Madsen’s Track Nature Walk

Madsen’s Track is a short loop through Melba Gully’s cool temperate rainforest. The complete mapped walk is about 1.4 km (0.9 mi) including the short stair approach from the picnic area, and takes roughly 35 minutes at an ordinary pace. Parks Victoria lists the circuit as 1.2 km; published distances vary, so allow a little room for the full mapped route. Follow the information signs from Melba Gully Picnic Area and listen for Anne’s Cascades as you follow the Johanna River.

The path moves beneath mossy Myrtle Beech and Blackwood, with tree ferns and lower ferns filling the damp gullies. A narrow footbridge and formed dirt tread carry the walk through this enclosed green setting. Anne’s Cascades is a small waterfall feature along the river section, rather than a separate hike or a large open viewpoint.

The loop includes a steep climb of about 100 steps to the Big Tree, an old tree described as around 300 years old. That climb is the main effort: the walk is short, but it is not flat throughout. Take your time on the stairs, especially if the tread is wet, and expect the return leg to feel different as it passes through another stretch of rainforest.

Melba Gully is known for glow worms, which are best seen after dark, but sightings vary. The track is mapped as unlit, and current night-access guidance was not confirmed during research. Check current park advice before planning an evening visit, and be prepared to navigate the stairs and path in low light.

Melba Gully Picnic Area has parking, toilets, picnic tables and a gas barbecue. There is no food business on the walk. Dogs are not permitted on this national-park route. The walk can be done in daylight without visiting after dark; use the daytime circuit when you mainly want the rainforest, river and Big Tree.