Epic Australian Road Trip from Victoria to Sydney and Beyond

Day 1: Start Journey

Melbourne, Victoria on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

A charming Parisian-style café in Melbourne that offers delicious breakfast options to energise your start to the road trip.
AUD25 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Canberra

Set off on the 7-hour drive northeast to Canberra, Australia’s capital city, perfect for an educational and fun stopover.
Fuel approx. AUD80, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in at an affordable accommodation in Canberra

Find budget-friendly accommodation such as a family hotel or Airbnb to rest after the long drive.
AUD150, overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Akiba

Enjoy vibrant Asian fusion cuisine in a hip setting, well-loved by families and teens alike.
AUD70 per family, 1.5h
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Day 2: Explore Canberra

Canberra, ACT on June 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Cupping Room

Start with some of the best coffee and breakfast in Canberra's city centre.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

A fun, interactive science museum great for teens to explore hands-on exhibits and learn through play. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD30 per adult, AUD18 per child, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pialligo Estate

Enjoy locally sourced produce in a picturesque winery setting, perfect for relaxing mid-trip.
AUD60 per family, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Australian War Memorial

Explore Australian history and pay tribute at the national memorial. Free entry, open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Sydney

Begin the 3-hour drive east to Sydney, setting up for a longer city stay.
Fuel approx. AUD40, 3h

8:00pm

Check-in to Sydney budget accommodation

Stay at a family-friendly budget hotel or Airbnb in a central location for easy sightseeing.
AUD200 per night, overnight
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Day 3: Sydney City Sights

Sydney, NSW on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills in Surry Hills

Try the famous ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter, a favourite for both kids and adults.
AUD25 per person, 1h

9:30am

Sydney Opera House tour

Take a guided tour of one of the world’s most iconic buildings and learn about its architecture. Tours operate from 9am to 5pm.
AUD43 per adult, AUD23 per child, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk around the Royal Botanic Garden

Relax in the scenic gardens with stunning Harbour views and great photo opportunities, free and open daily.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sydney Fish Market

Enjoy freshly caught seafood and sushi, a fun and lively market atmosphere that teens will love.
AUD70 per family, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Explore marine life native to Australian waters with interactive exhibits, open 9:30am to 6pm.
AUD47 per adult, AUD33 per child, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Grounds of Alexandria

Atmospheric venue serving hearty meals with a garden setting, ideal for families.
AUD90 per family, 1.5h
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Day 4: Sydney Beach and Culture

Sydney, NSW on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Williams

Enjoy delicious modern café fare with great coffee to start your day.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

A scenic 6 km beachside walk offering stunning views, beaches, and parks, suitable for all fitness levels. Spend time swimming or relaxing on the beach.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coogee Pavilion

Vibrant beachfront spot with a variety of casual dining options, perfect for families.
AUD70 per family, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales

View Australian and international art collections; free entry for most exhibitions. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Mary’s in Newtown

Enjoy casual dining with family-sized burgers and vibrant atmosphere loved by teenagers.
AUD75 per family, 1.5h
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Day 5: Drive Northwards

Sydney to Newcastle, NSW on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bread & Circus

Start your day with healthy breakfast options catered for families.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Newcastle

Enjoy the 2.5-hour coastal drive north to Newcastle, a vibrant city with beautiful beaches and local culture.
Fuel approx. AUD25, 2h30m

12:00pm

Visit Newcastle Beach and Bogey Hole

Famous swimming spots with a rich history, great for teens to explore and swim safely.
Free, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Station

A relaxed café overlooking the water with healthy and hearty food options.
AUD60 per family, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Fort Scratchley

Historic fort with panoramic views and engaging tours about Newcastle’s wartime history. Open 10am-4pm.
AUD10 adult, AUD5 child, 1.5h

4:00pm

Check-in to a family budget accommodation in Newcastle

Relax and unwind in a convenient central location.
AUD140, overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Subo Restaurant

Modern dining focusing on fresh, local ingredients with options that cater for all tastes.
AUD80 per family, 1.5h
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Day 6: Port Macquarie Stop

Newcastle to Port Macquarie, NSW on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Three Bears

Quirky café with a fun atmosphere and hearty breakfast for the whole family.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Port Macquarie

Take the 3.5-hour coastal drive to the beautiful town of Port Macquarie, famous for its beaches and nature parks.
Fuel approx. AUD30, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Stunned Mullet

Enjoy fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
AUD70 per family, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Billabong Zoo

Interact with native Australian animals and enjoy shows, fun and education for all ages. Open 9am–5pm.
AUD32 per adult, AUD25 per child, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Missy’s

Casual dining with great pizzas and burgers that teens will enjoy.
AUD70 per family, 1.5h

8:00pm

Check-in to family-friendly accommodation

Choose budget motels or holiday parks for overnight stay.
AUD140, overnight
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Day 7: Return via Snowy Mountains

Port Macquarie to Albury, NSW on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at coastal café

Enjoy your last morning by the sea with a casual breakfast at a local café.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive towards Albury via the Snowy Mountains area

A scenic 6-hour drive heading inland through the Snowy Mountains, with stunning landscapes to enjoy along the way.
Fuel approx. AUD60, 6h

3:00pm

Stop at Thredbo Village

Explore Australia’s premier alpine village with easy walking trails and shops. Great for a leg stretch and refreshments.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Continue drive to Albury

Complete the final leg of your day’s drive to Albury for overnight rest.
Fuel approx. AUD20, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The River Deck

Enjoy casual dining overlooking the Murray River, with options that suit the whole family.
AUD75 per family, 1.5h

8:00pm

Check-in accommodation in Albury

Stay in budget hotels to rest before the final leg home.
AUD130, overnight
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Day 8: Return to Victoria

Albury to Melbourne, Victoria on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café in Albury

Grab a hearty breakfast before the final drive home.
AUD20 per person, 1h

9:30am

Drive back to Melbourne

Final 3.5-hour drive returning home to Victoria, completing your epic road trip.
Fuel approx. AUD40, 3h30m
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