If you wish to avoid the Kilmore Gap, the other alternative is to track from Mangalore to Kyneton, then abeam Bachus Marsh and from there to Point Cook and Williamstown to enter Essendon via West Gate Bridge. The tricky bit is around Kyenton where there is highish terrain .. from memory, there's about 1000 ft between the ground and CTA step around there. Once clear of that area, it's pretty much smooth sailing.