Just back from a 2 week east coast road trip and was surprised just how few SUPs I saw out in the surf. Had some pumping surf at Sawtell, only one other SUP, no other SUP's at Byron and just a couple at Burleigh and Kirra.
I guess the ridiculous prices might have something to do with it but you can still grab a bargain if you don't need the latest gear.
Have noticed the same in Sydney over the last year too, not that I'm complaining, quite happy being out on my own with the proners