[1] The route started in the Melbourne central business district and followed the Princes Highway to Warrnambool on Victoria's western coast.

This traditional route was the longest race on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, the exact distance varying slightly over time.

The course was also changed, starting at Avalon Airport, through Geelong, Winchelsea, Colac and Port Campbell, before finishing in Warrnambool.

[2] In 1895 Don Charlston conceived the first race after riding from Warrnambool to Melbourne in a personal time trial.

The first race was held on 5 October 1895 and won by New Zealander Andrew Calder in 11 hours 44 minutes, with a two-hour handicap start for the 165-mile trip.

The fastest time during this first race was recorded by Jim Carpenter from scratch who took 10 hours 52 minutes and finished in 4th place.

[9] In 1946, the first year following the end of the second World War, the Warrnambool to Melbourne was replaced by the Victorian Cycling Grand Prix held over 195 miles (314 km) from Bendigo to Melbourne, the longest and richest one day event held in Australia that year.

[10] From 1947 to 1949 the title of 150-mile Professional Road Champion of Australia was awarded at a sprint point 150 miles (240 km) into the Warrnambool to Melbourne.

However, the day before the race it was postponed due to a snap lockdown declared by the Victorian government to control a coronavirus outbreak.