Expert: Ian Smith - 9/28/2004

Question
Hi,

Thanks for replying.  We would like to see more natural sights, like the rainforest, as opposed to historical.  I don't want to end up stopping at every single ancient building or museum along the way, but a couple of the more well known ones would be good.  It would also be great to see the rainforest.  And good spots for white water rafting, scuba diving and surfing would really help, too.  Thanks for your time,

Liz

Answer
Mmmm, okay, let's see what we can come up with.
Heading south there is a rainforest area at the back of either Rockhampton or Mackay that is worth a look.
Other than that, my recommendation would be to head to Gympie as soon as possible.
A couple of days in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast (heading there myself this weekend) or on the ocean front is very worthwhile.  Mary Cainrcross Park is a "must see" here and I am sure there will be diving available at Noosa.
Then, if you're travelling through Brisbane, pop into the casino for historical purposes.  It used to be the Treasury Building (how appropriate!) but its conversion is pretty special.  After you've had a look, go to the south bank and have something to eat before heading to the Gold Coast.
The hinterland there and on the adjacent N.S.W. side is excellent.
South of the border you'll probably want to see what all the fuss is about at Byron Bay.  Recommend the sea kayaking here as the dolphins will come around you.
Further south in the Grafton-Coffs area is the best white water rafting on the Nymboida River which is inland from Grafton.  There is more than one company that goes up there.
At Mulloway or Coffs book into the scuba diving that takes you out to the Solitary Islands.
Further south diverge through Bellingen (make sure you eat there and soak up some of the atmosphere) up to Dorrigo and do some walks.  The National Parks and Wildlife centre there have all the maps.
Then, further down, South West Rocks is worth a look (there's an historical jail there amongst other things).
Then, inland from Port Macquarie, a jewel called Comboyne.  Allow minimum two days up there.
Further south Forster has some great surfing beaches then you must go to Port Stephens (Nelson Bay) for a couple of days.  Diving is special, as is the surf and the bay itself.  Have one meal at the old lighthouse.
Then Newcastle, my home town, has good surf, great atmosphere, great restaurants, plus Australia's largest salt water lake.
For more details, check out "virtualtourist.com".  My name there is iandsmith and I have pages on all the N.S.W. stuff with photos etc.
Due to the constraints of time this is only a basic start for you to point you in the right direction but I hope it helps.  If you need any further info. please contact me again and, if you end up in Newcastle, try us for a meal sometime.
Cheers, Ian