The Black Spur is one of the most beautiful drives out of Melbourne. It’s the stretch of the Maroondah Highway that winds over the ranges from Healesville to Narbethong, through Yarra Ranges National Park, under towering mountain ash with huge tree ferns crowding the edges of the road. We drove it on a sunny afternoon on our way to camp at Cooks Mill in the Cathedral Range, stopped at a pull-in for photos, and had a break at the Black Spur Roadhouse at the end.
About the Black SpurAbout
The drive starts at Healesville, at the edge of the Yarra Valley, and climbs into Yarra Ranges National Park on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. The forest here is mountain ash, the world’s tallest flowering tree, over tree ferns and Myrtle Beech. Parks Victoria says the park is home to lyrebirds, King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and wallabies, gliders and wombats at night, and it’s one of the last strongholds of the endangered Leadbeater’s Possum.
Quick facts
- AddressMaroondah Highway, Black Spur, Narbethong VIC 3778, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- FacilitiesScenic DrivesPicnic AreasWalking TrailsParkingNo Camping
- Good to knowSealed but winding50 km/h bendsRoadhouse at Narbethong
- FeesFree
- 9.1/10Overall rated
Getting There
From Melbourne, head out to the Yarra Valley and Healesville; the brown Yarra Valley Wineries signs point to the cellar doors along the way, including along the Maroondah Highway. From Healesville, the highway climbs towards the ranges, and the Black Spur begins as it enters the forest.
Through the Mountain AshMountain ash
Once you’re in the forest, the road narrows and winds through bend after bend, some signed at 50 km/h, with the mountain ash rising straight up on both sides and tree ferns spilling over the verges. It’s not a road to rush: keep to the speed limits and use the pull-ins to let faster traffic pass.
Stops Along the Way
There are pull-ins along the road where you can stop for photos, and at the top of the Spur you cross into Murrindindi Shire, with Marysville 19 km away, and Parks Victoria lists picnic areas and short forest walks nearby at Donnelly’s Weir, Badger Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park. At the Narbethong end, we stopped at the Black Spur Roadhouse for a break before the last leg to the Cathedral Range.
Things to Do NearbyThings to do
Past Narbethong, the Maroondah Highway carries on to Buxton, where the turn-off leads to Cathedral Range State Park. We camped at Cooks Mill, beside the Little River, with walks into the range from camp. Parks Victoria also suggests carrying on to Marysville and the Lady Talbot Forest Drive, with the Beeches Walk and a string of waterfalls.
Summary
The Black Spur is a short, unforgettable drive: the Maroondah Highway winding through towering mountain ash and huge tree ferns from Healesville to Narbethong. Take it slowly, stop at a pull-in or a picnic area, and have a break at the Black Spur Roadhouse before heading on to the Cathedral Range or the High Country.
One of the most beautiful drives out of Melbourne.
The Black Spur winds over the ranges from Healesville to Narbethong through towering mountain ash and huge tree ferns, with pull-ins for photos and the Black Spur Roadhouse for a break at the end.
- Travellers
- Families
- 4WD tourers
Yes. It’s free, it’s on the main road north-east, and the forest is worth taking slowly.
Recommended Gear for the Black Spur
A good camping fridge keeps lunch cold for a picnic at one of the weirs, and a pair of camping chairs and a camp table make the stop easy. A power bank keeps your phone charged for photos of the forest.
