In October 1886 Masson arrived with his new wife in Australia to take up the position as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. His inaugural lecture was given on 23 March 1887, titled "The Scope and Aim of Chemical Science". Though there were few students in chemistry, the laboratory equipment was inadequate even for them, and one of his first tasks was to prepare plans for a new laboratory and lecture theatre. There was a steady growth of students and, as the staff was small, Masson was much occupied with teaching work for many years, but still found some time for research.