As the weather gets cooler across the Adelaide Hills, one of South Australia’s most magical natural phenomena is beginning to glow beneath the nighttime sky of Kuitpo Forest.
Elusive Ghost Mushroom has started appearing once again, drawing photographers, nature lovers and curious adventurers into the forest after dark to witness the eerie green glow lighting up fallen logs and forest floors.
Known scientifically as Omphalotus nidiformis, Ghost Mushrooms are a naturally occurring fungus found in parts of southern Australia, including plantation and native forests throughout South Australia. Their glow comes from a natural process called bioluminescence, a chemical reaction that produces light without heat, similar to glow worms or fireflies.
While the mushrooms might look straight out of a movie, ForestrySA says they’re also an important reminder of the biodiversity hidden within the state’s forests.
“Phenomena like Ghost Mushrooms highlight the ecological diversity within our forests and help foster a deeper appreciation of these environments,” shared ForestrySA Communications & Engagement Coordinator Kim Sutton. “ForestrySA’s approach is to balance conservation with safe, responsible public access. We support opportunities for people to experience the forest in meaningful ways, while ensuring the protection of sensitive habitats and the integrity of the ecosystem.”
The glowing fungi have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to social media and guided photography tours, but ForestrySA is reminding visitors that Kuitpo Forest is not open for unmanaged night access.
“Night access in plantation forests is restricted primarily for safety and environmental reasons. Forest environments can be hazardous after dark due to uneven terrain, limited visibility, and operational activities such as harvesting. Licensed guides play an important role in managing these risks – they are familiar with the terrain, ensure participants follow safety protocols, and help protect the environment by controlling where and how groups access the area.”
That’s why visitors hoping to spot the mushrooms are encouraged to book with licensed guides familiar with the terrain and environmental protections in place. Guides also make sure visitors stay on designated tracks, minimise disturbance to surrounding vegetation and avoid damaging sensitive habitats.
“Unmanaged access can pose significant risks to both people and the environment. Visitors may become disoriented, injured, or inadvertently enter active work zones. From an environmental perspective, increased foot traffic at night can damage sensitive ground layers, disturb wildlife, and degrade the very natural features people come to see. Managing access helps reduce these risks,” said Kim.
The mushrooms themselves are also toxic and should never be touched or consumed, no matter how photogenic they might appear. But despite the restrictions, these guided experiences play an important role in helping South Australians connect with the natural world.
“Participants gain insight into forest ecology, biodiversity, and responsible recreation. This often leads to a greater appreciation for the role forests play and encourages visitors to act as stewards of these environments.
“We’d like visitors to understand that these environments are both special and shared. Respecting forest rules – including access restrictions, staying on designated tracks, and not disturbing wildlife or vegetation – helps ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy these places into the future. Simple actions make a big difference in protecting the forest for others.”
So as we head into winter and Ghost Mushroom season, expect to see plenty of glowing forest shots filling your Instagram feeds over the coming weeks. But remember, if you want to see the magic for yourself, you’ll need to do it the right way.
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