Leave Canberra after a relaxed breakfast and a last-minute park stop so the toddler can burn energy — Commonwealth Park or a quick playground near your accommodation work well. Drive the Kings Highway toward the coast (about 2.5-3 hours to Batemans Bay), planning a mid-morning stretch at Braidwood or the granite outcrops at Mongarlowe; pack snacks and a favourite toy to keep little hands busy.
Arrive in Batemans Bay around lunchtime and settle in with fish and chips at The Samaritans or a family-friendly meal at The Waterfront Cafe overlooking the Clyde River. Spend a gentle afternoon exploring the foreshore playground at Rotary Park, stroll along Surf Beach for a dip or sand play, then visit the nearby Birdland Animal Park for toddler-friendly animal encounters.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner at Vindaloo Indian Restaurant or a takeaway picnic at Corrigans Beach Reserve while watching boats on the Clyde River. After dinner, return to your accommodation for an early night — a calm bedtime routine will help your toddler recover from the day's travel and be ready for the next coastal leg toward Narooma.
After a calm morning wake-up in Batemans Bay, take the short coastal drive (about 1 hour) to Narooma, stopping at scenic lookouts like the Narooma-Narooma Creek viewpoint so your toddler can stretch legs and spot boats. Once in town, enjoy a late breakfast or coffee at the boardwalk cafes near Wagonga Inlet, then head to Bar Rock Beach for gentle rock-pooling and safe sand play—bring a bucket and spade for endless entertainment.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Narooma Wharf and the observation point at Glasshouse Rocks; consider a family-friendly boat cruise to Montague Island for seal and seabird sightings (select a short trip suitable for little ones) or a relaxed picnic at Potato Point if you prefer a quieter beach. If your toddler needs a nap, the calm lakeside walk at Wagonga Inlet provides a stroller-friendly route and shaded spots to rest while adults take in the coastal views.
As the day cools, enjoy an early dinner at the Narooma Waterfront Hotel or a takeaway seafood meal on the foreshore while watching the sunset over the inlet, then head to your accommodation for a soothing bedtime routine. If energy remains, a short twilight stroll along the boardwalk past the glasshouse rocks is lovely and keeps the day gently connected as you prepare to continue south toward Eden on Christmas Day.
Wake up to a slow, toddler-friendly Christmas morning near the water — enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation or pick up pastries from Eden Bakery before a gentle stroll along Aslings Beach where little ones can paddle and build sandcastles. Pop over to Twofold Bay Lookout for sweeping ocean views and a chance to spot local boats and whales (season permitting), keeping the pace easy so everyone savours the festive calm after the drive from Narooma.
After a cozy mid-day nap, head to the historic Eden Wharf and the Eden Killer Whale Museum for a short, interesting visit that’s manageable with a toddler and offers shaded outdoor areas to explore; nearby Rotary Park provides a playground and picnic spots for a laid-back Christmas lunch. If the weather’s warm, take a brief drive to Ben Boyd National Park — the Fishermans Track and nearby beaches have gentle walking options and scenic rock platforms perfect for supervised exploring and photos.
As evening falls, enjoy a Christmas seafood dinner at one of Eden’s family-friendly venues such as The Wharf Restaurant or a takeaway picnic at Wharf Reserve watching boats bobbing in the bay, followed by a slow sunset walk along the wharf to wind down. Return to your accommodation for a mellow bedtime routine so your toddler can rest well and be refreshed for the next coastal leg toward Lakes Entrance / Paynesville.
Set off after a relaxed breakfast in Eden and enjoy the coastal drive south toward the Victorian border, planning a short stretch at the Mallacoota or Genoa rest area so your toddler can run around and spot birds; continue on to Lakes Entrance, arriving late morning to the picturesque Lakes Entrance Lookout and the famous 90 Mile Beach access. Spend a little time at the lakes foreshore playground and the safe, shallow waters of Lakes Entrance Main Beach where the family can paddle and hunt for shells before lunch.
After a restful nap back at your accommodation or a shady picnic at Rotary Park, take a gentle cruise or boat tour of the Gippsland Lakes from Lakes Entrance or drive the short distance to nearby Paynesville for a relaxed exploration of the esplanade and the Paynesville Esplanade Playground. If your toddler is up for it, hop on the foot ferry to Raymond Island for a stroller-friendly koala-spotting walk along the boardwalks—an easy, memorable wildlife experience without long walking distances.
As the day cools, enjoy an early family dinner at a waterfront spot such as The Esplanade Hotel in Lakes Entrance or The Waterfront in Paynesville with views over the lakes, then take a slow sunset stroll along the Ninety Mile Beach or Paynesville jetty to watch pelicans and boats come in. Return to your accommodation for a calm bedtime routine so everyone is rested for the next day's short coastal hops toward Wilsons Promontory and Foster.
