best drive in melbourne

Melbourne’s best drives reward the early riser and the corner addict, preferably both.

• The Great Ocean Road: surf-sprayed sweepers from Torquay past Lorne and on to Apollo Bay; go mid-week and mind the 80–100 km/h limits.
• Black Spur (Healesville to Narbethong): tall mountain ash, delicious camber, and the occasional damp patch that will happily humble you.
• Dandenong Ranges Tourist Road and Montrose–Olinda loops: short, twisty bursts with cafés for the victory pie.
• Mornington Peninsula via Arthurs Seat: bay views, hairpins, then backroads to Red Hill and Flinders for a civilised finish.

Top tip: leave before the latte crowd, watch for cyclists and wildlife, and keep it tidy—nobody looks cool explaining themselves on the shoulder.