Highway 1 continues around the rest of Australia, joining all mainland state capitals, and connecting major centres in Tasmania.

Highway 1 was created as part of the National Route Numbering system, adopted in 1955.

The route was compiled from an existing network of state and local roads and tracks.

Highway 1, as the CityLink Tollway bypasses the actual city centre, connecting to the West Gate Freeway.

Beyond the Western Ring Road interchange, the route is once again named Princes Freeway, which leads to Geelong, with the dual carriageway M1 ending in Winchelsea.