Byron Bay, Gold Coast and Noosa - Sun, Sea and Surf

After the hustle and bustle of Sydney, it was time for some sea and sunshine, so we headed to Australia's iconic surf spots (beaches!) in our newly acquired 'Hippie Camper'.

En route we passed the resorts of Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour. Here we headed in land to the Dorrigo National Park for a rainforest walk where we saw some amazing waterfalls and had great views from the boardwalk lookout (see pics) and in a quiet picnic area at Nambucca Heads we encountered a 5 ft goanna - relaxing on the barbeque.

Next up was Byron Bay - a chilled out, hippie kind of place and the campsite was right on the beach. With no 'boards' handy, we decided to try a spot of body surfing (consisting of being knocked over by wave after wave in the warm waters until bored/injured).

The Gold Coast was next and we stayed at Main Beach, a couple of kms up the coast from Surfers Paradise. Surfers' was indeed full of surfers, complete with the obligatory blonde hair and 6 pack (Martin fitted right in!) and due to poor surf the World Surf Championships were delayed, no medals for us this time then.

Whilst on the Gold Coast, we went to Sea World, where we saw a seal show (not the 'kiss from a rose' bloke) an amazing dolphin show, penguins and an amazing acquarium full of sharks, rays and tropical fish. We also took a sunset cruise after winning tickets at the surprisingly entertaining 60's watersport show (complete with a 'Will Ferrell-esque' compere).

After this we headed to Noosa - a stunningly beautiful seaside resort, popular with the rich and famous of Oz (no celebrity spots unfortunately). Apart from the amazing beaches and great restaurants/bars, we went on the coastal walk where we saw pods of dolphins playing (around 10-15) and a giant turtle cruising around the bay.

So what could better all this??? Next stop Fraser Island...

---

---