Highways leading out of Melbourne

While I very rarely drive back in the states, there is something quite settling about seeing a destination via a long car, train or bus ride. Looking out the window while taking in the sights is like watching a film, but instead you are seeing the real world unfold in front of your eyes. Add in the sounds of your personalized soundtrack, and the moment becomes absolutely astounding. While visiting Melbourne and the surrounding areas, this is exactly how I spent my time.

With so many great destinations just a short drive out of Melbourne, renting a car or hooking up with some friends, is a fantastic way to see the countryside. The first destination I hit was heading down the Great Ocean Road toward the town of Lorne. While the actual Great Ocean Road boasts spectacular scenery of coastline, the highway down to Geelong was entertaining in itself.

While watching the city dissolve into desolate (we are in a drought here!), brown countryside, the highway had a few quirks keeping me on my toes. The normally boring divider separating the road from town actually had small florescent windows that allowed drivers to see through into the city. While I’m not sure the exact purpose the windows did make for much better scenery. This continued until we hit the great ocean road.

While the windows were interesting, heading from Melbourne down to the Mornington Peninsula on their new highway was even more entertaining. Normally fading grey overpasses were colored in blue and green tiles, adding a bit of spice to the formulaic design.

The dividers on this drive were also entertaining, boasting different color paints and adjectives that described the town which you were about to enter, on top of the colored windows. To add a cherry on top, huge road art was constructed, including a 20-foot sheep skull. The entire drive was lined in this manner.

While driving may not be your forte, the highways in and out of Melbourne are always entertaining. Though it may not be the result of natural beauty, one will not be bored while gazing out the window cruising through the Victorian state.  

Photo courtesy of Pop Gadget