A good question.
A local answer.

Choose shopping areas by the styles and budgets the group enjoys, then check current opening days for smaller shops.

For snow, check current conditions and the child-seat and clothing arrangements before paying for a private transfer.

Choose the vehicle everyone can use comfortably on long driving days, with safe child restraints and enough luggage space.

Set a firm time to start the return to the port so the last beach stop does not threaten boarding.

Check the forecast again before departure rather than packing for a single average temperature.

Choose the farthest essential stop before fixing the overnight; Apollo Bay is a base, not a promise that every landmark fits.

Give one day to the centre and another to an independent-shopping neighbourhood instead of repeating the same streets.

Compare the full airport-hotel cost with a CBD transfer, including any late check-in or second transfer next morning.

A self-drive day offers more control over teen-friendly stops, provided a non-drinking driver handles the return.

Bring warm layers and quiet snacks, and plan a short rest before the evening instead of filling the whole day with stops.

Check the room's noise, parking or transit access and total price before a suburb's reputation decides the booking.

Check which food stalls and nearby restaurants operate that night, and reserve a backup dinner option.