If there’s one thing I’ve learned from road-tripping with kids, it’s this: even the best-laid plans will unravel in the most memorable ways. Our journey from Tamworth to Melbourne—via Wollongong—was equal parts chaos, charm, and discovery.
Tamworth to Wollongong: Rookie Moves & Roadside Wins
We set off bright and early from Tamworth, fuelled by optimism and a six-year-old’s energy (which, let’s be honest, comes in waves). Plans for a smooth, stop-free trip were derailed almost immediately by an 8:30 a.m. supplier call—breakfast stop #1 sorted.
Rookie error 101? Forgetting to charge Meg’s iPad overnight. Cue early-morning drama… followed by the silver lining: she fell asleep! My “strategic” plan to stop at the twin servos evaporated when all three kids were blissfully out cold, so I just kept driving—straight into Sydney’s suburban maze before resurfacing on the other side toward Wollongong.
Rookie error 102 followed soon after—no sick bags. Lesson learned.
For our one-night stay, I chose Windang Beach Tourist Park, a quiet, family-friendly spot between the beach and the inlet. Council-owned, clean, affordable, and close to shops—it ticked every box for families. I imagine it’s buzzing in summer, but it was blissfully calm during our visit.
That night, we headed to WIN Entertainment Centre for the Australian Diamonds vs South Africa Proteas. I’d prepaid parking (genius move, highly recommend) and arrived early for face painting, merch shopping, and photo ops with the stars. We skipped the post-match meet-and-greet—big drive ahead!—but the night itself was magic for the little nettyheads.
Wollongong to Melbourne: Road Miles and Rest Stops
We left at 7 a.m., armed with snacks and optimism. I aimed for three-hour intervals between stops, which worked perfectly until we hit the Victorian highways—home to the most impressively equipped rest stops I’ve ever seen (NSW, please take note). Also home to the most speed cameras I’ve ever seen—Victorians are stealthy; we like our warning signs big and obvious in NSW!
The real test came on arrival: Melbourne CBD at peak hour. I’ve driven Sydney confidently for years, but Melbourne is a different beast—trams, bikes, hook turns from the left lane, roadworks everywhere. At one point, I seriously considered asking a pedestrian to drive us to our hotel. Instead, I breathed deeply, found the wrong car park, and paid $22 for 20 minutes. Worth it just to stop moving!
We checked into Punthill Manhattan Apartments, a brilliant find near the free-tram zone and the tourist line 35 (the vintage City Circle tram with onboard commentary). Two bedrooms, a kitchen, and space for cartwheels and toy shops—perfect for families and under $400 a night. Not luxe, but stylish, industrial, and a great base to explore from.
Day One: Laneways, Penguins & Hello Kitty
We began by exploring Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane, drenched in ever-changing street art and creative energy. It’s gritty yet welcoming, hidden yet buzzing—pure Melbourne. My only regret? This wasn’t an adults-only trip; those hole-in-the-wall bars and eateries are calling me back.
From there, we wandered past Flinders Street Station to SEA LIFE Aquarium. The penguins stole the show—swimming, sunning, and carefully arranging nesting rocks like proud parents. Tip: buy tickets directly online for around 25 % off. Sydney’s aquarium may be flashier, but Melbourne’s has its charm.
Next stop: Hello Kitty Café at Melbourne Central. After a 25-minute walk (and tram-fear therapy), we arrived to pastel perfection. Quiet, sweet, and oh-so-photogenic. The food? Delicious. The décor? Adorable. And yes, we shared a cake big enough to feed a small family.
Dinner was at Sakura Kaiten II, a Japanese restaurant that strikes the perfect family balance—relaxed atmosphere, swift service, and seriously good sushi. Three new dishes for me, three mini plates for Meg, and a proud thumbs-up to the chef. We finished the night at Piccolato in Hardware Lane, surrounded by the smells, sounds, and buzz that make Melbourne’s laneways pure magic. Total: 11.3 km walked, countless memories made.
Day Two: Markets, Luna Park & Life in Plastic
We braved multiple tram changes to reach Queen Victoria Market—part Paddy’s Market, part open-air foodie heaven. The souvenir section was lively but predictable; the fresh produce area, though, was a feast for the senses. We devoured hot jam doughnuts from the American Donut Kitchen—watching them made fresh is half the joy.
Next, an Uber to Galleon Café in St Kilda. I loved everything about this place: the quirky crowd, the beach-side vibe, the locals with their well-behaved designer dogs. From there, we wandered to Luna Park, where nostalgia met queues. My tip? Buy per-ride tickets, not unlimited passes. The iconic gates remain magical, even if the rides test your patience.
Then came the highlight for Meg: The Malibu Barbie Café. Pre-booked (a must), it’s a pink fever dream come to life. Greeted by “Hi Barbie!” from staff dressed as Barbie and Allen look-alikes, we giggled through the entire experience. Between the Barbie box photo booth, roller-rink backdrop, and themed dishes, it was everything a six-year-old (and her nostalgic mum) could want. Pricey? A little. Worth it? Absolutely. The gift shop took care of any spare change.
Our Uber driver back to the hotel doubled as an impromptu tram-lesson tutor—something I clearly needed after day one!
Heading Home
The next morning coincided with the Melbourne Marathon Festival, which made the city eerily calm and my exit beautifully stress-free. We cruised home, breaking for lunch in Young, a perfect halfway stop. My final travel tip? Neverstretch your fuel stops too far on a Sunday—country servos love their rest days.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me why I love road travel: the freedom, the laughter, and the stories that come from detours (and the occasional chunder). Melbourne, with its laneways, food, and fearless creativity, delivered everything I’d hoped—and a few surprises I didn’t.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely… but next time, I’m seriously considering flying instead! ✈️
