15

I would definitely recommend Cairns to Brisbane. I have done the drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast and it isn't overly exciting. Going from North to South you will find everything you are looking for. Byron Bay is always great to visit for a couple of days with good surf. But as others have said, Melbourne is a great city to visit with so much to do. Brisbane is not overly exciting and I would recommend skipping it if you are tight for time.

16

You can dive, surf sky dive and usually see dolphins swimming, at Byron Bay, which is in New South Wales.
You can't surf in North Queensland, due to the Reef.

17

If you have a chance to go back to Oz with more time you should go to the West Coast for all your desired activities. In Southwest Oz- Margaret River has awesome surf, diving, spearfishing, massive lobster and abalone diving. In the Northwest-Ningaloo Reef also has worldclass surf, spearfishing/diving, kangaroos, dolphins, and whales. Its less commercial and a lot less people so you get a better feel for the indigenous culture and wildlife. We are from California, but we spend three months a year camping there and love it! We are free divers, but if scuba is your thing Exmouth has some great dives or bring your own gear. Best time to go in the north is May to September. Best time in the south for diving is their summer and for surf is their fall.

Also we bought a landcruiser and drove from NW Oz down and around the bottom and up the east coast. Highly reccomend this! Australia has a lot of free camping areas. They have a book you can buy in most newsagents called Camps Australia that gives you the locations.

I agree... Melbourne is a great city, so is Sydney though.

Go to Byron Bay if you can! It's a beautiful place. Super touristy, but one heck of a beach! Flying into Ballina is easy. Just next to Ballina is Lennox head, great little town with great surf.

We will be on the East Coast in April and West Coast May to September.

Have so much fun!

Abe and Autumn Shelton
Asquaredadventures.com