Best driving roads near Ballarat, VIC
Ballarat is the start of a network of goldfields-era roads running north-east into the Mount Macedon ranges and west into the Pyrenees.
- 01
Black Bridge Road
VICSecondary7 km124.5 km away8.5RQS - 02
Strath Creek Road
VICSecondary3 km120.7 km away8.2RQS - 03
Heathcote-Redesdale Road
VICSecondary21 km90.1 km away1 grey spot8.3RQS - 04
Powell Connection Road
VICSecondary3 km37.4 km away8.3RQS - 05
Beech Forest-Lavers Hill Road
VICSecondary3 km140.5 km away8.4RQS - 06
Gardner Street
VICSecondary0 km140.4 km away8.2RQS - 07
Johansons Road
VICUnclassified1 km139.2 km away8.6RQS - 08
Wartook Road
VICSecondary3 km120.2 km away2 grey spots9.4RQS - 09
Kangaroo Ground – St Andrews Road
VICSecondary10 km136.4 km away1 grey spot8.3RQS - 10
Hattam Street
VICSecondary1 km80.9 km away8.5RQS - 11
Metcalfe-Taradale Road
VICTertiary5 km62.5 km away8.7RQS - 12
Blackwood Road
VICSecondary5 km49.7 km away8.0RQS - 13
Princetown Road
VICSecondary27 km143 km away8.1RQS - 14
Upper Goulburn Road
VICSecondary13 km129.4 km away8.3RQS - 15
Carlisle Road
VICSecondary20 km125 km away8.3RQS - 16
Escort Street
VICSecondary1 km76.2 km away8.0RQS - 17
Daylesford-Trentham Road
VICSecondary19 km44.5 km away1 grey spot8.1RQS - 18
Clarendon-Lal Lal Road
VICTertiary4 km41 km away8.0RQS - 19
Greendale-Myrniong Road
VICSecondary7 km56.2 km away7.8RQS - 20
Cobden - Port Campbell Road
VICSecondary38 km135.2 km away4 grey spots8.1RQS
The Daylesford-Trentham Road and Bald Hills Road loop sit just east of the city with tight ridgeline corners. The Midland Highway and Skipton Road run west into Pyrenees wine country. South of Ballarat, the road to Meredith and Steiglitz offers quieter driving through old goldfields country.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best driving roads near Ballarat?+
Contour's top three scored roads near Ballarat are Black Bridge Road (VIC, RQS 8.5/10, 124.5 km away); Strath Creek Road (VIC, RQS 8.2/10, 120.7 km away); Heathcote-Redesdale Road (VIC, RQS 8.3/10, 90.1 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.
How far should I drive from Ballarat to find a great road?+
The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Black Bridge Road, about 124.5 km from Ballarat. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.
Are there good motorcycle roads near Ballarat?+
Yes. Wartook Road scores 9.4/10 for motorcycles and sits 120.2 km from Ballarat. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.
What's the best sealed road near Ballarat?+
Black Bridge Road is fully sealed and scores 8.5/10 for driving quality. It's 124.5 km from Ballarat.
Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Ballarat?+
Contour has identified grey spots on 5 roads within range of Ballarat - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Heathcote-Redesdale Road has 1. Take extra care in wet conditions.
When is the best time to drive near Ballarat?+
Winter fog through the Hepburn Shire is common; otherwise year-round driving.
Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.