Planning A Surfing Vacation: Australia

There is little argument that Australia is a surfing mecca. The biggest argument among surfers and Australians is which stretch of sandy beach boasts the greatest surfing. The debate is usually between the harbors and beaches of New South Wales and Queensland, the two eastern most states in the country. New South Wales hosts Bondi Beach, known to surfers on an international scale. To the north, Queensland hosts Surfer's Paradise. While providing great waves and year round accessibility, this beach has also become a major tourist attraction for non-surfers. The first decision that any surfer needs to make regards the destination that suits them. It could take months to sample every beach.

Determining where to go is really a matter of asking the right questions. First, do you want to commune with hordes of tourists and other surfers or would you prefer to engage in your sport on a one to one basis? In this case, one to one means you and the waves. If you are opting for a private setting, you may want to check out travel packages to Tasmania or Victoria where there are beaches with wilder surf and a slightly smaller tourist draw. The country posts information on these matters on www.australia.com. From there you can gather the information you need to make an informed decision concerning location. Each individual Australia state also has a personal website listing the beaches they offer, along with other pertinent information.

The next question that needs answered is the time of year. Generally, January through April is the months with the tallest waves and warmest waters. This will also be a factor when considering how excluded a vacation you would prefer. If you are a die-hard fan of the sport, opposed to being just an enthusiast, then you will want to visit during that season. Nearly all WCT and WQS events take place between November and April, most of them staged in Queensland. However, the great thing about surfing Australia is that there is always a place with a wave anytime of the year. If you just want to be alone with the surf, there is plenty to choose from in the off-season, from May to November.

Once you have decided the beach or beaches you want to hit and the time of year best suited for you, what remains is the booking. Numerous websites, travel agencies and ticket agents can offer either a complete surfer's package or simply airfare and hotel accommodations. It is always good to comparison shop and if you are trying to budget the trip, think about booking accommodations a short distance away from the beaches you plan on visiting.

So you have your board, sex wax and flip-flops, what else do you need? Remember that aside from a passport all visitors to Australia need either a visa or ETC. An ETC is an Electronic Travel Authority. You can apply for either on line and many travel agents are willing to help you with that issue.

What remains? Take that "Jaws," rental back to the video store and get a copy of "Endless Summer." That surfer cult classic will put you into the perfect headspace for an Australian surfing getaway.