Advertising feature: Gold Coast

Binna Burra

Going for Gold (Coast, that is)

Maybe it's the way the clear blue sky flows seamlessly into the equally blue coastline or the rhythm of waves crashing onto soft sand. Whatever magic moment grabs you, arriving on the Gold Coast means slipping into instant holiday mode.

It was all so wonderful I needed a bird's eye view of this place - and the best way was from a scenic helicopter flight.

The day was so clear I could see beachgoers splashing about in the surf on one side, then turn to view all the way up to the hills of the hinterland, lushly green after recent rain.

Just as I got comfortable, the pilot told us to 'hang on' as the chopper dropped and weaved to chase after a pod of dolphins he had just spotted. My stomach dropped as we hurtled through the air - but my spirits soared.

What a rush! I counted at least a dozen dolphins frolicking in the crystal-clear ocean below.

From the dolphins to Q1, the world's highest residential tower, the sweeping coastline and magnificent mansions on the canals, the Gold Coast's highlights unfolded as we weaved through the sky.

After getting my bearings and with my feet planted firmly on the ground, it was off south to the next adventure - Catch a Crab tour on the Tweed River.

Catch a Crab's purpose-built vessel with on-board crab-cooking facilities caters for up to 44 people. Cruising past mangroves on the peaceful Tweed River, it wasn't long before a whole chilled mud crab was placed in front of me Freshly cooked on the boat and served either hot or chilled, the 'muddies' are caught locally and taste delicious.

The rest of the afternoon was spent yabbying, feeding the pelicans, fishing and checking the crab pots. Just for the record, we caught two flathead (which didn't make the legal length so were given a second chance) and eight massive 'muddies' - a pretty good effort for a relaxing afternoon.

For anyone looking for a night life activity with a difference, try the night tour at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Creeping around the animals and enclosures with our guide, our mission was to spot animals that are normally hidden during daylight hours. Highlights of the tour included cuddling koalas and tasting indigenous bush tucker.

Leaving the coastline behind, I set off into the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland and the famous O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's is breathtaking. This family-run guesthouse has been operating for more than 80 years, with a third generation of the family welcoming visitors today.

My tip for the walking trails was the Treetops walk which is the first of its kind in the world. Get a bird's eye view of the rainforest's canopy on this 180m walk which includes nine bridges suspended midair.

There's so much to explore here; you can choose to head off on a lone bushwalk along one of the walking trails or get involved in the organised activities. With everything from guided bird walks to the flying fox and giant swing, O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse guarantees to keep you entertained in the beautiful outdoors.

Trek all day and relax at night in the bar - which conveniently is the best spot to catch the sunset.