Have a hearty cooked breakfast at a Canberra café (many open from about 7:00am) — grab coffee and eggs to set you up for the first long leg. If you prefer takeaway, get sandwiches or pastries for the road.
Drive via the Monaro and Princes Highways toward Gippsland — allow roughly 5–6 hours including short stops; plan fuel and coffee breaks every 1.5–2 hours. Check live traffic and roadworks before you leave.
Eat at a waterfront café or fish-and-chip shop in Lakes Entrance (most open from 11:00am); enjoy fresh local seafood and views over the Gippsland Lakes. Book ahead if you want a specific table in peak season.
Visit the Lakes Entrance lookout and walk a section of Ninety Mile Beach or the entrance boardwalk; lookouts and beaches are open to the public (dawn–dusk for beach access). Bring sun protection and water.
Check in to a pre-booked cabin at Lakes Entrance Holiday Park or a local lakeside cottage; cabins typically offer kitchen facilities, air-con and bathrooms — book early for late December. Reception hours vary, usually open until early evening.
Dine at a nearby waterfront bistro or pub (dinner service usually from 5:30pm); alternatively use your cabin kitchenette to self-cater. Check opening times for public holidays and reserve a table where possible.
Collect pastries and coffee from a Lakes Entrance bakery (commonly open from ~7:00am) to eat before departure or as a picnic. An early breakfast helps you get to the Prom with time for afternoon walks.
Drive south towards Wilsons Promontory/Tidal River — allow around 2.5–3.5 hours. Mobile reception can be patchy and services are limited close to the park, so top up fuel and supplies beforehand.
Call into the Wilsons Promontory Visitor Centre for maps and track advice (opening hours commonly ~9:00am–5:00pm), then do short walks such as Squeaky Beach or Lilly Pilly Gully; beaches and tracks are open dawn–dusk. Wear sturdy shoes and check for any seasonal alerts.
Enjoy a picnic or BBQ at a day-use area near Tidal River — the park has picnic facilities but shops at Tidal River may have limited seasonal hours, so bring supplies. Keep food secure from wildlife.
Check in to pre-booked park cabins or nearby cottages (many visitors book Tidal River cabins or accommodation in nearby towns) — cabins provide a comfortable alternative to camping, but must be reserved well ahead for Christmas. Confirm arrival instructions; park reception hours can be limited.
Walk to Norman Beach or Whisky Bay for a sunset stroll; beaches and coastal tracks are accessible at dusk (dawn–dusk). Sunset is an excellent time for photos and to watch native wildlife appear.
Cook dinner in your cabin’s kitchen or check for any pre-booked meal services; many on-site shops and eateries reduce hours on Christmas Eve, so self-catering is the most reliable option. Have extra supplies for public holiday closures.
Enjoy a leisurely Christmas morning breakfast in your cabin — visitor centre and shops are often closed or on limited hours on Christmas Day, so prepare supplies ahead. Self-catering ensures a relaxed start.
Take family-friendly walks such as Lilly Pilly Gully or the Squeaky Beach circuit; the park is open but rangers and services may be limited on Christmas Day. Always stick to marked tracks and check tide/safety signage on beaches.
Have a festive picnic on the beach or lunch back at your cabin — local shops are usually closed on Christmas Day, so plan meals in advance. Enjoy wildlife viewing (kangaroos, birds) at a respectful distance.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the cabin, exploring nearby short tracks or visiting quieter beaches; natural attractions remain open even when services are closed. Keep to daylight hours for walks and carry water, sunscreen and a hat.
Prepare a Christmas dinner in your cabin kitchen using pre-purchased ingredients — cabins typically have full kitchenettes, which is ideal for holiday meals. Expect reduced service from local eateries on public holidays.
Have an early breakfast in your cabin or a quick coffee and pastry from a local café if open — Boxing Day often sees many businesses open but busy, so check hours. Early departure helps avoid peak traffic.
Drive west along the coast via Foster and South Gippsland toward Port Fairy — expect about 4–5 hours with scenic stops en route. Boxing Day traffic can be heavy near popular lookouts, so allow extra time.
Stop in Foster or a coastal town for lunch; many cafés and pubs operate on Boxing Day but are busy — reservations or takeaway recommended. Use this stop to rest and refill supplies before continuing.
Stroll the historic wharf, Griffiths Island and lighthouse — public areas are open and perfect for a relaxed late afternoon wander. Port Fairy is compact and very walkable, with charming shops and galleries.
Check in to a pre-booked cabin or seaside cottage (Port Fairy Holiday Park or local cottages) — cabins offer comfortable beds and kitchenettes, and must be reserved early for the holiday period. Confirm late arrival policies with reception.
