Going On A Cruise (~500km Round Trip)... But Where To?

[SS8_Gohan]

Hi guys'n'gals

just chucked ANOTHER new turbo on and again, need to run it in. Don't have that long before i'm booked for a full tune because i wanted to get this new one up and running asap, but i gotta put some k's on it (not BB).

Looking to get about 500k's on it before the tune and looks like Monday i'm heading out wherever for the day with the g/f.

Just using google maps to draw random routes wherever, like this...

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&sou...e=UTF8&z=11

But don't really know the good roads etc.

I guess anywhere within a 200-250km radius of melbourne is fine. Obviously that includes places like Apollo Bay, etc... but there is going to be some nasty weather the next few days and the last i was down there (last april which funnily enough have MASSIVE storms too) there was sooo much shit on the road (branches, etc) i cracked my front splitter because of all the debris, despite driving on both sides of the road to avoid stuff. I reckon it will be the same on Monday because Sunday is going to have 60km/hr+ winds.

So i was thinking more east because we've never really explored that way, and the roads look pretty nice and twisty up around the Healesville area, but i don't know what the deal is after the bushfires.

The other thing about heading that way is that it looks like we could do more multiple stops to check things out, rather than go to A Bay, and that's it.

So yeah, where shall i drive given that 200-250km radius around Melbourne?

cheers,

chinny

[SS8_Gohan]

can be split into 2 trips maybe as well. Have some time tomorrow arvo but hall all day Monday free.

[KezR33]

can be split into 2 trips maybe as well. Have some time tomorrow arvo but hall all day Monday free.

Go down to Portsea Pub for a meal, then up north where ever.

or

Drive up through Marysville etc, you can access it all now.

or

Great Ocean Rd?

[baron25]

+1 for Ocean Rd. Either as far as Apollo, and then back through the Otways to Colac, or only as far as Lorne then up through the hills to Colac (good drive, and a different road to the one the GOR cruise usually takes, if you want a change.)

While you're there stop at the pub in Wye River (15min west of Lorne), good food and the Otway Estate beer they have on tap is really good (go for the summer ale)

EDIT: I wouldn't worry about debris on the road and whatnot, I've lived down there for the past 4 years or so, and there's rarely significant things on the road, only during 20-50 year storms is there anything to worry about.

Edited April 25, 2009 by baron25

[_Ryan_]

how far is PI and the prom?

[jezza boii]

^^ This route repeated 50 times on a Friday night. I even gave you a pit-stop at Noble Park Maccas.

[ss07]

^^ This route repeated 50 times on a Friday night. I even gave you a pit-stop at Noble Park Maccas.

Hahahahaha

[W0rp3D]

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&sou...9785&num=10

506k's 7hrs 15mins.

Would pay to take a passenger that wont piss you off.

Edited April 26, 2009 by W0rp3D

[RBPOWA-(TJ)]

head off to Warrnambool for a day. just got back from there. 260+k's one way. have some lunch do a little shopping, head back.

3.5hours trip down princess hwy passing through towns on the way

[SS8_Gohan]

thanks for the tips guys!

Just going to be the one trip now i think, unfortunately my left headlight blew, which was a Xenon kit globe. I'm hoping it's just the globe, not the ballast. I've got the fix that as i don't want to be driving around in the country, in these grey conditions, without headlights, especially if we're not back in the metro area before dark.

So it's next Monday we're going for the drive, so got some time to plan it now.

Worped, i'm liking that trip mate. I'm pretty much set on that part of Vic. I've never really driven in the yarra ranges area before so i think i'll go that way over A Bay/GOR, etc... as nice a drive as those are.

Is Black Spur anywhere near a route i might be able to take that way? Heard so much about that road, but never driven it.

[W0rp3D]

thanks for the tips guys!

Just going to be the one trip now i think, unfortunately my left headlight blew, which was a Xenon kit globe. I'm hoping it's just the globe, not the ballast. I've got the fix that as i don't want to be driving around in the country, in these grey conditions, without headlights, especially if we're not back in the metro area before dark.

So it's next Monday we're going for the drive, so got some time to plan it now.

Worped, i'm liking that trip mate. I'm pretty much set on that part of Vic. I've never really driven in the yarra ranges area before so i think i'll go that way over A Bay/GOR, etc... as nice a drive as those are.

Is Black Spur anywhere near a route i might be able to take that way? Heard so much about that road, but never driven it.

Black spur is in the middle of that map between healseville and marysville along the B360, had planned for it to go through there but then changed it ti get the k's up to 500.

[SS8_Gohan]

the 500k's is kinda arbitrary... i definitely want to fit Black Spur if i can

what about doing the loop you have to mansfield, but then coming back via Alexandra, Marysville and Healsville? Instead of taking the highway back, maybe get some twisties on the way home as well?

[bozodos]

What about a trip to Bendigo and back? One way to Mildura is also 500 odd km if you're going from the northern suburbs lol.

[SS8_Gohan]

after some twisties and heard a lot about Black Spur, etc...

plus the g/f and i love tree's/forests etc... i know a lot has been burnt, but hopefully still a nice drive

[GUN_METAL_GTR32]

black spur is one of the best drives on the east side.

i love going thru there during winter. towards the end of winter the snow starts to melt and it is extremely slippery making it one of those nice challenging drives

just dont be a shit brick, there are alot of animals and they jump out alot. my mate hit a kangaroo in his s14 last year, did alot of damage as well.

there will also be alot of people rebuilding up that way from the fires so show them respect as well and keep the noise down.

[SS8_Gohan]

my exhaust is very quiet but will definitely keep that in mind

when i get time, i'll make another google map and add Black Spur in and see what you guys think of the revised route, and if you recommend any other roads

cheers,

daniel

[W0rp3D]

Here is a new one:

HERE

Put the black spur in and also added the kinglake to st andrews, that is also a good drive.

It also takes you through bonnie doon

Edited April 30, 2009 by W0rp3D

[SS8_Gohan]

ok, thanks to Brett, i got a good map for tomorrow,

just wondering if there are perhaps any good spots to have a bite to eat or stop and have a gander?

i take it all the roads will be sealed yes?

[W0rp3D]

i take it all the roads will be sealed yes?

I have not done the section between marysville and mansfield but if the roads are distinctly marked on that map i would assume they are sealed roads, i would assume that the dirt roads would not show up till you zoom in a lot closer.

As for places to stop, i know healseville have a few nice cafe's, would also assume that mansfield and yea would have as well, let me know how you go and how long it takes, will be buiding a new engine in the next 6 months or so, looks like this would be a great trip to run it in on.

[SS8_Gohan]

VicRoads says 'C' whatever roads are sealed. So should be ok

Now, Reefton or Black Spur... forgot about Reefton