If you haven’t been to the ‘Goldie’ lately, you could be in for a surprise

When you tell people you’re heading to the Gold Coast for a long weekend, they tend to give you a knowing look. A slightly raised eyebrow and a small grin usually follow, accompanied by an undertone of what they think the “Goldie” represents: flashy, fast and loose. They imagine a blur of small bikinis, buff bodies and neon-lit nightclubs.

But I am here for the annual AACTA Festival, a five-day screen and entertainment celebration, and I am expecting something quite different. On top of the AACTA events, including an awards night in a theatre filled with Australian A-listers, I am being shown the “other” side of the Coast. There is some serious luxury up here and my three-day visit is a crash course in five-star living.

It starts when I check into the high-end hotel, The Langham, and my corner suite, which boasts views that stretch from the surf of Broadbeach to the mountains of the hinterland. With two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a laundry and a study, it feels more like a palace than a hotel room. I am only staying for three nights, but immediately want to move in permanently.

My visit coincides not just with AACTA Festival; the Laneway music festival is also taking over the city, so the Langham is crawling with celebrities. I eat breakfast next to the divine Phoebe Tonkin and share an elevator chat with comedian Celeste Barber, who manages to make the journey to the 42nd floor incredibly entertaining.

Later, while waiting for an Uber, musician PinkPantheress walks past before I find myself standing next to Brian Cox – Succession’s Logan Roy himself. Later, I spot Richard Wilkins doing a Today show cross from the hotel pool, looking professional in a jacket and tie above the water line while wearing board shorts below. Even checking into the hotel is a star-studded event, with Bridgerton’s Yerin Ha next to me at the reception desk.

Dinner on my first night is at Nineteen at The Star with other guests of the festival. The rooftop restaurant sits high above the city and offers a sophisticated sanctuary that feels worlds away from the buzz below. The rule here is simple: choose the chef showcase signature set menu, eat the sirloin steak and save room for the brûléed lemon tart for dessert.

Even checking into the hotel is a star-studded event, with Bridgerton’s Yerin Ha next to me at the reception desk.

The following morning starts with a trip dedicated to restoration at Sol Elements in Tamborine Mountain, in the Gold Coast hinterland. It features a wellness immersion in which we move between soothing massages and invigorating plunge pools while breathing in the crisp air.

A refined morning tea follows at the Rainforest Restaurant, complete with warm scones, jam and cream. While others from my group head off for the TreeTop Challenge, I take a quiet moment to catch up on work while sitting among the greenery.

As evening falls, we embark on a cruise on the luxury vessel YOT Capri. We spot dolphins alongside us, enjoy elegant canapés and explore the deck as the sun dips low over the Broadwater. On our way back to The Langham, our driver takes us on a detour through Cavill Avenue, the chaotic heart of Surfers Paradise, and we see the side of the Gold Coast people always talk about. This is the “glitter strip” in all its high-energy glory, a sensory overload of neon signs, souvenir shops and booming bass from the nightclubs.

The next morning begins with The Langham’s breakfast buffet at Akoya. Seriously, is there anything better in life than a high-end hotel buffet? Then the main event arrives. I get glammed up for the AACTA Awards, walk the red carpet and mingle with the stars.

The following day, I have one more culinary spin around the breakfast buffet before heading to HOTA (Home of the Arts), the cultural centre of the Gold Coast, a precinct anchored by a striking, multicoloured, $60-million gallery that is Australia’s largest regional art space. There I settle in for “Sarah Snook in Conversation”, a highlight of the festival program. As a recipient of the 2026 AACTA Trailblazer Award, Snook reflects on her journey from Australian roles to global stardom.

Before heading to the airport, there is just enough time for a quick visit to Pacific Fair, the retail juggernaut where you can find everything from Christian Louboutin to Kmart.

When I return to my home city, I encounter that same knowing look when asked: “How was the Goldie?”

Well, let me tell you...

The writer was a guest of Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.

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