Highway 1 (Victoria)

Highway 1 in Victoria, Australia, is a 930 km long, primarily sealed road that circumnavigates the state, connecting Melbourne with most major Victorian cities and regions. It forms a crucial part of Australia's National Highway system, providing a continuous route around the entire continent. However, within Victoria, Highway 1 does not retain a consistent single route number, instead being comprised of various other numbered routes throughout its length.

The route is made up of the following major road segments:

• M1, M80, and Western Ring Road (Melbourne): Circumnavigating the city of Melbourne, providing access to the western suburbs and connecting to the Princes Freeway West.

• Princes Freeway West (M1): Stretching from Melbourne to the South Australian border near Portland.

• Henty Highway (A300): A north-south route from Portland to Horsham.

• Western Highway (A8): Continues from Horsham to Melbourne, passing through Ballarat.

• Princes Freeway East (M1): Runs from Melbourne eastwards towards the New South Wales border near Orbost.

• Monaro Highway (A23): A short section from Cann River northwards towards the NSW border.

The quality of the road varies depending on the section. Major sections, such as the Princes Freeway West and East and the Western Freeway, are generally dual-carriageway freeways or highways, designed for high-speed travel. Other sections, like the Henty Highway and Monaro Highway, are single-carriageway roads, often traversing more rural areas.

The purpose of Highway 1 in Victoria is to facilitate trade, tourism, and general transportation. It connects major ports like Melbourne and Portland, supports agricultural industries in regional areas, and provides access to popular tourist destinations along the coast and inland. The route is vital for the efficient movement of goods and people throughout the state and to neighboring states.