Douglas local Darren Smyth experienced the ultimate mates trip away last weekend, spending four days on XXXX Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef with four friends.

Mr Smyth and friends Ian Nasmyth, Greg Carvey and Jason Ireland enjoyed all the creature comforts you'd expect on an island "brought to you by XXXX GOLD", 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.

Mr Smyth won the $10,000 trip after being spotted on morning TV show Sunrise sporting a custom-made XXXX Gold visor to view the Port Douglas solar eclipse. “I couldn’t even win an argument – let alone a trip to XXXX Island. I didn’t expect any of this and I’m absolutely thrilled that I got the chance to go to the Island” he said.

“I was really glad I could take three of my best mates with me to XXXX Island. We enjoyed plenty of time on the beach, throwing around the footy, a bit of fishing, laughs around the campfire and at the bar, which, by the way, has the best view in the world!"

More chances to get to XXXX Island and experience the ‘good life’ with mates will be available over the coming months through a range of competitions including online and on pack promotions and through promotions being run through pubs and venues. For more information, visit xxxxisland.com.au.