Back for the 2022 season, it's the most exclusive lightshow in South Australia and fungi are the headline act. Rug up, grab your torch and go ghost hunting on the Limestone Coast and Adelaide Hills as the unearthly green glow of Ghost Mushrooms illuminate Glencoe pine forest near Mount Gambier. Here's our guide to making the most of this brief but magical annual show.
Ghost mushrooms?
Ghost Mushrooms (Omphalotus nidiformis) are a bioluminescent fungus native to Australia, reaching sizes of up to 20cm wide - but it's not their impressive stature that's earned them their spooky status. Come nightfall, the mysterious little night lights emit a luminescent green glow- the result of a chemical reaction between fungal enzymes and oxygen. Typically emerging after late autumn rains, their collective glow can produce enough light to read in the dark! The Limestone Coast is home to the largest Ghost Mushroom site of its type in the country, with tens of thousands of freaky fungi appearing to welcome winter. If you're up for the hunt, you'll also find ghost mushrooms scattered throughout the Adelaide Hills.
Where to go
An impressive colony of Ghost Mushrooms lay tucked away in Glencoe pine forest, a known Ghost Mushroom breeding ground just outside Mount Gambier. You'll find Mother Nature's army of green lanterns scattered throughout the forest - growing from old tree stumps, the decaying remnants of the region's annual pine harvest. Getting to Ghost Mushroom Lane is a quick 15-minute trip from Mount Gambier and access to is totally free. Parking is available on the lane, adjacent to the walking trails.
If you're in the Adelaide Hills, keen eyes might be lucky enough to spot their ghostly glow at Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, a popular bush walking spot near Adelaide, less than half an hour from the city.
When to go
The forests fairies put on a magic show for just a few weeks a year, generally during May and June. Winter nights turn quite chilly so be sure to rug up in warm clothing, wear comfortable footwear and grab your torch before venturing out.
How to see the mushrooms
Just off Ghost Mushroom Lane, a series of easy walking trails traverse the most fertile fungi ground, winding through Ghost Mushrooms hotspots and offering plenty of epic photo opportunities. Walking paths, including the aptly named Fairy Tale Hollow, Fungi Hunter Alley, Ghostly Gully and the Neon Forest, change throughout the season as new colonies emerge so you'll always have access to the best displays. Explore the self-guided forest trails and discover a multitude of mushrooms, just remember to switch off your torch and let your eyes adjust to the dark before taking in the show!
ForestrySA run guided tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights throughout the Ghost Mushroom season, giving those keen to learn more about these eerie mushrooms a chance to pick the brains of an experienced forest guide. If you don't want to venture out on your own, Reef2Ridge also offer a fully inclusive pick-up and drop-off tour experience from Mount Gambier. click here to book directly with Reef2Ridge.
Get out in SA this winter
From hunting ghosts to hiking ancient landscapes and discovering underwater worlds, there's no need to hibernate in South Australia come cool weather. Warm up with our top once-in-a-lifetime South Australian adventures best experienced on a crisp winter's day.