Dine at a local bistro, seafood restaurant or pub (many open evenings but busy in Boxing Week); book ahead to secure a table. Port Fairy’s restaurants often focus on local produce and seafood.
Enjoy breakfast at a Port Fairy café (many open from ~7:00–8:00am) and prepare for a scenic morning along the Great Ocean Road. A cooked breakfast helps fuel walks and lookout visits.
Head east to Port Campbell and the 12 Apostles area — the drive takes around 1.5–2 hours with photo stops along the way. Expect tourist traffic and plenty of lookout pull-ins.
Visit the 12 Apostles lookout and boardwalks at Loch Ard Gorge; the national park is open daily though visitor centre hours vary (often ~9:00am–5:00pm). The limestone formations and dramatic ocean views are the day’s highlights.
Lunch in Port Campbell at a café or bakery — many cater to tourists and are open late morning to early afternoon. Use this stop to top up supplies and water for afternoon walks.
Explore Gibson Steps (check tide times and safety signage before heading onto the beach) or the quieter Bay of Islands coastal lookout. Scenic walks and lookout platforms remain open year-round; avoid cliff edges and respect signage.
Check in to a pre-booked cabin, cottage or motel-style cabin in Port Campbell or Princetown; cabins offer showers and kitchens, a welcome change from camping. Book early for the holiday period to secure a suitable cabin.
Eat at a Port Campbell pub or restaurant (many serve dinner from 5:30pm); choose seafood or classic pub fare and book ahead in high season. Relax after a big day of sightseeing.
Have breakfast in your cabin or pick up pastries at a local bakery before a longer inland drive — bakeries commonly open from around 7:00am. Pack water and sunscreen for the day ahead.
Drive west to Mount Gambier (approx 3–3.5 hours) to visit the Blue Lake and crater reserves; expect inland driving with changing scenery and several small towns en route. Stop for fuel and breaks as needed.
Visit Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake lookout and do a short walk around the crater rim; lookout and rim walks are open daily and the lake’s vivid colour is spectacular in summer. The visitor centre usually opens around 9:00am–5:00pm for information.
Lunch in Mount Gambier at a café or bistro — town services are plentiful and open through the day, making it a convenient place to refuel and check local maps. Try local produce if available.
Explore Umpherston Sinkhole (open daily) and, if available, short cave attractions or guided tours — check opening hours for cave tours and book in advance if required. These geological features are unique to the area.
Check in to a pre-booked cabin or cottage near Mount Gambier (powered facilities, kitchen and bathroom included); book ahead for the holiday week as availability is limited. Confirm arrival times with the property.
Dine at a Mount Gambier bistro or pub offering regional dishes — many places are open evenings but book ahead for the busy season. A relaxed meal prepares you for the next coastal leg to Robe.
Enjoy breakfast in Mount Gambier or pick up picnic supplies to eat en route to Robe — bakeries open from about 7:00am. A relaxed start suits the shorter driving day.
Drive southwest toward Robe along the Limestone Coast (approx 2–2.5 hours); the coastal scenery changes and Robe is a classic seaside town ideal for strolling and waterfront dining. Check road conditions and allow for scenic stops.
Arrive in Robe and have lunch at a seaside café or bakery — many venues specialise in fresh seafood and light meals. Stroll the main street afterwards to browse local shops.
Walk Long Beach, visit the historic Robe Lighthouse and harbour; public access is open dawn–dusk and the relaxed town atmosphere is ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Bring a hat and water in summer.
Check in to a pre-booked seaside cabin or cottage (Robe Beach Caravan Park cabins or private holiday cottages) — cabins usually have kitchens and comfortable beds; holiday bookings are essential in late December. Confirm arrival procedures with the host.
Enjoy a waterfront dinner at a Robe restaurant or pub specialising in local seafood (oysters, fish); many venues operate evenings but seating can be limited during holidays, so book ahead. Savour fresh regional flavours.
Have breakfast in Robe and pack up your cabin — cafés generally open from around 7:00–8:00am. Check vehicle fluids and tyre pressures for the final inland leg to Adelaide.
Drive north-west toward Adelaide via the Princes Highway and Dukes Highway (approx 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic). Plan a short stop to stretch and refuel at Meningie or Tailem Bend.
Stop in Murray Bridge or Tailem Bend for lunch at a café or pub (open midday) and to refresh before entering Adelaide metro. Use this opportunity to confirm any onward bookings or vehicle returns.
Arrive in the Adelaide region mid-afternoon and conclude the itinerary here. If you prefer to end with a final cabin night near the city, Adelaide Shores or West Beach cabins are options, but this plan assumes no overnight stay in Adelaide unless requested.
If time permits, detour to Glenelg for a beachfront stroll and a final coffee; cafés stay open into the afternoon and public transport to the city is frequent. Otherwise proceed with vehicle return or onward travel plans.