We’ve just returned from an incredible Gold Coast holiday, and I’m not sure what we miss more—the 14th-floor views over Broadbeach, or the night-time hot tub and pool sessions under blue-lit pool lighting and dark skies.
We stayed in a spacious, beautifully designed apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive balcony that gave us uninterrupted views of the ocean. Sunrise each morning was next-level stunning. One of us would duck out for local coffee while the rest of us lazed in the morning sun, waves rolling in below us. Add in gorgeous lighting, modern decor, and plenty of room for everyone, and it felt less like a holiday rental and more like a dream home.
It gets better—the place was dog-friendly. That meant our Cavoodle "Tilly" came along for the roadtrip, which was terrific. Beach walks and cuddles on the balcony? Yes, please.
The apartment itself had enough on-site facilities to make us question whether we even needed to go to the beach. Pools, a jacuzzi, an onsite gym, BBQs, and even a private cinema room. We cooked, we swam, we soaked up the resort-style living happily and often.
We didn’t have to leave the property much, but when we did, everything was within walking distance. Cafes, parks, restaurants, and of course, the beach itself—it’s all right there. Broadbeach strikes that perfect balance between buzzing and laid-back, with just the right amount of Gold Coast glamour thrown in.
One afternoon we made the trek up to Brisbane for a Big Bash League match at the Gabba, with the Heat taking on the Thunder. The cricket was great. A stunning rearguard cameo from Max Bryant gave the locals plenty to cheer about. The parking at the Gabba? Absolutely diabolical. I’ve been to the Gabba many times and I say this with full confidence: never drive there. World-class sport, third-world traffic management.
The beauty of staying where we did was that after big days out, we could return to the apartment, slip into our swimsuits, and hit the pool or hot tub under the stars. Something about that blue lighting—soft, moody, and magical—made it feel like we had the whole resort to ourselves.
On the drive home, we leaned into classic Aussie Road trip tradition and stopped at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. It’s touristy. It’s iconic. It’s required. Special mention goes to Hayden, 16, who shared driving duties with me both up and back. Highway driving, long stretches, proper road trip experience—it was all part of the adventure and a great milestone for him. Plenty of hours in his log book to boot.
All in all, this was one of those holidays that had a bit of everything: relaxation, family time, high-energy fun, and memories we’ll be talking about for years. If you're looking for a family-friendly, dog-welcoming, ocean-view escape, this ticks every box.