After breakfast, take the short drive to the gateway towns for Wilsons Promontory—stop at Port Welshpool to stretch legs on the long jetty and let your toddler chase seabirds while you enjoy bay views. Continue toward Foster with a quick detour to Toora or Fish Creek for a coffee and a visit to the local playgrounds, keeping the pace easy so little ones can roam safely.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Foster’s charming main street and the nearby Agnes Falls Reserve picnic area for a shaded lunch and a stroller-friendly short walk to the lookout; the falls are an easy, sensory treat for toddlers with rushing water and safe viewing platforms. If energy allows, drive the scenic route toward the Prom’s Yanakie entrance and visit the Tidal River day-use areas or Bridledale Beach for gentle sand play and shallow paddling close to the car.
As the sun softens, return to Foster or a nearby coastal cottage for an early family dinner at a kid-friendly pub such as the Foster Tavern or a simple BBQ at your accommodation, keeping the routine familiar for bedtime. Cap the day with a calm twilight stroll along a nearby foreshore or quiet country lane to watch the sky change, then settle in early so your toddler wakes refreshed for the next leg toward Warrnambool / Port Fairy.
After breakfast, drive the scenic coastal route into Warrnambool (about 2-3 hours from Foster) and start with a visit to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village where the toddler can explore grassy lawns and the short, engaging living-history exhibits; the nearby playground at the foreshore is perfect for a morning run-around. If the little one needs calmer time, stroll the Logans Beach viewing platform to watch for whales (seasonal) or dip toes at the family-friendly Middle Island and Pertobe Adventure Playground areas.
Post-lunch, take the short drive to Port Fairy and wander the historic fishing village — stretch legs on the safe sands of East Beach or let your toddler feed the birds at Lady Bay, then enjoy an easy riverside walk around Griffiths Island with its lighthouse and accessible paths (carry a sling or lightweight stroller for the boardwalk). Alternatively, spend a relaxed hour at the Flagstaff Garden picnic spots or pop into the Port Fairy Folk Museum for a quick, shaded indoor break if the sun gets strong.
As the day cools, choose a family-friendly dinner at one of Port Fairy’s seaside eateries like Merrijig Kitchen or a casual fish-and-chips by the harbour while watching boats and seabirds; finish with a gentle twilight stroll along the Moyne River to settle excited toddlers. Return to your accommodation for a familiar bedtime routine so everyone is rested and ready for the coastal crossing toward Mount Gambier / Robe the next day.
After a relaxed breakfast, drive the scenic stretch from Port Fairy toward Mount Gambier (about 2-2.5 hours) with a short leg-stretch at the Blue Lake lookout where your toddler can marvel at the vivid water and you can grab photos of the volcanic crater rim. Spend a gentle hour at Centenary Tower and the nearby playground or visit Cave Gardens for an easy, stroller-friendly wander and a shaded picnic while the little one explores safe paths and grassy spots.
Continue west toward the coastal village of Robe (about 2 hours), stopping en route in Kingston SE for a quick visit to the Big Lobster (for amusing photo ops) and a snack; once in Robe, enjoy sand play and paddling at Long Beach or a calm beachside picnic at Back Beach, both very toddler-friendly. Take a short stroll along Robe’s historic jetty and the Lighthouse Beach precinct, then browse a few local shops on Commercial Street for artisan treats or an ice cream to reward small adventurers.
As the sun lowers, choose a family-friendly dinner at one of Robe’s waterfront spots such as The Lakeside Hotel or a casual seafood meal at Robe Harbour, watching boats bob on the water while your toddler chases seabirds on the sand. Finish with a slow sunset walk along the jetty or a quiet return to your accommodation for a familiar bedtime routine, so everyone is rested and ready for the short coastal drive into Adelaide tomorrow.
After a relaxed breakfast in Robe, take the short coastal drive into Adelaide (about 3-3.5 hours) with a mid-morning stretch at Victor Harbor — ride the horse-drawn tram at Granite Island or let your toddler run on the safe Middleton Beach foreshore while you enjoy ocean views. Arrive in Adelaide before lunchtime and check into your accommodation in the city or Glenelg to drop bags and freshen up.
Spend a gentle afternoon at the family-friendly Adelaide Botanic Garden where wide lawns, the Bicentennial Conservatory and shaded paths are perfect for a stroller and toddler naps; alternatively head to Glenelg Beach for paddling, the jetty playground and a seaside tram ride into the city. If you prefer a short cultural stop, the South Australian Museum or the Migration Museum offer compact exhibits with easy access and quiet corners for a little one to explore.
As the day winds down, enjoy an early, relaxed dinner on the Glenelg foreshore or at Adelaide Central Market’s nearby eateries — many vendors offer kid-friendly meals and takeaway options for a picnic on the lawn. Finish with a sunset stroll along Glenelg Jetty or a calm riverside walk along the Torrens Linear Park to settle into Adelaide life, then return to your accommodation for a familiar bedtime routine and a well-earned rest.