The Gold Coast

As much as I like exploring new places and experiencing different coastlines there is something special about the familiarity of the Gold Coast. Whether it's the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise, the nightlife of Broadbeach or the calmness of Burleigh, the Gold Coast is one place the Dwansters love to holiday.

It started well before I was even a little twinkle in my Daddy's eye. Mum and Dad spent their honeymoon there and I think that's what started their love for the place. Since then we have spent countless holidays in dozens of different high rise apartments and experienced the very best the coast has to offer.

It's home to memories of learning to ride my bike without training wheels (which inevitably failed and resulted in keeping those four wheels until it became rather embarrassing), spending quality time with my grandparents in their caravan, losing to Dad every time we went bowling, walking down Cavil Ave in my Hannah Montana pjs and visiting the big theme parks but being too scared to actually go on the thrill rides (except that one time Dad convinced Jacinta and I that the Scooby-Do coaster wasn't actually a rollercoaster).

I can also remember watching the idiots attempt the Vomatron, getting dumped by massive waves and refusing to get back in the surf, getting locked in a swimming pool because we hid from the security guard, watching late night movies at Pacific Fair, spending too much money at Robina, walking along each of the beaches, clubbing at Sin City and losing money at the Casino.

There have also been many memorable pancake breakfasts, thai takeaways and late night Cold Rock adventures.

My god how much time we have spent admiring those beautiful beaches.

It may seem weird to keep going back to the same place but for us there are so many wonderful memories there that it seems like a home away from home.

Last week we headed into Burleigh for three days of rest and relaxation and I honestly can't remember the last time I have felt this revitalised. The sleep ins, long morning walks, midday swims and late night movies we just what the doctor ordered. I think I can speak for all of us when I say those couple of nights away have given us the perfect start to 2017.

There really isn't a couple of words to describe what the Gold Coast means to me and my beautiful family but I hope we continue to holiday there together and make even more precious memories.

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