Black Spur - Saint Ronan's Well, Fernshaw, Victoria 3778

## Overview Saint Ronan's Well at the Black Spur is a beloved public drinking spring located along the iconic Black Spur Drive between Healesville and Narbethong in Victoria's Central Highlands. Nestled among the towering mountain ash forests of the Yarra Ranges, this historic roadside well has long been a refreshing stop for travellers making the scenic journey through the Black Spur — one of Australia's most celebrated mountain drives. The well takes its name from Saint Ronan, a figure associated with holy wells across the Celtic world, reflecting the tradition of early European settlers naming natural water sources after sacred springs from their homelands. The spring is housed in a distinctive round brick well structure, giving it a charming, old-world character that stands out along the forested roadside. A pipe at the top of the well allows floating debris to escape, helping to keep the water clear. Visitors have long reported the water to be delicious and clean-tasting, and the spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travellers alike. However, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From **Healesville**, head northeast along the **Black Spur Drive (Maroondah Highway / B360)** toward Narbethong. 2. Continue through the towering mountain ash forest, climbing steadily through the Black Spur. 3. As you approach the **top of the Black Spur**, near the Narbethong side of the pass, look for the round brick well structure on the roadside. 4. The well is located on the **Narbethong side** of the summit, between Narbethong and Healesville. 5. There is a **parking area** available near the well, making it easy to pull over safely. **GPS Coordinates:** -37.603214, 145.626494 ## What to Expect Saint Ronan's Well is a convenient and scenic roadside stop. The round brick well is easy to spot and has a rustic, heritage feel. Water flows through the structure, and the pipe at the top is designed to let out floating debris, keeping the basin relatively clear. The surrounding area is part of the magnificent Black Spur, famous for its cathedral-like groves of mountain ash (*Eucalyptus regnans*) — the tallest flowering plants in the world. The forest here is lush with tree ferns and mossy undergrowth, making even a brief stop feel immersive. The Black Spur Drive itself is a popular scenic route, so the well makes a natural rest point. Parking is available right near the well, so access is straightforward — no hiking required. The spring is accessible year-round, though the surrounding forest is especially atmospheric after rain, when mist drifts through the towering trees. Keep in mind that the area can be cool and damp, particularly in winter months, so dress accordingly if you plan to linger. Whether you're on a day trip from Melbourne (approximately 90 minutes' drive) or passing through on the way to Marysville and the Cathedral Range, Saint Ronan's Well is a worthwhile stop to experience a piece of Victoria's roadside heritage and sample water that travellers have enjoyed for generations.