Expert: Ian Smith - 10/30/2008

Question
Hi Ian, thanks for your time

My boyfriend and i are arriving in Sydney mid Dec and planning to stay for 2 wks maybe longer but we are finding it extremely difficult to find somewhere to stay! We are now considering celebrating the season somewhere further down the coast and maybe travel back up 4 ny's eve to the city centre. Could you tell me anything about Lennox Head? My understanding is that it is around 150km from Sydney and a lovely little retreat and oly 10 mins from Byron Bay. What would be the best way to travel 2 and from Sydney? Alternatively could you recommend anywhere else we could base ourselves? Ideally we want to be nearer to Sydney, all info you can give would be great!
I look forward to hearing from you

Rhea

Answer
First of all, Lennox Head is north, not south of Sydney.  Secondly, it's a LONG way north, try at least 600 kilometres.  As far as beaches go it's awful, it's the point break over rocks that got its surfing reputation.
Much better you consider somewhere like Nelson Bay/Port Stephens area or, if you want to go south, try Kiama or such.
Newcastle has much to offer as well and has the advantage of easy transport connections, wonderful beaches, famous vineyards an hour away and interesting history as well as a busy harbour (nothing to compare with Sydney's though).
There are trains every hour, plenty of buses and planes and it's within 150 kms of Sydney.
You might also consider the Central Coast which is even closer and has some wonderful beaches such as Avoca, Terrigal, Copacabana and The Entrance.
Hope that helps you in some way.
If you want any more details feel free to contact me.
Cheers, Ian