Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Advice for newbies please.
My son and I are riding Melbourne to Sydney for a fundraising ride. (he's off to Africa with World Challenge)
We both have Hybrid Giant bikes - (2012 Cross City4 and 2014 Roam2) and we will have a support car.
Planning on 10 days riding with 2 rest days - after day 3 and after day 6
Our plan is up the Hume ... or possibly around the coast but I think the hills would kill us.
So questions:
1. any ideas for making the ride on a hybrid easier, more enjoyable, faster?
2. dangers riding on Hume?
3. would the coast be better? nicer? safer?
4. training tips?
5. Route advice?

Thank you in advance - I am happy to receive any comments from 'you're mad' to the helpful tips.

G'day sstoneride!
I haven't ridden the Hume Fway, but I have known some who have and although it is the most direct route Melb to Sydney once they got over the traffic concerns(read B Doubles and road debris) they saw the advantages of accommodation and larger towns for repairs and supplies.
I have only travelled to Sydney via Cann River Cooma and Canberra. It took 14 days with 2 rest days. The roads are quieter, once clear of West Gippy and there were some hilly sections from Cann River to Cooma. I reckon it to be more relaxing than the Hume F'way.
Just my opinion!