Ulladulla To Forster: Pro Surfer’s Guide To A Primo East Coast Road Trip

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Australia: a land that boasts an abundance of talented/brilliant, scorchin’ hot sheilas, in addition to being scorchin’ hot generally. Complimentary to its heat, our land that’s girt by sea is, well, exactly that – girt by a crap-ton of sea. 
With that much ocean, our land’s coastline asks, nay, BEGS, for it to be traveled along in an exercise that has come to be known as the road trip. 
We asked our mate, Craig Anderson – heralded as, “one of the most influential free surfers of today” – for the lowdown on his favourite surf-based road trip. Craig reckons ‘Straya’s where it’s at in terms of open-road based travel.
“Australia is one of the most diverse countries to travel. As a surfer, you can enjoy and cruisey mellow holiday up north in Byron Bay, sharing waves at the pass – or travel to Margaret River, do a wine tour, surf some incredibe world class waves around Gracetown or Prevely. Travel to the depths of Southern Australia were you can easily not see another human being in hundred of kilometres.”

Photo: Craig Anderson / Supplied.

“The quality of the roads in Australia, plus their rules and regulations, are not something to take for granted. After travelling in developing countries, which often have high fatality rates, Australia is easy and safe to get around and explore.”
The other reason Australia’s so great to travel around is an obvious one: surfing, brah.
Photo: Craig Anderson / Supplied.
“There are three coastlines which get waves, all of which extend hundreds and thousands of kilometres. I think Australia has some of the most consistent waves with possible the most surf breaks on one continent.” 
Photo: Craig Anderson / Supplied.
Besides the glaringly obvious reasons, a road trip is also one of the most cost effective ways of getting away for a lil’ bit.
“You got to be conscious of storage space and it depends if your going to take the camping or hotel motel route. We usually travel as a team, 3-4 people piled in a car – boards on the roof. The more the merrier when it comes to a car trip and often petrol and accommodation can be split a few ways.”
Lads, pack your bags and phone the boys – we’ve got your plans for next weekend sussed ‘n sorted.

EAST COAST ROAD TRIP:

ULLADULLA —> FORSTER 

ULLADULLA

Photo: Surf-Forecast.
WHY?
“All around vibe. There aren’t many places in Australia like it, sleepy coastal town with some amazing pockets of waves. Lovely and friendly locals.”  
SURF SPOTS:
Bawley Point and in and around the town of Ulladulla. A lot of secret spots off the beaten path.”
EATS:
Pilgrims in Milton is an amazing vegetarian breakfast and lunch spot.”  
 
WHAT TO DO:
“The country town of Milton, cafes, antique shops. Mollymook golf club, maybe be the best Golf Club/RSL in the entire world, situated right on the beach of Mollymook. The Marlin Pub for a good honest beer.”
WHERE TO STAY:
Mollymook.

JERVIS BAY

Photo: Magic Sea Weed.
WHY?
Booderee Nation Park, filled with waves and white sandy beaches.”
SURF SPOTS: 
Ozzie Pipe, probably one of Australia’s most popular surf breaks. Resembles some what of a perfect Indonesian A-Frame type reef. Crowds are intense but worth the beautiful walk down into the national park.” 
EATS:
Hyams Beach Cafe, great coffee in a good location.”
WHAT TO DO:
“Hike through the national park. Potential to see Kim Kardashian doing a photo shoot on one of many empty pristine beaches. Kimmy found herself down at Bristle Point last year for its breath-taking, jaw-dropping white sandy beaches.” 
WHERE TO STAY:
Airbnb, Camping, Jervis Bay, Huskinson.”

NEWCASTLE

Photo: Daniel Mawkes / Surf-Forecast.
WHY:
“Great city vibe with some fun relatively uncrowded beaches to surf.” 
SURF SPOTS:
Merewether, fun consistent waves. Could have the chance to see 4-time World champ, Mark Richards, World Tour rookie, Ryan Callinan, or Matt Hoy and a stacked line up of good surfers. The city beaches are also great.”
EATS:
Drift Cafe, The Edwards, The Burwood Pub – rack of ribs are a popular pick. The Oriental Pub – amazing pizzas and good vibe on the weekend.”
WHAT TO DO:
“The Anzac walk from Merewether to Nobbies Beach. Newcastle foreshore, watch big container ships come into the heads while drinking a beer and eating great food at Scratchleys. Stockton Beach 4×4, The Signa Ship Wreck, Darby Street cafes, live music, weekend markets.”
WHERE TO STAY:
“Anywhere in the city or surrounding coastal suburbs.”

PORT STEPHENS

Photo: David Wilson / Surf-Forecast.
WHY?
“Scenic, not too busy, many fun surf breaks and beautiful walks around the lake and headlands.”
SURF SPOTS:
One Mile, Boxy Beach, Birubi.” 
EATS:
“Anywhere in Nelsons Bay. There is great pie shop called Red Neds in town and also a few good fish and chip shops fitting for a good old fashion road trip.”
WHAT TO DO:
Mt Tomaree has a great hike and 360 degree view of the coastline, great for dolphin and whale watching. Good for fishing and camping all around Port Stephens.” 
WHERE TO STAY: 
“Nelsons Bay.”

FORSTER

Photo: TripAdvisor.
WHY?
“Water colour, very tropical feel. Clean and beautiful. Many different facing headlands which make offshore conditions in pretty much any wind.”
SURF SPOTS:
Boomerang Beach, Blueys Beach – many other beautiful beaches in walking distance from Pacific Palms. Great variety of beach breaks.”
EATS:
Blueys Cafe, The Wreaky (on the lake side).”
WHAT TO DO:
“The white sand beaches, have a beer over looking the lake on sunset.” 
WHERE TO STAY:
“Camping at Treachery Beach. Watch out for wild dingos. Or in Pacific Palms for beach houses and caravan park.”
Hitting the open road for a getaway is one decent way to #SpendBetter – chiefly because you’re hardly spending at all. To learn more about spending better, or to apply for your own account, visit NAB’s website HERE.

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