Ultimate Australia Family Road Trip: Victoria to Sydney and Coastal Adventure with Beaches & Culture – 2 Week Itinerary

Day 1: Southern Highlands Introduction

Victoria to Mittagong, NSW on December 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Industry Beans, Melbourne

Kickstart your trip with specialty coffee and a delicious breakfast in this trendy, teen-friendly hotspot featuring excellent brunch options.
AUD22, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Mittagong

Enjoy a picturesque 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne to the Southern Highlands township of Mittagong, perfect for stretching your legs in fresh air.
Fuel approx AUD60, 4h30m

2:00pm

Visit Centennial Vineyards

Explore the beautiful vineyard grounds with lush gardens, take a family-friendly tasting, and enjoy the relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Free to roam; tastings AUD15 adult, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Relaxation

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy downtime before dinner.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pie in the Sky Bakery, Bowral

Relish homemade pies and sweets at this iconic family-friendly bakery loved by locals and visitors alike.
AUD25 per person, 1h0m
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Day 2: Canberra History & Science

Mittagong to Canberra, ACT on December 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Press Shop, Bowral

Enjoy fresh and wholesome breakfast options including custom juices and smooth coffee blends.
AUD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Canberra

Travel 1.5 hours north to our nation’s capital filled with enriching family activities and iconic landmarks.
Fuel approx AUD20, 1h30m

10:30am

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Wander through native Australian flora in beautiful gardens; this free, educational spot is perfect for teens interested in nature.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pialligo Estate Chai Cafe

Dine at a working farm and restaurant offering fresh, farm-to-table meals and plenty of open space for kids to explore.
AUD30 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Interactive exhibits cater to curious teens and adults alike; open until 5pm making it a great afternoon activity.
AUD22 adult, AUD16 teen, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Lake Burley Griffin

Walk or bike along the lake’s scenic foreshore, enjoying water views and playgrounds for younger teens.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Akiba

Share modern Asian tapas in a lively, stylish venue teens often enjoy for its flavour and atmosphere.
AUD45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Sydney Arrival & Culture

Canberra to Sydney, NSW on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ona Coffee, Canberra

Grab excellent coffee and baked goods before hitting the road.
AUD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Sydney

Arrive in Sydney after approximately 3 hours, ready to explore the harbour city.
Fuel approx AUD40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Fine Food Store, Woolloomooloo

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and salads with harbour views, a laid-back spot ideal for lunch after a drive.
AUD30 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sydney Opera House Guided Tour

Discover the secrets of this architectural marvel with an engaging tour suitable for all ages. Tours finish by 5pm.
AUD45 adult, AUD25 teen, 1h15m

3:30pm

Walk Circular Quay & Museum of Sydney

Explore the historic Rocks area and visit the Museum of Sydney for interactive exhibits on the city’s past.
Museum AUD15 adult, AUD12 teen, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at La Renaissance Patisserie, The Rocks

Sample decadent French pastries and casual meals perfect for picky teens.
AUD25 per person, 1h0m
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Day 4: Unplanned Sydney Day

Sydney, NSW on December 9, 2025

All day

Free Day for Family Choice

Spend this day exploring Sydney at your leisure. Options include shopping in Pitt Street Mall, relaxing at Sydney Harbour beaches like Manly or Bondi, visiting Luna Park amusement park, or checking out local markets. This flexibility allows you to tailor the day to your family’s interests and energy levels.
Varies by activity, mostly free or low cost, Full day
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Day 5: Beach & Wildlife

Sydney to Port Stephens, NSW on December 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Grounds of Alexandria

Enjoy a vibrant, garden-style cafe with great kids’ menu options and fresh produce before your beach day.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Port Stephens

Head 2.5 hours north to this famous coastal playground known for its beaches, sand dunes and dolphin tours.
Fuel approx AUD30, 2h30m

11:30am

Nelson Bay Beach

Spend a relaxing morning swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports on this family-friendly beach.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Little Beach Boathouse

Dine on fresh seafood and casual meals right on the beachfront with stunning views.
AUD35 per person, 1h0m

3:00pm

Dolphin Watching Cruise

Experience a 90-minute dolphin cruise—an unforgettable activity that your teens will love. Cruises run multiple times daily.
AUD50 adult, AUD40 teen, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sand Dune Tobogganing at Stockton Bight

Try exhilarating toboggan rides down massive coastal sand dunes nearby, a fun outdoor activity for the whole family.
AUD25 per person, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Little Nel

Enjoy a relaxed meal with grilled options and family favourites in a welcoming pub setting.
AUD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 6: Newcastle Surf & Sightseeing

Port Stephens to Newcastle, NSW on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

An easy breakfast before heading onwards.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Newcastle

A quick 1-hour coastal drive to Newcastle, a vibrant city with great beaches and youth culture.
Fuel approx AUD15, 1h0m

10:30am

Surf Lesson at Nobbys Beach

Book a beginner surf lesson for the teens at a renowned safe surfing beach. Lessons last roughly 2 hours.
AUD60 per person, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Merewether Surfhouse

Casual dining with ocean views offering burgers, salads and pizza—perfect for hungry teens post surf.
AUD30 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk the Newcastle Foreshore and Bogey Hole

Explore the historical coastline and natural ocean pool, ideal for swimming or relaxing by the waterside.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Newcastle Museum

Interactive exhibits on local history and industry; great cultural stop and indoor option if weather changes. Open until 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Subo Modern Japanese

Enjoy tasty sushi and Japanese dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere, appealing to teens and adults.
AUD40 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hunter Valley Outdoors

Newcastle to Hunter Valley, NSW on December 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local Newcastle cafe

Fuel up on a great coffee and breakfast before your day of nature and exploration ahead.
AUD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hunter Valley

A 1-hour drive to the lush Hunter Valley, Australia’s famous wine region with plenty for families to enjoy.
Fuel approx AUD15, 1h0m

10:30am

Hunter Valley Gardens

Spend the morning exploring the themed gardens, mazes and kid-friendly rides in a huge, beautifully landscaped setting.
AUD32 adult, AUD20 teen, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hunter Valley Garden Cafe

Light lunch with seasonal offerings in the cafe located centrally within the gardens.
AUD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Chocolate and Cheese Tastings at Boutique Shops

Visit family-friendly artisan producers for sweet and savoury tastings that engage everyone’s palate.
Free to AUD20 per person, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Hope Estate

Optional quick visit to this sprawling winery with live music and grounds where teens can roam safely.
Free entry; tastings extra, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Muse Restaurant Hunter Valley

Sophisticated dining with diverse menu options that suit all family tastes and occasions.
AUD50 per person, 1h30m
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Day 8: Scenic Return

Hunter Valley to Victoria on December 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Last relaxed breakfast before the journey home.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive back to Victoria

Drive about 9 hours returning home, breaking for meals and comfort stops as preferred.
Fuel approx AUD100, 9h0m

12:30pm

Stop for lunch en route at roadside cafe

Casual meal to refresh during the journey back.
AUD20 per person, 1h0m

7:30pm

Arrive home and dinner

Dinner at home or casual local diner to unwind after your road trip.
AUD20 per person, 1h0m
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