A holiday apartment thoughtfully prepared for you
Changing the world, one space at a time, to better welcome autistic and neurodivergent children, teenagers and adults.
Gold Coast Location
Coastal Nest
Over the past few years, we have spent many school holidays on the Gold Coast, especially in Surfers Paradise. Travelling with our beautiful non-speaking autistic daughter can be difficult—from getting through a flight to finding accommodation that feels safe, comfortable and right for her needs. So, we took the leap and found our own little slice of heaven, directly opposite the beach in the heart of Surfers Paradise. I can still hear my late dad saying, “Sì, here I could live—Surfers Paradise.” So Dad, we did it. We are creating a thoughtful, autism-friendly holiday apartment that considers sensory, safety and communication needs—a special place we cannot wait to share with the world.
Qld Location
Inclusive Support Services Today.
Hi everyone, I’m Rose Farfalla, Director and COH of HappinessFirst. That’s right—there’s no spelling error. I’m the Chef of Happiness. 😊 I’m also Mama Bear to four beautiful cubs: Josephine, Annabel, Noah and Eleanna Farfalla. Our divine little girl, Eleanna, is seven years old, autistic, Level 3 and non-speaking—but believe me, she can certainly tell us exactly what she wants! Over the past few years, we have spent several school holidays on the Gold Coast, particularly in Surfers Paradise. Even getting on a plane for a two-hour flight can be a huge challenge. We have slowly learned what works for our family: direct flights, reliable internet access, familiar foods and bringing Eleanna’s pram. Yes, my seven-year-old still sometimes uses a pram. There is absolutely no judgement in our family—comfort, regulation and safety always come first. It has always been a dream of mine to own a little piece of Surfers Paradise. It was also one of my late dad’s favourite places. Whenever we visited, he would look around and say: “Sì, here I could buy an apartment.” So Dad, here it is. Let me introduce you to: Coastal Nest @ Surfers Paradise A holiday apartment created by our autistic family, with the hope of helping other autistic and neurodivergent families enjoy a holiday that feels safer, calmer and a little easier. Our vision is to create an autism-friendly, sensory-ready and family-safe place to stay—where families feel understood, welcomed and never judged. What will make Coastal Nest autism-ready? 🏡 A calm, uncluttered and predictable environment 📖 A social story and visual guide to help prepare for the holiday 📸 Clear photos of the apartment, rooms and building before arrival 🛜 Reliable Wi-Fi for communication devices, familiar programs and regulation 🌙 Blackout curtains and a comfortable, low-stimulation sleep environment 💡 Soft lighting options instead of relying only on bright overhead lights 🎧 A sensory kit with items such as headphones, fidgets and calming tools 🧸 A designated quiet and regulation space 🗓️ Visual routines, communication supports and simple instructions 🌿 Low-scent cleaning products, with no overpowering air fresheners 🔐 Thoughtful safety features for doors, windows and the balcony 🛁 Non-slip bathroom features and practical family-friendly equipment 🍽️ A fully equipped kitchen so families can prepare familiar and safe foods 🧺 Washing facilities for accidents, spills and sensory clothing needs 👶 Space for prams and other important mobility or regulation equipment 📍 Information about nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, medical services and quieter family activities ❤️ Most importantly, a host who genuinely understands that every autistic person and every family is different Coastal Nest will not claim to remove every challenge that can come with travelling. But it will be created with understanding, lived experience and genuine care. Because every family deserves the opportunity to make beautiful holiday memories—and sometimes, the smallest thoughtful details can make the biggest difference.