RoadAtlas
The Black Spur — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

The Black Spur

Australia

In short: The Black Spur is a 30 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 1 day, best in Year-round. Highlights: Healesville, Black Spur, Narbethong.

Distance
30 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
Year-round
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

Victoria's finest short drive, the Black Spur between Healesville and Marysville weaves through stands of colossal Mountain Ash eucalypts and giant ferns, with corner after sweeping corner on a twisty section of tarmac that raises pulses whether you're on a motorbike or in a sports car. Best experienced on a weekday away from weekend traffic.

Practical notes
The Black Spur is sealed and suitable for any car, but the road is narrow, winding, and often damp under dense forest shade. Expect slower traffic, fallen branches after storms, and busy weekend conditions; fuel and supplies are best sorted in Healesville or Marysville before you start.
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Stops along the route

Healesville — Departure — The Black Spur — Australia
Departure
Healesville
Yarra Valley wine town at the Spur's foot, surrounded by Domaine Chandon and Coldstream Hills. Healesville Sanctuary, open since 1921, is Australia's finest native wildlife park.
Hotels
Narbethong — City — The Black Spur — Australia
City
Narbethong
Tiny township at the Spur's midpoint, with a handful of cabins and a general store. The surrounding forest regenerated after the 2009 Black Saturday fires that swept through the ranges.
Hotels
Marysville — Arrival — The Black Spur — Australia
Arrival
Marysville
Mountain town rebuilt after Black Saturday fires killed 34 residents and destroyed 90% of its buildings. Steavenson Falls, Victoria's highest accessible waterfall, is floodlit after dark.
Hotels

Things to Do

Black Spur — Nature — The Black Spur — Australia
Nature
Black Spur
Thirty km of sweeping tarmac through Mountain Ash forest so tall and dense it forms a cathedral nave. Trees reach 90m, among the tallest flowering plants on earth, ferns filling every gap below.
Healesville Sanctuary — Wildlife Sanctuary — The Black Spur — Australia
Wildlife Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary
Encounter over 200 species of Australian wildlife, including the elusive platypus and lyrebird, in natural habitats.
Maroondah Reservoir Park — Park — The Black Spur — Australia
Park
Maroondah Reservoir Park
Explore gardens, walking tracks, and picnic areas with views of the reservoir and surrounding forest.
Steavenson Falls — Waterfall — The Black Spur — Australia
Waterfall
Steavenson Falls
Visit one of Victoria's highest waterfalls, illuminated at night, with walking trails and viewing platforms.

Where to Eat

Black Spur Inn — Modern Australian — The Black Spur — Australia
Modern Australian
Black Spur Inn
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes in a cosy setting with garden views, offering classic country hospitality.
Marysville Country Bakery — Bakery — The Black Spur — Australia
Bakery
Marysville Country Bakery
Savor freshly baked pastries, pies, and bread in this charming bakery known for its delightful treats.
Healesville Hotel — Gastropub — The Black Spur — Australia
Gastropub
Healesville Hotel
Experience a seasonal menu featuring local produce in a historic hotel with a relaxed atmosphere.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Black Spur drive?

The The Black Spur covers 30 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Black Spur take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the The Black Spur, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Black Spur?

The recommended season for the The Black Spur is Year-round.

Where does the The Black Spur start and end?

The The Black Spur runs from Healesville to Marysville.

What are the main stops on the The Black Spur?

The The Black Spur passes through Healesville, Black Spur, Narbethong.

Can I drive the The Black Spur in a regular car?

Yes — the The Black Spur is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the The Black Spur EV friendly?

Yes — the The Black Spur has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the The Black Spur safe to drive?

The Black Spur is sealed and suitable for any car, but the road is narrow, winding, and often damp under dense forest shade. Expect slower traffic, fallen branches after storms, and busy weekend conditions; fuel and supplies are best sorted in Healesville or Marysville before you start.

What scenic tier is the The Black Spur?

The The Black Spur is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.