Start the day with a sunrise stroll across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, then grab coffee and a quick breakfast at Austinmer Village while watching surfers below. Continue inland via the Grand Pacific Drive with a scenic stop at [Bald Hill Lookout](https://www.google.com/search?q=Bald+Hill+Lookout+what+to+see+between+sydney+and+canberra+on+a+day+trip%0A+official+site) for coastal views before heading toward the Southern Highlands, taking the historic Sutton Forest route and pausing for a mid-morning walk through the cottage gardens of Berrima to soak up colonial streetscapes and local antique shops.
After exploring Berrima, continue inland with a leisurely lunch at Roberts Restaurant in nearby Bowral, then stroll the manicured grounds of Corbett Gardens to see seasonal blooms and local craft stalls. In the early afternoon drive south through the Southern Highlands to Fitzroy Falls for a short walk to the lookout over dramatic waterfalls and gorge scenery, then pause at the rustic Moss Vale town center for a coffee and to browse local artisan shops before the final leg toward Canberra.
Wind down your day with a relaxed dinner at The Boatshed Restaurant in Nowra, savouring fresh seafood while the Shoalhaven River lights up at dusk, then take a short riverside walk to spot the glow of pelicans coming in to roost. If you prefer to press on toward Canberra, make a twilight stop at Lake George Lookout to watch the vast plain change colours at sunset, followed by a cosy pub meal at the historic Gunning Hotel to taste local pub classics before checking into accommodation in the Canberra region.