A good question.
A local answer.

For airport day, ask the hotel to estimate a car pickup time and compare that with the bus journey including luggage. Do not base the plan on a hotel name alone; confirm the address.

Compare the route through Braidwood with other sealed alternatives using recent road authority information. No route from the coast entirely removes hills.

Look for a hotel close to a light-rail stop or a frequent bus route, then test the journey to the specific attractions you want. 'Near public transport' can still mean a long walk or a poor evening service.

An overnight stay makes the trip much less rushed and lets you add a museum, food stop or lookout. If you cannot stay, avoid an itinerary that crosses the city several times.

Choose the lunch area around the attraction you will visit before or after, then check current menus and opening hours. Crossing Canberra just for a cafe can use a large part of a family day.

Break the Melbourne drive at a practical town if your family prefers shorter days. Choose a stop for meals and rest rather than adding a large detour just to tick off another sight.

Check the exact hotel's drive or transport time to the airport at your departure hour. A nearby suburb name alone does not tell you whether a bus is running then.

Pick lunch near your second stop and leave the late afternoon flexible. If the weather is clear, a lookout can be a good finish; if not, spend longer indoors.

Confirm the Canberra accommodation or caravan park can take your vehicle and that the arrival route suits its access. The final urban turn can be more awkward than the highway.

First check whether your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. Then compare data allowance, hotspot use, expiry and the provider's coverage at the exact areas you will visit.

Compare total prices across weekdays and weekends, then check transport from each hotel to the event. Moving one night may save more than choosing a faraway room.

Agree on a drop-off at the summit and choose your walking finish before you set out. The return to your accommodation may require another bus or car trip from the trailhead.