Victorian Family Wins $14.4 Million Gold Coast Penthouse After Years Traveling Australia in a Caravan

A family from Greater Melbourne has been awarded a $14.4 million penthouse on the Gold Coast, four days after returning home from a nearly three-year caravan trip around Australia. Michelle, her husband Tim, and their four children decided to travel the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing to explore Australia together rather than stay home.

Michele received a call from Ben Sawkins, general manager of Dream Home Art Union, who initially informed her she had won $50,000 in gold. He then revealed the grand prize: a five-bedroom penthouse overlooking Rainbow Bay Beach and Snapper Rocks.

"I couldn't really quite comprehend it. It was very overwhelming and I think it's still a little overwhelming," Michelle said of the win. The family celebrated with a whisky before sharing the news with their children.

The prize property features three living zones, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble benchtops, timber finishes, and expansive balconies with ocean views. Residents also have access to amenities including a heated swimming pool.

Michele had been purchasing tickets in the Dream Home Art Union raffle for about two years, drawn in part by the fact that the lottery supports Australian veterans and their families.

Despite the windfall, the family has no immediate plans to move into the Gold Coast property permanently. They intend to sell it and use a portion of the proceeds to build a new home in Victoria. The remaining funds are earmarked for investments to support their children and to assist others.

"Anything can happen, but the plan is that hopefully we invest wisely and that we will be able to live off the fund, set our kids up but also bless other people," Michelle stated.