Hi Capt'n Yosh,
we did Bundaberg to Fiji in 2013. My biggest concern was a hard upwind slog but we got lucky. The first 7 days was light N, S and West winds which took us just south of New Caledonia. The SE trades eventually came and strengthened but by that time we had a good reaching angle to Fiji. I think it far better to head south down the coast first. I believe Alan Lucas recommends Coffs Harbour and then head due east if possible on a favourable
wind. Then when it turns SE you have a better angle on the
wind. We ended riding the tops of low pressure systems as far as New
Cal but as mentioned it is just a matter of time when the SE trades kick in. I thought we were pretty unique in getting good winds for the trip but after asking around it is not that rare. I am actually planning Brisbane to New
Cal this year and will wait for favourable winds again to make as much E as possible before the SE inevitably arrives.
regards
Andrew