Nobby Beach & Springbrook.

On Sunday, M & I left home early to meet my family at Nobby Beach for my father's birthday. It's been a little while since we've had a family day out (or in my case, a day out at all)—with my sister living interstate and me having moved out of home since 2012, opportunities to have a day like this are so rare. It was one of Dad's requests that we have brunch and go on a “road trip” (can you really call it that when your destination is only an hour or so away?), so I suggested brunch at the coast and a trip to Springbrook and he was instantly on board.

We got there a little earlier than my family so we spent some time by the beach. I spent 3 years going to uni on the Gold Coast so I have a special affinity for this place, which I think sometimes gets a bad rap. Little do most Brisbane folk know that the Gold Coast is brimming with the same kinds of hip cafés, small fashion boutiques and handmade markets that we do—and luckier still, most folk live within walking distance to one of the best beaches in the world.

My parents, siblings and Martin haven't been to the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park before and the last time I went was years ago, so it was great to be able to do something new together. Long weekends are made for this: exploring, playing tourist in your own city, and then having the next day off to relax and make like it's Sunday all over again. We won't have another long weekend until October, and I'm already dreaming of what I can do to make the most of it.