Melba Gully

Overview

A lush pocket of cool‑temperate rainforest near Lavers Hill, Melba Gully is nicknamed the Jewel of the Otways for good reason. It’s one of the wettest places in Victoria (over 2,000 mm annually), so expect towering tree‑ferns, moss‑slicked logs, myrtle beech and blackwood crowding every bend. First protected in 1978 as a small State Park, it’s now part of Great Otway National Park.

The Walk

Madsen’s Track Nature Walk is the headline act: a gentle loop of about 1 km that takes roughly 30–45 minutes. The easier section to Anne’s Cascade is generally flat; the return leg adds stairs and steeper pinches. Surfaces are frequently damp and can be slick—sturdy shoes are a must.

Glow Worms: How to See Them

After dusk, glow worms sparkle along shaded banks and cuttings beside the track. Come at sunset, walk in, then wait for full darkness—20–30 minutes makes a big difference. Use a dim torch with a red filter, point it at the ground, keep voices low, and never shine lights on or touch the worms. Give your eyes five minutes to adjust. Displays are often better after decent rainfall.

What You’ll See

• Fern‑draped rainforest punctuated by myrtle beech and blackwood.
• Anne’s Cascade on the easy leg of the loop.
• Nightlife: visitors often spot possums near the picnic area after dark. Interpretive signs note the waterways provide habitat for species such as platypus and Powerful Owl—keep your eyes peeled and stay on the track.

Facilities & Rules

At the day‑use area you’ll find toilets, picnic tables, a fixed gas barbecue and a large car park (nights can be busy in glow‑worm season). There’s no drinking water, so bring your own. No dogs, no fires (use the gas BBQ only), and no horses or firearms. Access is via a short, steep road, with bus bays present. The site is listed as open 24 hours.

A Bit of History & Culture

Jessie Fry established tea rooms here in 1921, naming the spot after famed soprano Dame Nellie Melba. The Madsen family later offered the property to the Victorian Conservation Trust in 1975, paving the way for protection. On‑site signage acknowledges the Traditional Owners (Maar) and their enduring connection to Country.

Best Time to Visit

• For glow worms: arrive at sunset and stay until it’s properly dark.
• For a quieter walk: weekday mornings are typically calmer; midday tends to be busiest.
• Weather: it rains a lot—pack a light shell year‑round and expect slick tracks.

Getting There & Logistics

Turn off near Lavers Hill to Melba Gully Road; the day‑visitor area is signed (address commonly listed as 5 Melba Gully Rd, Lavers Hill). Conditions can change—check the latest Parks Victoria advice before you go.