Sounds very sensible to break the journey on the way back esp after being unwell. 2022 xmas I had to leave at 4am to get to Sydney in time for dinner and was barely sane by the end coming after many stressful days prior. Broke my journey on the way back at Albury as well and had a much better time. Detoured via Beechworth on the way back on the second day and had a blast