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The Black Spur is a section of the Maroondah Hwy that connects Healesville to Narbethong, it is about 60km from Melbourne. It is called the Black Spur in reference to the darker period in Victorian history. Displaced indigenous people used this route to reach Corranderrk, a settlement near Healsville. The settlement of Corranderrk was a government-managed reserve made up of people from predominantly the Taungurung, Woiwurriyng, and Bunarong peoples. The reserve became a successful farming station, and thus in imperialist tradition, the community was relocated to Lake Tyers Mission.
What this brief, emotive summation of history has to do with driving is not explicitly clear even to me. I admit after some consternation I couldn’t manufacture an erudite and impactful statement to that effect. I’d never wondered why it was called the Black Spur. However, in researching some logistical details for this article, I uncovered the details above. At the very least I thought it important to pass the information on for your consideration. History is intrinsically linked to this road forever. Roads take you somewhere physically but also introspectively as the mind wanders in a meditative state. So the historical context of the road is important.
My perspective of these roads is shaped in unequal parts by my driving skill or limits therein, the car that I drive and the reason I enjoy driving on these roads. Driving skills and the car are so intertwined that it is difficult to separate how one affects or is affected by the other. Perhaps this is more apparent now, with the number of driving aids, and safety features that allow so many of us unfetted access to high performance. Nonetheless, I thought it prudent to mention my car; 2019 VW MK7.5 Golf GTI performance edition, on 19-inch 225/35 Pirelli P-Zero’s. This variant has the electro-mechanical diff, 7-speed DSG, and the brakes package from the Golf R. No other modifications have been made.
I would usually set out to Healsville early in the morning, arriving between 6-8am, to ensure the road is quiet. If you go on the weekend or school holidays it is more important to head off early. If you have time on the average weekday, chances are it will be fine traffic-wise. I also recommend giving yourself some time to stop in Healsville and grab a coffee and a quick snack to refuel. The Beechworth Bakery is a great place for some traditional Australian cakes.
Follow the road straight out of Healsville but drive with exuberant caution as it's not until you pass the Maroondah Reservoir that the speed hits 80 km. Speed traps are often set up prior to the reserve to catch the novice, excited and moronic driver. Don’t get me wrong I like driving hard and fast, but there is a speed limit, other drivers around, and a road that can bite you if you lose concentration.
The road itself is roughly 28km, and will take 30mins or so depending on traffic. Remember the Black Spur is a tourist attraction and leads to many tourist spots, so it can get busy. There are cutouts for slower cars and trucks to use, and most will. If not, don’t drive angry, pull over, lower the windows and breath in the air. Keep in mind there are also locals who regularly use the road and can be more aggressive due to the overconfidence knowledge inspires.
Overall the road surface is grippy, and reasonably smooth, with some minor blemishes. Corners can be taken faster than the recommendation depending on your confidence. Site lines are OK, however for the better part of the drive you won’t be able to see into the next corner, so cutting across lanes for the perfect racing line is fraught and ignorant. The road doesn’t camber, it is generally neutral in either direction.
Be aware that the Black Spur is mostly shaded, so if it is early morning, on a cold day, or after some rain, the surface will take some time to dry out. Moreover, tree debris is regularly falling, the large bark can potentially cause some traction issues, so look up, scan ahead and be alert.
There are no switchbacks, but some tight right and left-hand corners at 90 degrees. Overall the road quality is never uneven enough to dangerously impact cornering. The scenery is hard to take in if driven with spirit, but it is fresh, green and relaxing. Turn the radio off, listen to the car, and enjoy the fresh air running over your face.
Once you pass through Narbethong (you may not even know you have done this!) you will turn right toward Marysville on Marysville Rd for 9km. Again I suggest a quick break for coffee and/or a snack. I can recommend the Marysville bakery for a Vanilla slice, coffee is charitably described as average but the vanilla slice is very good. The bakery sits on the last corner heading out of Marysville, a great spot to breath, take in the scenary and decide on the next route.
Two options here, head straight to the Reefton Spur via Woods Point rd (C512) and then Warburton Woods Point Rd (C511), or warm up with a quick run up to Lake Mountain. I suggest driving up to Lake Mountain, it is a beautiful drive, an extra road to attack, and contrasts fantastically with the Black and Reefton Spurs. Where the Black Spur is subtly lit, and the Reefton Spur descends into the valley. Lake Mountain rd climbs, taking you through the mountain, and then by surprise you will enter a dark subdued corner and exit into a brightly lit straight sitting on the edge of the mountain. Consider all this a warm-up of sorts, shorter in distance and therefore less demanding on skill and concentration.
Cumberland Junction marks the end of the Reefton Spur, here you can head back to Melbourne via Warburton, another 20mins away, or go back up the Spur. I suggest going back up the mountain it is a completely different driving experience, with different site, and driving lines.
The Reefton Spur is a magnificent drive, a perfect blend of scenery, fast corners and tight technical turns, cool fresh air and an immaculetly maintained stretch of tarmac. Road camber is sympathetic for the car and driver at each bend. The speed limit is set out at 80km in parts and the other, longer section 100km. Plenty fast, and plenty of room to move. The magnificence of the Reefton Spur resides in it what it demands of the driver and car. Concentration and vigilance are needed as is the ability to read the road, feel the car and respond accordingly. The Reefton Spur will reward all drivers of all cars. The road is challenging enough to entertain whilst also allowing plenty of momentum to be carried between each bend. You don’t need a supercar, indeed one could argue it is too narrow and bumpy to suit one. Nor do you need a high-powered car to get the most out of the trip. As mentioned momentum can be carried well into each bend. I suggest don’t tackle this section with drum brakes however!
Driving provides me with a mindfulness session. One singular focus of attention that requires all of your senses to interact. You need to know and respect your own limits as much as the road. Enjoy the solitude of the mountain, and respect the journey and other drivers. Be safe.
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