On the Hume, make your first stop at the Dog on the Tucker Box just outside Gundagai, where there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and places to buy food. If you’re taking the scenic route, there are easy stops at Tumut (try Fitzroy Street Park) and Wagga Wagga. 

Though it’s only a three-hour trip, if you have time it’s worth spending the night in Tumut. Here, the kids will have access to Kosciuszko National Park, where there are ample opportunities for biking and water sports. 

An hour and a half out of Canberra is Jugiong, where you’ll high-quality cafe fare at Long Track Pantry. A little further down the road, there’s excellent food at the Coffee Pedaler in Gundagai. If you’re going via Tumut, the Riverside Cafe does homecooked meals with pretty river views. 

On the Hume Highway, check out The Dog on the Tucker Box. On the scenic route, Kosciuszko National Park is unmissable, as well as Paddy’s River Falls (a short walk from the car park) near Tumbarumba and Wagga Wagga Beach. 

Give the kids plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs by stopping every couple of hours. On this drive there are local towns to visit just a small detour off the highway and service stations where you can stock up on supplies. Many also have parks and playgrounds, perfect for burning off some energy.