AboutIan Smith Expertise Very good knowledge of N.S.W. from beach to bush to Broken Hill. Have also travelled in a lot in Victoria, Queensland (to Townsville), Tasmania, South Australia and a few weeks in southern W.A. Used to be Hunter Valley Tourist Officer. Contact me for sights to see, not which disco or pub to recommend.
Have also spent months in Europe, particularly the following: Italy, Germany, Spain, England, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, Austria and Czech Republic.
I am a retiree and have a Winnebago Motorhome which I plan to use over the next few years (and have done some trips already).
Experience I have surfed, raced motorcycles, ordinary cycles and a bit of fishing through much of the area as well as working there selling 5 days a week. I also have many photographs which I am currently working at putting on the computer. I have an extensive catalogue of where I've travelled at virtualtourist.com under "iandsmith".
Organizations Hunter Valley Veterans Cycling Club
Publications REVS, Surfing World, Soccer Weekly, Australian Motor Cycle News, Womens Weekly.
Question Good day! I am planning my trip to Australia, but am finding it quite overwhelming. I will have 20 days and am flying from South Korea. I want to concentrate on the East Coast, but I am not sure what a good plan would look like. I definitey want to see the Barrier Reef and hold a Koala. I enjoy nature, but I also like cities. I plan on staying in hostels and eating cheap so that I have extra money for actual experiences and transportation. I would love some advice on what to see and what the weather will be like. I am open to any recommendations even if it means changing my plans. I am completely flexible. Thanks in advance!
Answer Yes, as you suspect, 20 days isn't a lot but, bear in mind that the Barrier Reef is a long way up, you may find it cheaper to grab an air fare up and back.
As for the East Coast, Northern N.S.W. is the pick. You should aim for places like Forster, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle (hostels right near the beaches), Port Stephens, perhaps Bellingen and Dorrigo if you can get transport, Byron Bay and Surfers Paradise.
There'll be somewhere you can hold a koala at Surfers but, remember, they don't really like being held, their backs don't offer support; it's not like holding a cat or something.
There are lots of other places but I'm not sure how you pland to travel, I assume buses.
If you want more detailed information please feel free to contact me further. I always make a rule to stay a minimum of two nights at any place, usually three, and that allows you to see stuff rather than rock up and rock out.
Have a nice trip whatever you choose, cheers, Ian
