Beyond the Garage: 5 Scenic Victorian Drives for Your Next Club Permit Outing

Owning a classic isn’t about letting it gather dust under a moving blanket; it’s about the smell of the interior, the mechanical hum of the engine, and the way the world looks through a vintage windscreen. When you join a car club in Melbourne like Vic Club Rego enthusiasts rely on, you aren't just signing up for cheaper registration, you’re unlocking the door to Victoria’s best driving roads.

The Victorian Club Permit Scheme is designed for vehicles that deserve to be seen. Whether you’ve opted for a 45-day or 90-day logbook, every entry should count. If you’re looking for a reason to sign that logbook page this weekend, here are five iconic Victorian drives that offer the perfect mix of sweeping bends, coastal views, and classic-friendly stop-offs.

1. The Black Spur Drive (Healesville to Narbethong)

If you want to test your steering and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state, the Black Spur is a rite of passage. Winding through the Great Dividing Range, this stretch of the Maroondah Highway features giant mountain ash trees and lush ferns that create a natural cathedral over the road.

  • Why it’s great for classics: The hairpins are challenging but rewarding, and the air is noticeably cooler, perfect for older engines that might struggle with Melbourne’s summer heat.

  • The Pit Stop: Grab a coffee in Healesville before you head up, or a pub lunch at the Black Spur Inn once you’ve cleared the pass.

2. Arthur’s Seat and the Mornington Peninsula

For those who prefer a coastal breeze, the climb up Arthur’s Seat offers a "mini-Alpine" feel just an hour from the CBD. The road twists and turns up the hill, providing multiple lookout points where you can pull over and admire your car against the backdrop of Port Phillip Bay.

  • Why it’s great for classics: It’s a shorter run, making it ideal for a "shake-down" drive if you’ve recently done some mechanical work.

  • The Pit Stop: Follow the descent down toward Flinders for some of the Peninsula’s best bakeries.

3. The Great Ocean Road (Torquay to Lorne)

We couldn't leave this one off the list. While the full length to the Twelve Apostles is a massive day trip, the run from Torquay to Lorne is the "sweet spot" for club permit holders. It’s iconic, it’s beautiful, and it feels like the road was built specifically for 1960s sports cars.

  • Why it’s great for classics: The sweeping curves and ocean views make for incredible photography. Just be prepared for the attention your car will get in the Lorne main street!

  • The Pit Stop: The Lorne Pier is a classic spot to park up, stretch your legs, and chat with other enthusiasts.

4. Mount Macedon and the Calder Corridor

Heading North-West out of the city takes you toward the cool-climate beauty of Mount Macedon. The drive up to the Memorial Cross is steep but scenic, particularly in autumn when the European trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red.

  • Why it’s great for classics: The roads are generally well-maintained and wide, which is a relief if you’re driving something with a wider footprint or heavy manual steering.

  • The Pit Stop: The Trading Post in Mount Macedon is a favorite weekend haunt for car clubs across Victoria.

5. The Yarra Valley Loop

Starting at Lilydale and heading through Yarra Glen toward Toolangi, this loop offers a mix of open-road cruising and tighter forest sections. It’s a versatile drive that suits everything from a vintage cruiser to a 90s Japanese "modern classic."

  • Why it’s great for classics: There are plenty of safe places to pull over if you need to check your fluids or simply want to take in the vineyard views.

  • The Pit Stop: Stop at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, it has a massive car park, which is essential if you’re traveling in a group.

Before You Head Out...

A quick reminder for our members: before you turn the key, make sure your logbook is filled out for the day. A quick signature and the date are all it takes to keep your drive legal and stress-free.

Part of the joy of being in a car club Melbourne based is the community. If you see another classic on the road this weekend, give them a wave, we’re all out there for the same reason: the love of the drive.

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