Isn't a "published route" an issue if you're in a bug smasher...? You certainly aren't going to follow an RPT route.
My post was in response to
uncle8's IFR flight, and
Porter's response.
If operating to the IFR in CTA, you need to follow the published route structure unless you have prior ATC approval.
ERSA GEN FPR section 5 covers the preferred flight planning in the Melbourne area, including VFR overflight of the ML CTR.