Expert: Frank Denison - 1/11/2004

Question
I am in the process of planning my trip to Australia. As far as background is concerned, my name is J.R. and I am 22 yrs. old  and have lived in California all of my life. This is my first trip to Austalia and I am trying to put together a two + month itinerary covering as much of Eastern Australia as I can.  Any information that you might have for me would be greatly appreciated.  I arrive in Sydney  on Feb. 25th and plan on buying  a used station wagon to travel with since the main part of our trip will revolve around visiting the various coastal regions in search of surf.  Additionally, I am an aspiring photographer and would like to visit the many national parks and marine sanctuary's along the coast.  I will be traveling with my best friend mainly backpacking, camping and staying in hostels/ beachside locations.   I was wondering if you may be able to suggest possible driving itineraries, places to stay, driving times, and coastal information.  I do have a few travel books that cover the regions but any type of tourist info would help.

 I have no set itinerary as of yet, but would like to proceed North from Sydney towards the Gold Coast.  Spend a couple weeks there if the surf is good and then continue North to the Sunshine coast passing through Noosa and making it as far as Bundanberg so that I can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef at one of the Southern Islands.  Then proceed back down the coast to Sydney through Byron, Lennox Head, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.  Spend a week or so in Sydney (see Blue Mountains) and then hear south of Sydney to Wollongong, Uladulla, Batemans Bay, etc. in search of surf and cool attractions.  I have a 2 month one week window to travel this stretch as my flight leaves out of Sydney on April 30.  I might have to get there a few days early to sell back the car.  Any good info you may have on the coastal areas of the sretch between the Gold Coast and Bundanberg would b really helpful.  Thanks again and hope to hear from you!


Answer
G'day J.R.,
          Your trip sounds fantastic. I am also a keen photographer, so I hope I can help.

One place to check out for your accomodation is -
www.wotif.com  -  Click on the city you are staying at and you will find all types of places to stay at from 5 star to backpackers.

Your plan of driving up to the Gold Coast and then to Noosa will be perfect. You trip on the way back mentioned Byron, and that is a MUST. There is a good National Park at Noosa, you will enjoy that.

Driving times - Sydney to Brisbane with just stops for petrol and a quick bite to eat is about 12 - 13 hours.



I would do the Sydney - Brisbane over a few stages, and take the pressure off.  Port Mcquarie (4.5 hours) the first stage, or to Coffs Harbour (6.5 hours). Then the next stage would be to the Gold Coast. Breaking the trip up would be best.
I realise you are doing these places on the way back, but I still suggest you stop at least one night on the way up.
A great web site to visit is http://www.visitnsw.com.au/
It has maps and driving routes with times and distances, plus everything else the visitor needs.


Sydney to the southern end of the Gold Coast is about 11 and a half hours. The Gold Coast is great, but a bit "touristy". You may enjoy the Sunshine Coast more.
Steve Irwins Reptile Park is about 50 mins from Brisbane, and that place may interest you as well.

Brisbane to Noosa is about 2 hour drive. There are lots of other great places to try before you reach Noosa. Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Alexander Headland are about 1 hour from Brisbane. All 4 are part of the Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane to Bundaberg is about 4 to 4.5 hours. Lady Elliot Island is one of the best to see the reef from. While in Brisbane, a trip to Stradbroke or Moreton Islands would be worthwhile. Feed the dolphins is possible at Stradbroke Island.

2 good websites to check for info about Lady Elliot Island and Queensland tourist and holiday information. http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/bundaberg/lady_elliot_island.cfm
Or for Queensland Holidays http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/

I hope this has helped J.R. If you have any more questions email me direct. My email is franksue@bigpond.net.au

Contact me when you get in Brisbane if you would like to meet, and experience a real "Aussie family"
Home phone is 38861181 and mobile 0414 815 389.

The Experts site had errors yesterday, and it would not send a reply. I tried a few times but with no luck. I hope you did not get my reply sent multiple times.

Regards,
Frank Denison