Melba Gully, Great Ocean Road Travel Guide

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Discover a magical rainforest escape in the Great Otway National Park, where glow worms illuminate ancient trees and lush fern gullies.

Melba Gully, a lush and enchanting rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, is known as the 'Jewel of the Otways'. This cool temperate rainforest boasts towering trees, vibrant ferns, and mesmerizing glow worms, offering a magical experience day and night.

A brief summary to Melba Gully

5 Melba Gully Rd, Lavers Hill, Victoria, 3238, AU
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Melba Gully.

Visit at night to witness the mesmerizing glow worms, but remember to use a red-filtered torch to protect them.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress warmly, as the gully can be cool and damp, especially at night.
Arrive early in the evening to secure parking, as the car park can get busy.
Take your time on Madsen's Track to appreciate the diverse plant life and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic Melba Gully Day Visitor Area, which offers tables, gas barbecues, and toilet facilities.

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Explore Melba Gully on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Melba Gully, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Melba Gully is located approximately 5 minutes south of Lavers Hill on Melba Gully Road, off the Great Ocean Road. From Lavers Hill, follow the Great Ocean Road south and turn onto Melba Gully Road. The Melba Gully Day Visitor Area, with parking and facilities, is a short drive down Melba Gully Road. Parking is free, but limited, especially during peak season. Note that the drive down to the parking area is relatively steep. If towing, there are limited options, but bus parking bays may be available.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transport to Melba Gully, you can take a bus to Lavers Hill and then walk or take a taxi to the gully. Check local bus schedules for services to Lavers Hill. From Lavers Hill, it is approximately a 5 minute drive or a longer walk to Melba Gully. A short taxi ride from Lavers Hill to Melba Gully would likely cost around $20-$30 AUD.

Discover more about Melba Gully

Melba Gully, nestled within the Great Otway National Park, is a captivating cool temperate rainforest that earns its nickname, the 'Jewel of the Otways'. Located a short drive from Lavers Hill on the Great Ocean Road, this natural wonder offers a serene escape into a world of ancient trees, lush ferns, and unique wildlife.The gully is one of the wettest places in Victoria, receiving over 2000mm of rainfall annually, which contributes to its prolific plant growth and vibrant ecosystem. Towering Myrtle Beech and Blackwood trees form a dense canopy, while an understory of ferns and mosses carpets the forest floor.During the day, visitors can explore the Madsen's Track Nature Walk, a 1.5km loop that meanders through the heart of the rainforest. This well-maintained track leads past Anne's Cascade, a picturesque waterfall, and through groves of moss-covered trees and cool fern gullies. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and unique creatures like the Otway Black Snail.As twilight descends, Melba Gully transforms into a magical realm illuminated by the glow of Arachnocampa otwayensis, commonly known as glow worms. These bioluminescent larvae light up the banks of the gully, creating a breathtaking spectacle. For the best viewing experience, visit on a dark, moonless night and use a red-filtered torch to avoid disturbing the delicate creatures.Melba Gully has a rich history, with the Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara peoples having a deep connection to the land for thousands of years. In more recent times, settlers began clearing the forest in the 1880s, and the area was once home to two sawmills and a tramway. In 1921, Mrs. Jessie Fry named the area after the famous Australian singer Dame Nellie Melba, and her tearooms became a popular stop for tourists in the 1930s and 40s. The Madsen family later generously donated the land to the Victorian Conservation Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations.