NSW or Gold Coast?

[Fay]

I may have the chance to go to Australia next year, either March or August. If I go in March then I would be in NSW or if it's August I'd be in Queensland (this is because of specific events taking place then, although I don't yet know which one I'll be attending). If possible I'd like to do a bit of surfing while I'm there.

I have been to Australia before, but not surfed there. Where are the best spots for an inexperienced surfer in either state? Is the Gold Coast worth a visit in August, bearing in mind it's practically in the middle of the southern winter? Or is it beset with localism and aggro towards outsiders? Any advice from our resident Aussies would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[jaffa1949]

Welcome to down under for the where-ever trip.
The Aussies can help but if you can be a lttle more specific of a little closer to where you will be in either state we can give you better advice.
Both the coastlines of each state are incredibly long but in each there are so many options.
Since you are learning localism will not be so much of a problem but hordes of learners at the popular learners might be!
Fortunately there are the other spots so get right back to us and help is on its way

[Fay]

Thanks Jaffa. The trip may not happen, it's in the tentative planning stages atm, but if it does and I can be more specific about my location, I'll be asking for more info!

[jaffa1949]

Just some timing thoughts for you Fay. March is great in NSW as it is heading out of the scorching summer and the heat is moderating and some swell begin to push.
August is the busy season on the Goldie as a lot of southerners come north to get out of winter. Northern NSW is similar in climate to southern Queensland so August conditions apply then too.
Also are you goofy or natural that can give you choice too>
When you know we'll help you go

[Fay]

Thanks Jaffa. I'm not sure I can even go at all yet but, if I do, NSW in March is looking the most likely.

[drowningbitbybit]

NSW in March is looking the most likely.

NSW in march would be perfect - water still very warm (23C or so in Sydney, warmer up the coast, cooler down), the weather still warm but less than scorching, the worst of the crowds gone, and some clean early autumn swell coming through. All good

[Fay]

Thanks DBB. I'll know more if this trip actually happens around November or December time.

[Fay]

It looks as if this trip isn't going to happen now, I'm being made redundant as from next week. It's not just the end of the tourism season here, as I had some work through winter, but the company has lost the contract.

I have some savings, so I may think of something closer to home instead. Maybe Portugal in the spring, which is much cheaper.

[surf patrol]

Sorry to hear that Fay. Hopefully you'll be able to pick up another job soon.
On the up side, no work means more time to surf.

[Fay]

Thanks SP. And you're right, it does. But then there's the cost of the petrol to get to the break...

[surf patrol]

You're on the IOW, get on your bike!