Melba Gully – A Magical Rainforest Walk in the Otways

Wander * Explore * Discover
Dec 10, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 19

Melba Gully – A Magical Rainforest in the Otways

Hidden deep within the Great Otway Ranges, Melba Gully is one of the most enchanting rainforest walks in Victoria. Known as one of the wettest places in the state, this cool-climate gully is lush, green and alive with towering trees, delicate ferns and a thick, moss-covered forest floor that feels straight out of a fairytale.

It’s a peaceful place to slow down, breathe in the fresh forest air and experience the quieter side of the Otways.

A Living Museum of the Rainforest

The dense rainforest at Melba Gully is dominated by ancient Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and towering Tree Ferns, creating a shaded canopy that keeps the gully cool year-round. The damp environment supports an incredible variety of mosses, lichens and fungi, many of which can be seen along the walking track.

Melba Gully is also home to a wide range of birdlife and native wildlife, making it a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers. Informative interpretive boards along the track explain the ecology of the forest and help visitors understand what makes this environment so special.

Anne’s Cascades – A Quiet Forest Highlight

One of the highlights of the walk is Anne’s Cascades, a gentle, fern-fringed waterfall nestled among mossy rocks. While small in size, the cascade adds to the tranquil atmosphere of the gully.

There’s a bench nearby where you can sit, relax and listen to the soothing sound of flowing water before continuing along the circuit.

The Melba Gully Walk

Distance: 1.5-kilometre circuit - Time: Around 35 minutes - Difficulty: Moderate

The walk begins at the Melba Gully carpark, where information boards outline the track and the surrounding rainforest. The trail starts out relatively flat, following a mix of gravel paths and small bridges as it winds through the gully towards Anne’s Cascades.

After the cascade, the track climbs a short set of steps and continues through stunning fern-filled forest beneath towering trees. Along the way, keep an eye out for colourful fungi, especially in the cooler months. The circuit then descends more steeply back towards the carpark, completing the loop.

Glow Worms After Dark

Melba Gully is also well known for its glow worms, which can be seen along sections of the track after dark. On quiet nights, the banks of the gully sparkle with tiny blue lights, creating a magical experience. If visiting at night, bring a torch and avoid shining light directly onto the glow worms to help protect them.

Tips for Visiting Melba Gully

Wear sturdy footwear, as tracks can be damp and slippery
Visit in the early morning for fewer crowds and better wildlife spotting
Bring a light jacket, as the gully stays cool even in summer
Visit at night to see the glow worms, but keep noise and light to a minimum
Stay on marked tracks to protect the fragile rainforest

Facilities and Practical Information

Picnic area: Shaded tables near the carpark
Toilets: Located near the picnic area
Parking: Medium-sized carpark (can get busy)
Dogs: Not permitted (National Park rules apply)

A Peaceful Escape Into the Otways

Melba Gully is a place of quiet beauty, where towering rainforest trees, delicate ferns and

gentle cascades create a truly calming experience. Whether you’re wandering the circuit walk during the day or visiting at night to see glow worms twinkling along the track, this magical gully offers one of the most memorable rainforest walks in the Great Otway Ranges.

For anyone exploring the Otways, Melba Gully is a must-see destination that showcases the region’s lush landscapes at their very best.