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Moving to the Gold Coast: My First Month in the Sunshine State

After a whirlwind decision to move from Melbourne, I finally arrived on the GC.

Leaving everything behind was complicated, but I was willing to give our new digs a chance… even when I felt less than encouraged by some to seize the opportunity. If you have been following our journey on Instagram or my website, you know how and why we came to live on the GC. If not, you can read about it here. While the move itself was easy, we faced some early difficulties; however, we have genuinely come to love the lifestyle.

Here’s a little recap of my first month living up north. 

First visit to Tambourine Mountain

First Impression

Everything about the Gold Coast is inviting – endless attractions, glitzy entertainment, sandy white beaches, turquoise water and towering skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. Speaking of skyscrapers, I’ve become a regular at Skypoint, where I love to take time for myself, write my blog, and enjoy a cocktail 77 floors up with the addition of 360-degree city views.

My frequency to Skypoint wasn’t just about writing time. I also used the opportunity to get out of the house frequently in those first couple of weeks. For living in someone else’s home with young children is challenging. While we have free range of the house and are very welcome to do as we please, I’m always on guard and feel I can’t relax.

For example, the twins love to kick a ball, especially in the house.

I know, I know, children shouldn’t be encouraged to kick balls in the house. 

Back in Melbourne though, I’d virtually made our home entirely toddler-proof. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if the twins kicked the ball around. I’d left nothing out that I wouldn’t feel comfortable with my kids touching, hiding, or losing.

Unlike here, there was no worrying about whether the pool fence was open, if the twins had turned on every light in the house or were rummaging through every cupboard where unsafe items were stored at eye level.

Not blaming our grandfather, of course. He allowed us to live with him and is going through his own adjustments with us being there all the time.

It just means that I am still hyper-vigilant.

Another first impression (or question) – how is it this humid in October/November?!

Finding My Footing

To overcome this (as I mentioned), I spent almost every day out of the house, from sunrise until Bryce got home from work. With the sun rising at around 4:45am every day, we were all up like clockwork at this ridiculous hour. That’s a long time to be out of the house trying to keep kids entertained – and on a budget. On a positive note, we finally got the twins into a local childcare centre where they seem to be settling in slowly – except for morning drop-off still. And a recent fecal incident that has left me unsettled. I’ll address that in another blog.

Back to the early sunrise, I’m now kind of loving it. Yes, we’re all up between 4 and 6am every day. It’s truly amazing what you can get done by getting up so early. I even purchased a bicycle to fit in with the Gold Coast vibe. I feel that if you don’t own a bike, then are you really from the Gold Coast?

The Cat Fight

For our poor dog Sonny, it was anything but the welcome wagon or ‘fun in the sun’ vibes. Less than a week of living here, Sonny was in a fight with our grandfather’s cat. I hadn’t realised the extent of Sonny’s injuries until almost a week later. While the cat had disappeared for several days yet returned scared but unscathed, Sonny was not himself. I thought he was simply shaken up. It wasn’t until I wanted to take Sonny for a drive to a local beach. He wouldn’t get in the car, so I attempted to lift him in.

That’s when I found the horrific injuries on his tummy. 

Warning: the next image contains graphic content that I have blurred. However, it is recommended to scroll by this photo.

I rushed straight to the vet, where I was given the heartbreaking news that Sonny would die without emergency surgery and extensive treatment. The infection from the cat’s bites would turn to sepsis and ultimately kill him. He was admitted to the emergency, and after extensive (and expensive) treatment, he is now almost back to his usual, beautiful, friendly-natured self – with less tummy fluff and a newfound fear of cats.

Adjusting to the Lifestyle

I can’t complain about activities. The twins and I have found plenty to do to keep us exploring the city. As people say, it is a different lifestyle up here. Whether you are looking for excitement or laid-back vibes, pair that with good food and views; it’s hard not to be entertained. 

We’ve been invited to a couple of events, some of which are a result of social media’s perks. It’s a great way to experience the city while sharing what I’ve loved with people who may be genuinely interested in all that the Gold Coast has to offer.

I’ve already made two trips up to Tambourine Mountain. I’m in love with the sounds of the rainforest. And the Aquaduck – check out my reel here. Yes, it’s super touristy and quite expensive, especially for a family – but it was truly so much fun.

And if you haven’t been to Surfer’s Paradise before, I suggest heading there at night for your first visit if you love the ‘Las Vegas’ vibe. It is a buzz with rooftop bars, live music, markets, street food and pop-up musicians and artists. And some quirky inhabitants. Overall, this town really comes alive at night.

Adjusting to the Lifestyle

It’s a busy and vibrant city, and for someone like me, it can quickly become overwhelming. But one thing I can recommend is that the dining options here are next level. I adore Melbourne for its food and wine adventures. However, I got complacent living there for so long and would frequent my regular haunts instead of trying something new. Let me know if you would like some recommendations for my favourite Gold Coast dining and bar options.

Overall, my first month wasn’t all smooth sailing, but it has been enjoyable. It’s a great reminder that beyond the challenges comes a fresh and exciting start to a new lifestyle. I look forward to the day I feel truly settled in and can continue to enjoy everything Goldy has to offer.

Comment below and tell me where your favourite place is to visit in Queensland 🌤

*This blog is not sponsored in any way

13 thoughts on “Moving to the Gold Coast: My First Month in the Sunshine State

  1. Sounds like you are on an amazing journey, , have followed you from MAFS, and love reading about your life and how you cope. I know how busy twin boys can be , my daughter has twin boys 2 1/2 plus a 9 abd 5 year old and I help her a lot and they are full on
    Wish you all the best on your new adventure on the Gold Coast and I hope it is everything you want it to be
    Have a great Christmas up there

  2. A lot drama since you have shifted but so happy that things are improving and that you have a job.
    I hope you all continue to be happy and settled on the Gold Coast as you deserve to be happy and content. You, Bryce, Levi and Tate are a beautiful family 🩷💙💙💙

  3. Dear Liss, I live in Germany and have seen MAFS. Since then I’ve been following your life a little. Glad the twins are growing and doing well.
    I only have one child, but I know how difficult everything is. Especially since I was a single parent. Today my son is 18 and: trust me – it won’t get better, just different 😉
    Enjoy your time in the sun. I would trade places with you in a heartbeat. It’s winter here in Germany right now and this morning it was -4 degrees. And I hate the cold sooooo much!

    1. Hi Nicole, thank you for sharing. Christmas must be amazing over there – I love the cold, especially a white Christmas! Enjoy x

      1. jallo liss… the problem is that it is relatively cold, but unfortunately we rarely have snow. It’s true, a white Christmas is wonderful… But unfortunately it’s cold in Germany for quite a long time. Things only get better at the end of May and beginning of June. And if you don’t like cold, that’s a very long time.

  4. I was up there recently for some ME time. A nice drive and day spent at Tamborine Mountain, a walk through Curtis Falls, and the sky walk amongst the rain forest was spectacular and breathtaking..just what I needed.

  5. Great blog, it strikes a chord with me as my family has recently made a big move in the UK. My kids are school age so we’ve had the challenges of getting into the school we wanted and the kids making new friends. My husband is either working from home or out visiting clients which leaves me feeling a bit lonely, but I’m trying to meet people in different ways (I started a new yoga class this week). I look forward to following your journey x

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