Australia is a land of natural wonders, where the extraordinary often becomes the everyday. Yet, even by Australian standards, there’s something truly enchanting happening in the forests. As night falls, a ‘magical’ phenomenon unfolds, transforming the woods into an ethereal wonderland.
This spectacle? Bioluminescent mushrooms that cast an otherworldly glow, turning the forest floor into a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Photographer Khynan Gardner has been captivated by this natural marvel, describing the experience as surreal. ‘It just doesn’t look real… whole trees look like they’re covered in white mist,’ he shared with Yahoo News. ‘These mushrooms give off an eerie-looking glow. Once your eyes adjust, you can see the silhouette of the trees illuminated solely by their glow.’
Bioluminescence is a rare trait, with only about 110 known species of fungi that possess this enchanting ability. Several of these species are native to forests along the NSW South Coast where they’ve been casting their spell on nighttime wanderers. To the unaided eye, these mushrooms may appear as mere white specks, but with the right camera settings, their full green luminescence can be captured in all its glory.
Gardner explains the technique for those keen to photograph this natural light show: ‘You need to use long exposure. You can do this on a professional camera, but even iPhones and Samsung phones have this feature now. You just need to hold your camera still for three or four seconds to let in all the light.’
During his nocturnal adventures in places like Seven Mile Beach National Park, Puckeys Estate Nature Reserve in North Wollongong, and Mount Keira, Gardner has captured a collection of stunning photographs showcasing the glowing fungi. ‘This time every year, us photographers get excited and return to the same spots… there’s normally about a week between them being a tiny pin growing out of a log until they’re big enough for us to start photographing them,’ he said.
The fleeting nature of these mushrooms, accelerated by hot days followed by rain, means that their beauty is ephemeral. ‘I’d say you have a week and a half to look at [each new mushroom],’ Gardner notes, emphasising the urgency for those wishing to witness this spectacle.
The glow of these fungi is the result of a chemical reaction akin to the bioluminescence seen in fireflies. When a molecule called luciferin interacts with an enzyme known as luciferase, light is produced. The exact reason for this glow remains a mystery, but it’s speculated that it could be a signal to insects and small mammals within the ecosystem. Intriguingly, other Australian natives, such as scorpions, wombats, and platypuses, also exhibit bioluminescence.
For those inspired to seek out these luminous fungi, Gardner advises scouting during daylight to identify potential clusters. ‘It is a lot harder to see them at night, especially if you don’t know the area. But they look like a white mushroom. Then go back at night, wait for 10 to 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust,’ he suggests. ‘You won’t see them if your lights are on. So switch them off and you’ll see them.’
As stories like this remind us, Australia’s natural landscapes continue to reveal surprising moments of beauty, sometimes hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply love exploring the outdoors, these fleeting displays offer a unique way to experience the magic of nature.
Have you ever come across bioluminescent mushrooms or other unusual natural phenomena during your adventures? Would you consider heading out to catch a glimpse of this glowing spectacle? Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or photography tips in the comments below.
Also read: Police believe death cap mushrooms behind Victorian deaths. What happens when you eat one?
