Gordon is a small township on the old road between Melbourne and Ballarat, perched on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Like many places in this part of Victoria, it grew during the gold rush, when diggers and coaches streamed west towards the goldfields. Today it is a quiet village with a pub, a few shops and wide views over farmland and forest.
The landscape is open and rolling, with the Western Freeway running nearby and old volcanic hills dotting the horizon. To the north, the Lerderderg State Park protects a rugged gorge carved by the Lerderderg River, a surprisingly wild landscape so close to the city. To the west lies Ballarat, with its grand gold-rush architecture and Sovereign Hill.
For riding, the freeway gets you here quickly, but the real joy is in the back roads. The routes north through Blackwood and the Lerderderg area wind through forest and steep valleys, with tight corners and some rough sections. Heading towards Daylesford, you will find flowing roads through farmland and bush. Surfaces vary, and wildlife is common, so stay alert.
As a photo stop, Gordon offers big skies and an authentic slice of rural Victoria. Fuel is available in Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh, and there may be limited options in smaller towns, so plan accordingly. The local pub is a good place to rest and refuel the body before continuing your ride into the High Country or back towards Melbourne.