Hi all -- I'm in the process of planning a solo trip to Australia in March and wanted to grab some suggestions and opinions. Right now I want to accomplish a few things:

1. Relax
2. Surf
3. Explore & Experience

I am planning on having 10 days on the ground and am thinking of doing and open jaw ticket:
Sydney (3-4) > Byron Bay (3-4) > Brisbane (3)

Optional: Gold Coast? Other?

As mentioned, it is a solo trip, I'm a female in my early 30s and while I do have a few friends in Australia, I don't want to rely on them to show me around. I'm an avid surfer and was planning on spending 3-4 days in Byron Bay to hang out and surf. I am also keen on eating, shopping, meeting people and relaxing on the beach. I obviously want to see native flora and fauna, but don't want to pack too much in 10 days. The point is to get a really fun trip in that is not too pricey.

I hear mixed reviews of Brisbane, so how I spend my time around there is up in the air. I really want to go to Byron Bay and was thinking of getting a cheap internal flight from Sydney to Byron, then take a bus or train into Brisbane. I'm open to suggestions of course. Thanks!

It’s probably cheaper to fly into the Gold Coast, rent a car or take a a car or take a bus down toByron Bay.

You would naturally know that there is no surfing in Brisbane, it being on a river. Good surfing in Sydney & the Gold Coast.

The hinterland of the Gold Coast has National Parks, lots to see & do.
I can’t post links on here just now, but google Gold Coast tourism & you’ll find some good information.

Thanks, Bokhara! Yeah - that's why I was iffy on Brisbane, but thought that it would not hurt to see it for a day or so on my way out. Then again, reversing the trip could be a good shout.

Brisbane is s lovely city, with a lot to recommend it & well worth a day if you hw e the time.

It’s just not the spot for surfing.

<i>Optional: Gold Coast? Other? </i>


Bells Beach in Torquay (Vic)? Possibly a bit far from the others but a significant spot, I'm told, when it comes to surfing.

http://www.australiangeographic.com....-surf-spots-(5)