Ghost fungus glows in the dark. It can be found in Newcastle bushland for a few days each April/May after rain and when the weather has cooled. I want to help people – especially kids – to see this natural wonder known as “bioluminescence.”

In April 2025, I took family and friends to see ghost fungus at night along the trails of Glenrock State Recreation Area. They loved it. This made me realise that more people would like to see it, photograph it, and learn more. People benefit from a strong connection to nature and from learning of the wonders at their doorstep.

I propose to run Ghost Fungus tours in Glenrock in April 2026. I have support from NSW National Parks to use the space but must pay for an Eco Pass and purchase personal liability insurance.

The dates of the tours cannot be fixed in advance because the flowering of ghost fungus depends on the weather. Participants will need to register and will be contacted 24 hours in advance about a tour going ahead.

The tours will be for a maximum of 16 people to improve the experience and to maintain trails. I aim to charge $20 per adult, $15 concession and $5 per child. This will barely cover my time to scout the trails for ghost fungus in the day before a tour, and then contact participants to let them know that it is happening. However, children have a low price to encourage families to come.

My expertise as a Science Communicator will help for the tours. However, this is a big leap for me to leave my 9-to-5 job and set up as a sole-trader. My aim is to do more work that benefits and enriches our Newcastle community.