The Gold Coast is synonymous with a few things. Sprawling coastlines, golden sand, tranquil hinterlands, great coffee, good shopping and, in recent years, the Australian film and television industry.

More and more, Hollywood and local productions alike have selected the Queensland beach town for hit projects, from Baz Luhrmann's Elvis to Stan's Black Snow. It makes sense, then, that the Gold Coast has the home of the AACTA awards for the last three years, Australia's largest celebration of our booming screen industry. This weekend, industry leaders and icons of the screen converged on the Sunshine state. Luckily for me, I scored a front-row seat to all the action — plus a few days on either side to really settle into life on the GC.

Day one...

I might've been travelling for work, but pulling into the lobby of the Langham, it's hard not to feel the holiday vibes take over. The beach is on the doorstep, and the lofty ceilings mean everything feels a little lighter and brighter. A quick elevator ride transported me to my room — a Residence at The Langham, Gold Coast — located on the 43rd floor. A plate of fresh fruit awaited my arrival, as did a panoramic view of the Gold Coast — the perfect pick-me-up before an early dinner reservation.

After a speedy outfit change, we made our way to Nineteen at The Star. The rooftop venue is iconic for a reason. Before dinner, you can sip on a champagne as you take in the skyline and the ocean glimmering just beyond it. Inside, we dined on three courses as chefs moved in unison in the open kitchen just behind us.

Day two...

An early wake up was softened by a few things: a dreamy sleep, coffee on my private balcony, and breakfast at the Langham's signature restaurant, Akoya.

First on agenda for the day was a visit to Sol Elements. It's only a 45-minute drive from Surfer's Paradise, but as the landscape subtly shifts from coastlines to rainforest, it feels like worlds away. Here, it was time for the real relaxation to begin. A signature massage set the tone for what was to come, with the rest of the morning spent hopping between saunas, cold plunges, floatation tanks, and a Himalayan salt sanctuary.

When we were feeling sufficiently zen, just 200m away we found ourselves at Rainforest Restaurant for a morning tea of fresh scones and finger sandwiches. Then, after refuelling, the brave among us opted in to a treetop adventure, spanning ziplines and a high ropes course. Be warned: it's more challenging than it looks, but the view alone is worth it.

Later that evening, we were treated to one of the Gold Coast's famous sunsets, made even more beautiful by our vantage point on YOT Capri. Coconut margaritas and oysters were the perfect accompaniments as we cruised along the coastline, and we were even treated to a pack of Dolphins swimming alongside us.

Day three...

Friday marked the day of the AACTAs, and while it was set to be the busiest day of the week, it's hard to feel stressed when you're waking up at the Langham. A run along the coastline and a hearty buffet breakfast made for the perfect pre-event shake out.

Before the official proceedings kicked off, RUSSH was lucky enough to secure a one-on-one interview with Aussie actor Dacre Montgomery. Our set for the occasion was the stuff of dreams: a private cabana perched on the sand, with lounge chairs and fresh juices to keep us cool and comfortable.

Then, it was back to the room for a speedy get-ready, including slipping into my dress for the event: a black, sheer gown by Lee Mathews. With glam done I headed over to the red carpet, and took my position as stars like Phoebe Tonkin, Joseph Zada, Sarah Snook, and Brian Cox spilled into the Gold Coast's Home Of The Arts. Of course, once the red carpet is over, the real fun begins: the awards themselves honoured some of the biggest and most exciting achievements in Australian film and television over the last year. And at the after party, HOTA transformed into a party of its own, with dumpling stations, an ice cream bar, and free-flowing champagne setting the scene for celebration.

Day four...

A sleep in was essential after a very late night, but it was easy to feel energised after an ocean swim and a coffee. My flight back to Sydney was scheduled for early afternoon, but we still made time for one last interview.

Australian star of The Pitt Shabana Azeez met me in one of the Langham's two opulent Presidential Suites — truly one of the most spectacular hotel rooms I've ever set foot in. We sipped coffees from the couch, with the glint of the ocean in the background —  the perfect (and chicest) interview setting.