I'm not familiar with Budgewoi (I'm down the southern end of the coast - Putty is my area but some general rules of thumb might help you.
Look for the gully, gutter (darker water) and try to cast into that. Ideally you want a nice rough surf with lots of water churning around. Go at feed times (although I do ok otherwise) and if there are rocks go near to the drop and on a run out tide.
If you want the line to stay tight - hold bottom (and on a rough day you will use a star sinker (weight depends) and go the paternoster rig. Its a good idea to learn how to do knots and dropper loops etc and take a range of pre made leaders with you. About 1200mm is good with your dropper half way as a start. Three gang No4 hook is good with a pilchard - teach yourself how to put the pillie on properly (last hook through the eye). I've caught a range of fish from port jackson sharks, gunny sharks, tailor, salmon, the odd stray snapper etc. Then again I've had days where the guy 20m down the beach is reeling them in and I cant get a bite.
Having said all that you rally need to target a species say tailor, salmon etc and rig for that and pick the right time of year and day (moon, tide, feeding etc). You might even have some luck with a 30g or 70g twister if you want to try a lure. As a beginner its ok to go to where other fisherman are (locals) and ask for tips etc (but dont set up right beside them!). (and read the advice of all the experts on this forum - there seem to be some good fisherman)
Be patient.....dont despair, I am now transitioning from beach and bay tinny fishing to mild off shore fishing and can say that after $50k for a boat and $$$$ in lures and sounders and fuel I've still caught diddly squat since February. One day I will get a Kingfish at Killcare wide (......so I know how you feel).