Seasonal ghost fungus night tours in Glenrock State Conservation Area run during May/June.
UV Tours (Black Light Nights) run in September. More tours to come.
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Since launching in February 2026, Glenrock Ghost Fungus tours has run 25 night time tours to see glowing ghost mushrooms in Newcastle, NSW. Of these tours, 20 SOLD OUT! This was despite being announced at the last minute to ensure there was a glow to see.
During September 2026, a limited series of tours occurred called Black Lights Nights. Using UV equipment, we looked for biofluorescent scorpions, lichen, and insects. All 7 tours SOLD OUT!
Stay tuned for 2027 seasonal dates and more tour offerings. Please email to organise a private biofluorescent tour at any time of the year.
The back story
I'm new to the Newcastle region and I've never lived somewhere so wet.
The plus side of all the rain is an amazing array of spectacular fungi each autumn.
In 2024 I first saw glow-in-the-dark ghost fungus. This was on a night tour at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (which is a great volunteer-run organisation).
Ghost fungus appears in the Newcastle region for a few days each April/May after some rain and when the temperature has started to cool.
In 2025, I decided to track some down close to home. In the day time, I searched along the many trails in Glenrock State Conservation Area. Finally I found some! I went back at night with family and friends to see the glow.
Over the next few nights, I continued to take groups of friends along the trail to see the bioluminescent fungus. It was a treat for young and old.
This made me think... would other people be interested in a night stroll through Glenrock to see and learn about Ghost Fungus? My son suggested I run these tours for others.
So began an adventure to learn about running a small business. Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours was born. In February 2026, we received our Eco Pass from NSW National Parks.
Merchandise being modelled.
A very special log. 21 June 2026.
Testimonials
Featured in the media
Article on Awesome Newcastle grants in the Newcastle Herald, November 2025.
Interviewee for Newcastle Herald article, May 2025