XXXX Island is 15 kilometres off the Capricorn Coast at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Formerly known as Pumpkin Island, it's been recently leased by beverage company Lion who have naming rights and exclusive use for the next three years.
Currently the only way to get there is through winning competitions run by the beer brand, which it plans to hold regularly over the life of the three-year island lease.
XXXX Island features the type of creature comforts you'd expect, including specially fitted-out cabins such as the fishing shack, the footy shack and the larger-than-life campground; a man-cave filled with bits and pieces to keep guests busy; and other small ingenious touches including a fishing lure vending machine and keg cookers to grill up the catch of the day.
Then there is the island's very own custom-built 'loo with a view,' a toilet positioned on one of the highest points of the island to ensure users can enjoy all of its scenic glory whilst on the so-called 'throne'.
"This is not Club Med - it's more Club Shed. We're not offering up a five star resort, but rather one of the most perfect places on earth to simply kick back with nature and enjoy a beer with your mates," said Anna McMillan, XXXX marketing manager. "In the last six months, we've been working to ensure every part of the island - from our custom-built bar with the best views of the Southern Great Barrier Reef to the one-hole golf course - will truly solidify XXXX Island as the ultimate destination for mates' trips away."
The aforementioned bar needed an audio system and only one week before it was due to open, Rockhampton's Stage & Audio received a call requesting the design, supply and installation of a top notch system.
Head technician Aaron Buchholz had to drop tools to go over and do a speedy site inspection. Fortunately he had recently returned from a trip to Phuket, Thailand, where he noticed Harman products in nearly every beach front bar.
"I figured that if these products can put up with the harsh conditions such as salt and unstable power, then surely they would a premium choice for XXXX Island," he reasoned.
"I finally got confirmation on the Friday, promptly ordered the gear and it was all here by the Tuesday - it was a miracle it made it in time."
(Jim Evans)
