bit hairy, and larger vehicles are not recommended. Despite these minor challenges, the unique experience of walking or driving through the hand-carved tunnel and witnessing nature's light show makes it a memorable stop.
"This was on my bucket list of places to visit on this Tassie trip. It’s a little out of the way at Zeehan but easy to find.
You can drive a car up to the car park which is at the tunnel entrance, certainly under 6m in length is advised
I walked my dog along the MTB signed track, it was a 4.2 km return journey back along the road.
It’s amazing how nature has taken over such a heavily industrious area.
The tunnel will always remain and is a lasting reminder, it would be fun to do with kids, a bit spooky! 😂😂"
Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small)
"Went day in the day time and went back again at night to see the glow worms! It’s actually quite an amazing sight. I’ve seen glow worms at other places, but not at a place where you can take photos freely. I didn’t brought my tripod tho - so unfortunately no photos anyways 😂 please do not shine lights on the glow worms it maybe harmful for them.
The road getting there is very windy so drive safely. It can get very creepy and eerie at night but if you’re up for seeing glow worms this is definitely the best place around the area!"
Xiao Xiao Chen
"Worth the detour and the tunnel has an eerie but cool feeling to it. The single dirt track road leading to the tunnel was a little sketchy. Encountered one car which we manoeuvred around carefully but second car had us reversing very slowly backwards for 100 meters, little hairy."
Nel Cin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spray Tunnel is located just outside Zeehan, Tasmania. From the town, follow signs towards the Spray Tunnel Loop. The road is a single dirt track, approximately 1.9km from the Zeehan Golf Club. It's recommended for vehicles under 6m in length due to its narrow and winding nature. Drive cautiously, especially if you encounter oncoming traffic.
The road leading to the Spray Tunnel is quite narrow and winding, and not generally suitable for large motorhomes or caravans. It's best to park larger vehicles at a designated spot, like the Zeehan Golf Club, and walk or use a smaller vehicle.
The Spray Tunnel Loop trail can be accessed from various points, with a common starting point being near the Zeehan Golf Club. This offers a pleasant rainforest walk to the tunnel. 
There is a car park at the entrance of the tunnel, suitable for cars. However, due to the narrow access road, larger vehicles are advised to find alternative parking.
Yes, you can drive a car through the Spray Tunnel, provided it is under 6 meters in length. The tunnel is approximately 100 meters long.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Spray Tunnel Zeehan. It is a natural attraction accessible to the public.
The Spray Tunnel is accessible at all hours, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, for the best experience seeing glow worms, visiting in the evening or at night is recommended.
The Spray Tunnel Loop walk is free to access. Enjoy the natural beauty and historical significance without any cost.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Spray Tunnel Loop trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
The Spray Tunnel is generally accessible year-round. However, it can freeze shut in winter, making access difficult or impossible during those times.
📸 📸 Photography
For glow worm photography, evenings and nights are ideal, but it requires patience and low-light camera settings. Daytime offers good opportunities to capture the tunnel's structure and surrounding rainforest.
Yes, you can take photos of the glow worms. However, avoid using bright flashlights or phone lights directly on them, as this can harm them and affect their luminescence. A tripod is recommended for low-light photography.
You can capture the unique keyhole shape of the tunnel, the surrounding lush rainforest, and the magical glow worms. The historical mining remnants also offer interesting photographic subjects.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but it's important to be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors, especially when photographing glow worms.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the tunnel and glow worms. A tripod is highly recommended for night photography.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
The primary natural attraction is the glow worms found on the tunnel's roof. The surrounding rainforest also supports various birdlife and other small native creatures.
Glow worms are most visible in the evening and at night when your eyes have adjusted to the dark. While a few can be seen during the day, their luminescence is much more pronounced after sunset.
Be quiet and move slowly. Avoid shining bright lights directly at the glow worms, as this can cause them to go dark. If you need light, use a red-filtered torch.
Yes, the walk to the tunnel passes through beautiful rainforest, showcasing how nature has reclaimed the industrial landscape. It's a scenic and peaceful experience.
While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. The main concern is respecting the glow worms and not disturbing them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting in the evening to see the glow worms can be a magical experience for kids, turning the tunnel into a starry wonderland. However, ensure children understand the importance of being quiet and not shining lights directly at the glow worms. The nearby model train display in Zeehan also provides an entertaining historical perspective for younger visitors.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
For day-trippers, the Spray Tunnel Loop walk provides a perfect short activity, taking about an hour. Combine it with a visit to Zeehan's historical sites or a drive to nearby Trial Harbour for a well-rounded day of exploration. Remember to check vehicle suitability for the access road.
+1🚶♀️ Nature & Adventure Seekers
Adventure seekers can explore the MTB trails around the tunnel, offering challenging rides through varied terrain. The historical aspect of the tunnel and mine remnants also appeals to those interested in industrial heritage and exploration.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Spray Tunnel
Today, the tunnel stands as a testament to this industrious past. While the mine itself is no longer active, the tunnel remains, offering visitors a tangible connection to the area's heritage. The surrounding landscape, once heavily industrialized, has been beautifully reclaimed by nature, creating a unique juxtaposition of human endeavor and natural resilience. Walking through the tunnel provides a glimpse into the lives of those who worked in the mines and the challenges they faced.
+3Beyond its historical significance, the Spray Tunnel has become a popular spot for its natural wonders. The damp, dark environment provides an ideal habitat for glow worms, which illuminate the tunnel's roof with their ethereal light. This dual appeal – historical intrigue and natural beauty – makes the Spray Tunnel a compelling destination for a variety of visitors, from history buffs to nature enthusiasts.
Experiencing the Glow Worms
Visitors are strongly advised to practice responsible viewing etiquette. Avoid using bright flashlights or phone lights directly on the glow worms, as this can disrupt their bioluminescence and potentially harm them. If illumination is necessary, a red-filtered light is a much better option, as it has less impact on night vision and the worms themselves. Patience is key; allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness for several minutes to fully appreciate the subtle glow.
The experience of seeing glow worms in the Spray Tunnel is often described as enchanting and otherworldly. It's a unique opportunity to witness this natural wonder in a historical setting, making it a memorable part of any visit to Zeehan. Remember to tread lightly and preserve this delicate ecosystem for future visitors.
The Spray Tunnel Loop Trail & MTB
+1For mountain biking enthusiasts, the area around the Spray Tunnel also offers dedicated trails. The Spray Tunnel trail itself can be part of longer MTB routes, often connecting with other local tracks like Oonah Hill. These trails are known for their berms and challenging descents, providing an exhilarating experience for riders of varying skill levels. The terrain can be rocky, so appropriate gear and caution are advised.
+1Whether you're walking or cycling, the trails around the Spray Tunnel offer a fantastic way to experience the unique landscape of Zeehan. The combination of historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes this area a diverse destination for outdoor adventurers.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit