Exploring Melba Gully

Melba Gully is a green oasis of lush green ferns that surrounds a peaceful and serene walkway in the Great Otway National Park.

It meanders through some of the most peaceful patches of rainforest along the Great Ocean Road. As one of the wettest places in Australia, this lush green spot is a haven for plants and wildlife. These damp conditions mean that Melba Gully is one of the greenest rainforests in the Otway National Park.

How to explore this beautiful oasis:

• Take the gentle walking trail through the forest
• Visit at night to see the glow worms light up

Take a Walk: The Maden’s Trail

Head to the Maden’s Trail to explore a peaceful and serene walk among some gorgeous native greenery. This easy route explores mossy surfaces of the rainforest. Beech tree ferns and small gullies surround this walkway – and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot koalas chilling in the trees above!

Look upwards at the treetops, and you might spot these furry marsupials munching on eucalyptus leaves.

St Anne’s Cascade is an alternative walk which loops around the forest – but the return can be a little steep, so watch your step (particularly if it’s rained before your trek!)

Surprises at night…glow worms! 

Melba Gully is home to glow worms, which appear at night. These bioluminescent little species hang from the canopies of trees surrounding the forest. This makes for a truly magical experience of the Great Ocean Road. This natural phenomenon makes the forest appear as though it’s lit up with lots of little fairy lights.

Keep your torchlight low, and try to keep quiet.

This is the ultimate way to explore Melba Gully (especially in the summertime), where you can wander into the caves around sunset.

Welcome to a true sight to behold! The glow worms of Melba Gully come out at night and light up the caves. They hang from the top of the caves, which creates a unique, lit-up tunnel that you can walk around and explore!

Top tip! Head here during the summer months, where it’s not quite as cold at night.