After shaping a quiver to cover most conditions on the East Coast, Natalia and I set out from Red Bluff and sought out the lesser known breaks Australia has to offer.
Battling a seemingly endless barrage of Covid-19 Lockdowns, we saw our window to escape. It seemed as though VIC and NSW were vying for the top score of community transmission, so neither option was attractive as a travel destination. But, considering that the other states had locked us out, they were also the only options.
We secured our vaccinations, completed our NSW border pass, and were in Bermagui within a few days of the NSW/VIC border relaxation.
Driving along the South Coast(and wider NSW) was truly awe inspiring. It provided a stark contrast to the predominantly flat East Victorian terrain (Alpine region excluded), with wide gaping valleys and steep coastal approaches. As our first stop outside of the Greater Sydney Hot spot, Bermagui was a cosy tucked away corner from the hustle and bustle of the states Covid woes. We parked up for the night on the Northern Edge of the Village, with views out over rough waters (winds prevailed).
Had the trip not just started, we could have set up in Bermagui (and may still) for the long term, endeared by the friendly locals and pristine beaches.
However, the road beckoned and we commenced our marathon stint, crossing the massive Red Zone of covid restricted Greater Sydney in one foul swoop. As we crossed the border into the Green zone of Tea Gardens and Hawks nest, the alternator failed and we were grounded for a few days awaiting a replacement.
We finally got the boards off the rack at Illuka, North of Yamba, and hit the surf at the river breakwall separating the two towns. Dolphins joined us in the waves, as we enjoyed 3-4 foot swell rolling its way to the beach.
Further north, we paused at Flat Rock campground for a few days, accompanied by belting rain and wind, which limited our surfing opportunities. To add further excitement, I rushed Nat to Ballina (and then Lismore) hospitals where she was found to have appendicitis.
After her recovery from surgery in the Northern Rivers hinterland, we pushed on to Lennox Head. We scored some waves directly in front of the boat ramp, where there had been generous swell.
My favourite beach in the Northern Rivers, would have to be Whites beach. Tucked away near Broken Head, on the way to Byron (and apparently Chris Hemsworth's Mega mansion - thanks Google maps). Whites beach seemed to be protected against any rogue winds and offered calm 2-3 foot crystal clear waves approaching the bright white sandy beach.
Again pressing on towards the QLD border, we spent a week between Cabarita and Hastings Point. Both are beautiful seaside towns with nice point breaks and open beaches. Cabarita offers multiple wide peaks and seems to field large crowds well.
It seemed as though NSW's beaches only got better the farther North that we travelled, the water becoming warmer and more inviting beyond each Point.