Ghost Mushroom Lane officially opened to visitors last week and people will be heading outdoors after dark to visit the popular seasonal attraction.
ForestrySA chief executive Julian Speed said Ghost Mushroom Lane was located within a known mushroom breeding ground among commercial pine forest near Glencoe.
The lane is open during May and June each year, coinciding with the eight-week ghost mushroom season.
Mr Speed said the ghost mushrooms were a bioluminescent fungus native to Australia which emerge in late autumn after good rain and can grow up to 20cm in width.
“There have been plenty of bright, beautiful mushrooms during the first week of the season,” he said.
“However, stocks are really picking up after the cold snap and rain experienced in the Limestone Coast over the last couple of days.
Mr Speed said approximately 75,000 people had visited Ghost Mushroom Lane since the first eight-week season in 2017.
He said they were hopeful visitor numbers would return to around 15,000 to 20,000 this year with most of the COVID restrictions now relaxed.
Mr Speed encouraged people to plan their trip in advance using an online moonrise, moonset and phase calendar because the moon phase affected the ghost mushroom viewing experience.
“A full moon will substantially diminish the appearance of the mushroom’s glow,” he said.
“The darker the night, the brighter the Ghost Mushroom will appear to the naked eye and the better experience you will enjoy.
“The ghost mushroom glow can be bright enough to read the words on a page.”
Ghost Mushroom Lane is open each night from 4pm to midnight until June 30 and people are encouraged to wear warm clothes, sensible shoes and bring a torch.
Mr Speed asked visitors to not be deterred by any associated forest closure signage as they travel towards the lane from Mount Gambier and to keep going until they reach the entrance to the lane, which is well-sign posted and flanked by bold, reflective signage.
A COVID-safe plan is in place and visitors are still asked to stay safe and social distance, with rangers and COVID marshals on site if and as required.
Visit www.forestrysa.com.au/ghostmushrooms to purchase a Ghost Mushroom Lane access pass, guided tour ticket, download a map and for further information.
