Expert: Frank Denison - 5/22/2008

Question
Hi there Frank....my husband and I are planning a 12 day trip flying into Sydney and wanting to drive up to the gold coast, byron bay, brisbane area....would you recommend the pacific coast hwy?  can we surf up the coast?  also...we want to rent a van and then camp along the way...is that feasable?  should be make camping arrangements?  our hope is to just go with the flow and see where the surf takes us, but we are not sure how that works over there....

thanks...
Jenn

Answer
G'day Jenn,
          We have driven the Pacific Hwy numerous times, and it is fine. There will be roadworks in a few spots, but there are usually only short delays. You will find many surfing spots along the coast.

I have a friend who lives at Byron Bay, because he considers it one of the best surfing spots on the east coast. Gold Coast will also give you some excellent surfing beaches. I checked the surfing guide in the paper today, and they recommend Duranbah, South Straddie, Burleigh, Currumbin Alley, and Snapper Rocks to Cooloongatta. Tha local Brisbane paper (Courie Mail) has a surf report every Friday. I am sure the Gold Coast paper (the Bulletin) would also have a surfing wrap.

Renting a van and camping is feasible and would be the perfect way to take in all the beaches at your leisure. Camping grounds are plentiful, and unless it is school holidays, you will not need to book.

It is now winter in Australia, and you will probably need a wet suit for surfing. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you will find the days to be beautiful, with warm sunny weather, and cool nights.

Enjoy your surfing, you will find the beaches along the east coast to be some of the best in the world.

Regards,
Frank