The Gold Coast runs on early mornings and ocean air. By 5am, locals are awake with the sun, coffee in hand, heading for the surf. Some call it the Queensland glow, but there’s something undeniably cinematic about it. And for Australia’s biggest night in film and television, The AACTA Awards, there couldn’t have been a more fitting backdrop.
Experiencing the Gold Coast and all it has to offer
I flew to the Gold Coast with Experience Gold Coast and Tourism Queensland to witness it all; the build-up, the red carpet, and experience all that the Gold Coast has to offer, in just a few days!
My base was The Langham, Gold Coast, perfectly positioned on the beachfront between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Honestly, it might just be the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at. The Langham leans fully into coastal luxury; floor-to-ceiling ocean views, soft neutral interiors, and that quiet, polished calm that makes slipping into formalwear feel effortless, as if I was going to win an AACTA…(wishful thinking)! From the moment I arrived, it set the tone for the weekend: a perfect balance of indulgence and ease, right by the heart of the Gold Coast’s energy.
Recharge and reset in the hinterland
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I arrived at SOL Elements at Mount Tamborine. Tucked into the rainforest, it’s a sanctuary of calm; Himalayan salt rooms, cold plunges, sound and sensory massages, everything designed to reset both body and mind. After the buzz of the Gold Coast’s beaches and city streets, it felt like stepping into another world, where the only thing on your agenda is slowing down and soaking it all in, and it was perfect right before we attended the red carpet! Morning tea at Tamborine Mountain Glades followed, where the air felt cooler, and the hinterland’s charm quietly asserted itself. The Gold Coast isn’t just high-rises and beaches; it’s layered.
Then came the adrenaline, so if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this one’s for you
The Treetops Challenge is just a hop, skip and a jump from SOL Elements, which means you really get the best of both worlds (and the best of everything) when visiting the Gold Coast. Suspended high above the rainforest, the course is packed with zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacles that push you to your limits, all while offering some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere. It’s the kind of adventure that makes you feel alive in a way only the Gold Coast can.
Just when I’d tested my limits, it was time to unwind on a sunset cruise with The YOT Club, complete with beautiful canapés and drinks. As the sun dipped, the Gold Coast showed off in the way it does best, golden light glittering across the water, the skyline glowing against the horizon, and the coastline stretching endlessly into the distance. It was the perfect way to slow down, take it all in, and reflect on just how dynamic this beautiful city truly is.
And then it was time for the main event: The AACTA Awards
Attending Australia’s biggest night in film and television is as high-energy as you’d expect. The red carpet buzzed with anticipation, cameras flashing, gowns catching the light, conversations layered over one another. Inside, the ceremony balanced glamour with genuine recognition of the industry’s creative depth. Established names were celebrated: Sarah Snook, who took out the AACTA Trailblazer Award; Baz Luhrmann; Brian Cox; and Phoebe Tonkin all graced the night, while emerging voices shone just as brightly. Jacob Elordi took home Best Lead Actor for Narrow Road to the Deep North, marking one of the evening’s standout moments. For a few hours, the focus was squarely on Australian storytelling, its talent, and the remarkable creativity driving the industry forward.
By the time the weekend drew to a close, it was clear the Gold Coast had delivered something special. From sunrise coffee on the beach to rainforest retreats, adrenaline-fuelled zip lines, golden-hour cruises, and the glittering red carpet of the AACTA’s, the city effortlessly balanced adventure, luxury, and world-class glamour. It’s a place where you can reset and recharge, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and witness Australia’s film and television industry at its most dazzling, all in the span of a single weekend. The Gold Coast isn’t just a backdrop for an awards night; it’s a destination that performs as spectacularly as the stars who walk its red carpet.
Want to CHATTR with us? Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more entertainment news.
