Epic Australian Road Trip: Victoria to Sydney and Beyond – 2 Week Family Adventure

Day 1: Departure & Highlands

Victoria to Southern Highlands, NSW on December 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bandrot Cafe, Melbourne

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh pastries and excellent coffee to fuel up for the drive ahead.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Southern Highlands

Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour drive northeast from Melbourne to the Southern Highlands, known for its charming villages and rolling landscapes.
Fuel costs approx AUD60, 4h30m

2:30pm

Visit Bowral

Explore Bowral’s quaint town centre, famous for its gardens and antique shops, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Biota Dining, Bowral

Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a family-friendly setting with an emphasis on local produce.
AUD50 approx per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Canberra Culture

Southern Highlands to Canberra, ACT on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Servery Cafe, Bowral

A cosy cafe offering excellent breakfast options including fresh fruit and eggs to get ready for the day.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Canberra

Continue 1.5-hour drive to Canberra, Australia’s capital city packed with national attractions perfect for teenagers interested in history and science.
Fuel costs approx AUD20, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Engage your teenagers with interactive science exhibits and hands-on displays that are educational and fun. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD20 per adult, AUD15 per teen, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Press, Canberra

Enjoy fresh sandwiches, salads and excellent coffee in this popular spot near the city centre.
AUD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Australian War Memorial

Explore the memorial museum to learn about Australia's military history. It’s inspiring and free to enter. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bavarian, Canberra Centre

Enjoy hearty German fare and family-friendly atmosphere to end the day with a filling meal.
AUD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sydney Arrival

Canberra to Sydney, NSW on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore, Canberra

A quirky cafe perfect for a quick yet memorable breakfast before travelling.
AUD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Sydney

Drive 3 hours to Sydney, arriving midday to start your city adventure.
Fuel costs approx AUD40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at The Grounds of Alexandria

Enjoy a vibrant food experience in a rustic garden setting with lots of options for teens including burgers, salads, and sweet treats.
AUD30 approx per person, 1h30m

2:00pm

Sydney Opera House Guided Tour

Take a fascinating architectural tour of Sydney’s iconic symbol. Tours run until 5pm with last entry at 4:30pm.
AUD45 per adult, AUD25 per teen, 1h15m

4:00pm

Walk around Circular Quay and The Rocks

Explore the historic Rocks precinct and enjoy views of the Harbour Bridge and water front. Great spot for photos and a relaxed stroll.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chat Thai, Sydney CBD

Experience vibrant Thai flavours in a casual eatery perfect for teenagers who enjoy bold tastes.
AUD35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Sydney Exploring

Sydney, NSW on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills, Darlinghurst

Known for their ricotta hotcakes and fresh breakfasts, Bills is a great start to your Sydney day.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Taronga Zoo Visit

Catch a ferry to Taronga Zoo to see native and exotic animals with spectacular city views. Open 9:30am-5pm.
AUD45 adult, AUD32 teen, ferry included, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zoo Cafe

Convenient and varied menu with sandwiches, snacks and drinks perfect for a family lunch.
AUD20 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout

Take the stairs or elevator up to the Pylon Lookout for panoramic views across Sydney Harbor. Open 9:30am-4:30pm.
AUD20 adult, AUD15 teen, 1h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Bondi Beach

Drive or bus to Bondi Beach for some downtime on the sand and maybe a swim or surf lesson.
Free; optional surf lesson approx AUD50 per person, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at North Bondi Fish

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a casual beachside vibe perfect for families.
AUD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Sydney Leisure

Sydney, NSW on December 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Three Blue Ducks, Bronte

Farm-to-table cafe offering excellent breakfasts to fuel a final day in Sydney.
AUD25, 1h0m

10:00am

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Explore modern art exhibitions and creative workshops - free entry and inspiring for teenagers. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The MCA Cafe

Light meals and excellent coffee within the museum’s beautiful setting.
AUD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free time for shopping or explore Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour has shops, playgrounds and family-friendly attractions, great for afternoon leisure.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks

Fun casual dining spot with a menu that teens love, including pancakes and burgers.
AUD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Coastal Drive North

Sydney to Port Stephens, NSW on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast to prepare for a day on the road.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Port Stephens

Drive approximately 2.5 hours north to enjoy coastal beaches and outdoor activities.
Fuel approx AUD30, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay

Beachfront dining with tasty seafood and relaxed vibes perfect for families.
AUD35 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dolphin Watching Cruise

Take an affordable and fun dolphin cruise in the bay, a memorable outdoor activity for the teens. Cruises run several times daily.
AUD50 adult, AUD40 teen approx, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax on Nelson Bay Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing or swimming on the beautiful sandy beach.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Little Nel, Nelson Bay

Coastal pub with delicious meals including fish and chips and grills.
AUD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hunter Valley Wine & Fun

Port Stephens to Hunter Valley, NSW on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Prepare for the day with a fresh breakfast before heading inland.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hunter Valley

1.5-hour drive to the famous wine region offering family-friendly activities and beautiful scenery.
Fuel approx AUD20, 1h30m

11:00am

Hunter Valley Gardens

Explore themed gardens and play areas suitable for teens and younger children alike. Open 9am-5pm.
AUD30 per adult, AUD20 teens, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hunter Valley Garden Cafe

Light, fresh lunches to enjoy amid the gardens.
AUD25 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Chocolate and Cheese Tasting

Visit boutique producers for chocolate and cheese tastings, engaging and enjoyable for all ages.
Free to AUD20 per tasting, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Muse Restaurant

Upscale dining with a menu that includes options for teenagers and adults alike.
AUD50 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return Journey

Hunter Valley to Victoria on December 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Early start with breakfast before a longer drive back home.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Victoria

Enjoy a direct drive back to Victoria, approximately 9 hours. Plan stops as needed in roadside towns for comfort breaks and snacks.
Fuel approx AUD100, 9h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at home or en route

Depending on arrival time, either eat at home or stop for a casual dinner on the way.
AUD20-40, 1h0m
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