Easy

Melba Gully Walk

Short rainforest loop with magical glow worms after dark

Distance0.9 mi

Typical time45 min

DifficultyEasy

PetsNot allowed

Overview

A lush, fern‑packed circuit through cool‑temperate rainforest, the Melba Gully Walk (also signed as Madsens Track) is short but special. The loop is about 1.5 km total (≈0.9 miles) and typically takes 30–45 minutes. By day it’s all mossy logs, tree‑ferns and trickling water; after dark it becomes one of the region’s most reliable glow‑worm spots. Free, family‑friendly, and a great weather‑proof plan when the coast is windy.

Route and highlights

Start at the day‑visitor picnic area and drop into the gully on a formed path with steps and small bridges. The track meanders past ferny creeks to Anne’s Cascade—there’s a bench here that makes an easy rest or a quiet glow‑worm vantage later. Interpretive notes mark the former “Big Tree,” a colossal messmate that fell around 2010. Expect consistently damp ground and occasional mud; grippy footwear helps.

Glow‑worm guide

Glow worms line shaded banks close to the trail, beginning a short way from the start and clustering more densely deeper in. The show is best on dark, damp nights with little moonlight and really pops after recent rain. Let your eyes adjust for 5–10 minutes, use a dim red‑filtered light aimed at the ground, speak softly, and never shine lights at the colonies.

Best times to go

Daylight hours are great for photos and spotting birds; evenings deliver the glow‑worm “wow.” It’s one of the wettest corners of the region, so expect a rainforest feel year‑round. To dodge crowds at dusk, arrive later in the evening after the dinner rush. Rain can improve the display but makes the track slick—tradeoffs worth considering.

Logistics and tips

The turnoff is about 3 km west of Lavers Hill on the Great Ocean Road, then a short sealed but steep access road to the day‑use car park. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables and gas BBQs. No dogs, fires, horses or firearms. Bring a torch or headlamp (red filter if you have one), a rain layer, and insect repellent; leeches can appear in very wet periods. For another quick rainforest fix nearby, Maits Rest is superb by day; for a longer waterfall outing, consider Beauchamp Falls.

Pros

Excellent glow‑worm viewing on a short loop close to the car park
Bench at Anne’s Cascade makes an ideal, low‑impact night viewing spot

Cons

Often wet and slippery with stairs—awkward for prams or limited mobility
Can be crowded at dusk; the best experience is later in the evening

Parking

Day‑visitor car park reached via a short sealed but steep access road about 3 km west of Lavers Hill off the Great Ocean Road; standard bays available near the picnic area.

Caution

Expect slippery steps, bridges and mud; use a dim red‑filtered light at night and never shine it at glow worms; leeches possible after rain; stay on formed track and note that dogs are not permitted.