The Black Spur is a section of road between Healesville and Narbethong, about 40 kilometres south of Yea via Marysville. It is one of the most spectacular drives in Victoria — a winding mountain road through a canopy of towering mountain ash and myrtle beech, with tree ferns carpeting the gullies below. The trees reach 60 to 80 metres, and on an overcast day the forest feels genuinely ancient.
The road is narrow in places and the bends are tight; take it slowly and stop at the designated lookouts. The best stretch starts just above Healesville and continues for about 10 kilometres up to the plateau. Allow at least 2 hours from Yea to drive it properly, incorporating a stop in Marysville for coffee.
Marysville itself — 35 kilometres from Yea — is a small alpine town that has rebuilt since the 2009 fires and has good cafes. Steavenson Falls, a short walk from the town centre, is one of the higher waterfalls in Victoria and worth the 20-minute return walk.