I'm taking my first trip to OZ and know that I can't see much of the country in only two weeks, so I was hoping to spend about 4 days in Sydney, 4-7 days in the Gold Beach and Brisbane area, and then a few days wherever I decide in between. I'll be there at the end of February next year for 13 days. My question is, what is the easiest way to travel, and/or what is the best value? Is there anywhere between Sydney and Gold Beach worth stopping...or should I just get a one-way ticket up there by bus or plane?
I think I heard there really isn't much of a train service there, but ideally I'd love to take an overnight train from Sydney to Gold Beach, then somehow hop over to Brisbane to catch my flight home (I arrive in Sydney, leave from Brisbane).
So what would you recommend for travel on a shoestring?
Thanks everyone. I'm excited for my first trip to OZ. Wish it was sooner though!!!
Thanks Stephen...you've helped me before and I appreciate it. Oops on Gold "Beach"...there's a Gold Beach in my native Oregon so I keep calling it that. Sorry.
My honest opinion would be to skip the Gold Coast. It is in my opinion a horrible place filled with tourist traps, apartment buildings and shopping centres, filled with stuff made in China. The beach is not that great compared to other areas. The hinterland is the nicest part of the whole area and you would need a car to go there.
I would definately suggest Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island- almost anywhere else in between Sydney and Cairns, other than the Gold Coast.
If you go to Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast you should fly on a budget flight to Brisbane and get the Bus from there. Lots of nice places between Sydney and Brisbane but you do not have the time.
Dorrigo & Belligen are 2 other spots well worth seeing between Sydney & Bne. The southern end of the Gold Coast is still okay, imho: Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Tugun, Bilinga, Kirra, Coolangatta. Avoid Surfers Paradise, the high rise condo ghetto in the north.
If you're into surfing, go to snapper rocks on the sand bar; its right in the border at the southern tip of the Gold Coast (about 25 minutes from Surfers). As many people said, the Gold Coast is becoming a bit too big, even on the beaches further South. The Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane) is a good place and Noosa in particular is a great place. It's got two main beaches. Ones pretty light and ones very rough. Thers also a river and some bushland but most people really like the town. Its about 2 hours drive from Brisbane.
And definatly go to Byron Bay as well, especially Watergoes Beach. THeres some diving and kayaking (around dolphins) if you're into that sort of stuff.
Hey,
Ive recently done the Road Trip from Sydney to Gold Coast.... you really must stop on the way there as there are lots of beautiful beach towns all up the coast and plus it would take all day and night to drive up in one go. You most defiantly have to spend a couple of days in Byron Bay, its a big hit with the Backpackers as there are lots of cheap accommodation options for the budget traveler. It has the most amazing views from the Byron Bay lighthouse which is a must do while your there. Byron is just one of those little Aussie towns which is a must for any traveler. Yes, the Gold Coast is a bit tack but its still worth a visit, the Gold Coast hinterlands are beautiful and a vast contrast from the high rise hotels and palm trees of Surfers Paradise and whether you want to admit it or not the 4 major theme parks surrounding the Gold Coast are a big hit with those who still enjoy acting like a big kid....
If you need to be in the northern end of the Gold Coast for the 4-5 theme parks, Southport & Broadbeach would both be nicer than staying in Surfers Paradise. In the hinterland, Purlingbrook Falls & Best of All Lookout at Springbrook, is a good day trip. Binna Burra & Oreilly's in Lamington National Park, if you have more time.
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