The spotlight is firmly on the Gold Coast in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games, with new development and infrastructure projects improving the look and feel of the GC for visitors. One such new development is the brand new Rhapsody Resort at the northern end of Surfers Paradise.
Cossies Beach has been named Australia's best beach by Tourism Australia's Aquatic and Coastal Ambassador and 'beach expert' Brad Farmer for the 2017 list detailing the country's most stunning beaches.
Not so long ago the Gold Coast was famous for fun, theme parks and family holidays, but the 'Goldie' is all grown up, emerging as Australia's new fashion capital.
My family and I haven't holidayed together on the Gold Coast since I was a teenager. We'd make the annual pilgrimage north to Surfers Paradise, the quintessential Aussie beach holiday destination, passing the iconic Pink Poodle for a week in our beachside apartment. My childhood days were spent on the waterslide at Grundy's, playing at Magic Mountain and navigating the remote controlled boats at Pacific Fair. It was a simple life, an idyllic life, before the high-rises infiltrated the skyline casting shadows on the beach.
While you might be tempted to hibernate this winter, we've been busily exploring the country for the freshest finds to add to the alluxia collection!
Beautiful Burleigh is the destination of choice for laid-back locals and in-the-know travellers, who've discovered there's more to the Gold Coast than the glitter strip.