Visitors expected to flock to the South East as Ghost Mushroom Lane returns with ForestrySA
South Australia’s ghost mushroom hot spot is set to reopen to the public after a two-year closure. See where you can check out the elusive fungi.
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An eerie green glow is beginning to emerge from a South East pine forest as Ghost Mushroom Lane prepares to reopen after the pandemic halted the 2020 season.
Just 16km north west of Mount Gambier, Glencoe is a breeding ground for Omphalotus nidiformis – a native bioluminescent fungus that lights up the night.
Tens of thousands of the mushrooms are expected to appear in late Autumn following good rain and ForestrySA chief executive Julian Speed said the number of early sighting were pointing to a successful season.
“The soft green glow is a result of a chemical reaction between fungal enzymes and oxygen. The ghost mushroom glow can be bright enough to read the words on a page,” Mr Speed said.
“The fact the mushroom grows on decaying plant material, such as stumps left behind following pine tree harvest, and in such large numbers, makes this site the perfect spot to see the glow in all its glory.”
Ghost Mushrooms were brought to public attention in 2017 after well known local photographer Ockert le Roux captured a large colony growing in the pine forest near Mount Gambier with ForestrySA opening the visitor site in May that year.
“The initiative was a runaway success, attracting more than 18,500 visitors in the first year,” Mr Speed said.
“The power of the mushroom’s eerie green glow is undeniable – more than 65,000 people have braved the cold, dark Limestone Coast winter to experience it for themselves since the visitor site first opened.”
In 2020, the pandemic kept Ghost Mushroom Lane closed to the public but Mr Speed said ForestySA was looking forward to sharing the magic with visitors from May 1 in an era when Limestone Coast forests were busier than ever.
“It is well recognised that many people have a renewed appreciation for the great outdoors and its role in keeping us healthy and grounded, particularly following the recent challenges of bushfire recovery and COVID-19,” he said.
“Our staff have already received a large number of inquiries from people preparing to visit.
“If this is anything to go by, Ghost Mushroom Lane will be popular once again in 2021.”
The family-friendly attraction will open in May and June with guided tours available but Mr Speed said for the best possible visitor experience it was important to keep an eye on the moon.
“New forest experience packages will also be offered this year, treating visitors to a sunset walk on the Honan Mint Trails, refreshments and a private ghost mushroom viewing,” he said.
“A full moon will substantially diminish the appearance of the mushroom’s glow – the darker the night, the brighter the ghost mushroom will appears to the naked eye and the better your experience will be.”
Visit www.forestrysa.com.au/ghostmushrooms for access passes, tours, season updates and maps.
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