Hi Danial
I'm a recent newb myself, although finally after about 7 or 8 solo sessions since my lessons I have finally reached the milestone of staying upwind and no longer doing the walk of shame

Happy days!!!!
Mate, I have been out at Shearwater a number of times, and IMO if your from Brisbane........Sandgate or Brighton is a way better option while learning. The stretch of beach at Shear isnt really that long, and I found that while learning the end (near the rock walls / canal entrances) sneak up quite quickly if you have a few spills. Ofcourse it depends a lot on wind / tide strength and direction just how quickly, (and how many stacks

) but I found I was doing more walking up the beach than time spent in the water with kite and board.
Sandgate / Brighton has plenty of room and you dont have to worry so much about an absolute "must exit" point, before it all goes pear shaped.
Ofcourse, as a GC location its probably your best option, but if your in Brissy, a better option I believe is Sandgate / Brighton.
The main thing is just get out there and practice, have fun and stay safe......doesnt really matter where, as long as you get out there and put some time in on board and kite.
All those walks hauling my kite up the beach against the wind direction certainly made me very determined to get riding upwind dialled ASAP


Eitherway, its all part of the learning experience.
Enjoy!