Melba Gully is this amazing place with lots of biodiversity and natural beauty in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park. It was named after the famous Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba and has ancient rainforest, vibrant flora and nocturnal wonders. Melba Gully is often called the “Jewel of the Otways” and is a lush rainforest where towering beautiful trees, vibrant ferns, and glow worms will transport you to another world. The cool fern gullies, dense rainforest and glow worms make Melba Gully a nature escape. During the day, walk the trails, or at night, watch these glow worms for the ultimate experience.
History
Melba Gully has cultural and natural significance. Named after Dame Nellie Melba – the world famous singer – the gully has played a big part in the life of Eastern Maar and Gunditjmara peoples historically. These Aboriginal groups have always considered this area their traditional country where there was plenty of game and plants. European settlers who were blown away by the thick forests soon discovered its beauty. Parks Victoria has since worked to protect Melba Gully’s temperate rainforest and mossy forest floor.
How to get there
Melba Gully is a popular tourist spot because it’s easily accessible from many places. 190 km southwest of Melbourne, you’ll need to travel on the Great Ocean Road, then Melba Gully Road, and finally, Melba Gully Day Visitor Area. As you drive through Lavers Hill, you’ll have a short drive before you can park your car. From here, follow signs to park entrance points where the best walks start.
In the Park
By Day
Walk at Night
At twilight, Melba Gully becomes a night magic. This walk is where you can see Arachnocampa otwayensis – otherwise known as glow worms – which light up the banks of the gully. The best time to see most glow worms is when it’s dark and their lights are visible in the dark. The cool climate of the rainforest and dark atmosphere make the glow worms more prominent in this forest.
Walking Tracks
Melba Gully has tracks to suit all fitness levels. Madsens Track Nature Walk is one of the most popular and has both gravel tracks and views. But if you want more adventure, the downhill track will take you through a rainforest to a mossy forest floor. Each track has some of the area’s amazing biodiversity – tree ferns and beech trees.
Looking for an exciting day trip to Great Ocean Road? Explore our tips for visiting the Melba Gully Glow Worms and capture the magic of this unique experience!
Have a Picnic
Melba Gully has several picnic spots. Melba Gully Day Visitor Area has basic picnic facilities – tables and BBQ units. Grey River Picnic Reserve is a great place to relax in the green grass of the gully.
These picnic areas are perfect for your family picnic or a quiet meal in nature. Try having a gas barbecue or just a simple lunch with the cool climate rainforest and lush scenery of this gully.
Tips for Visiting the Melba Gully Glow Worms
To get the most out of your nighttime visit, here are some tips;
- Arrive Early: Just before dusk so you don’t miss any part of the glow worm display and have time to get to your vantage points before darkness.
- Bring a Torch: A red-filtered torch will help you navigate without disturbing the glow worms. White lights can interfere with their light display and your viewing experience.
- Be Quiet: Glow worms are easily disturbed by noise. Keep conversations to a minimum, and don’t move around noisily so you don’t distract them.
- Dress Appropriately: The gully can be cool at night, so dress warmly and wear sturdy walking shoes. Waterproof footwear is recommended as the forest floor is damp.
- Respect the Environment: Follow the designated paths and don’t touch or disturb the glow worms. Follow the park guidelines so you don’t destroy Melba Gully for future visitors.
