A good question.
A local answer.

Choose a venue with seating and a simple walk back rather than crossing the CBD for a famous rooftop. Save one nearby alternative in case a private event closes the first.

Estimate driving and walking time for each stop before committing. The coastal road is slower than a direct motorway and viewpoints take longer than a photo minute.

Confirm the ship's actual berth and expected disembarkation window before choosing a car. Being alongside at 7:30 does not mean you can leave with bags then.

Set the route around a few must-do walks or beaches and check seasonal conditions. Book only the scarce accommodation first so the rest remains flexible.

Allow enough days for a coastal route and a few two-night bases. Confirm the Sydney return branch and hours before booking your onward flight.

Choose one overnight base that makes the next day's drive manageable. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so pair the outing with a scenic walk or town you would enjoy anyway.

If you plan a major mall outing, make it one dedicated trip rather than choosing every night's accommodation around it. Check the airport transfer only for arrival and departure.

Reserve a late table if a restaurant confirms service, and check the last order time rather than only the closing time.

Choose a nearby destination for a one-night trip. The Great Ocean Road or Grampians deserve more time if you want to do more than drive.

Leave the final part of the day close to the port. Have your friends identify the permitted pickup and drop-off point before disembarkation.

Check the coach timetable for your arrival and departure hours, then allow time for luggage and the station walk. The quickest option can change with traffic.

Follow the tournament's official ticket page and sign up for its alerts. Presale and general-sale dates can change, so an old forum timetable is only a clue.