Port Douglas showcased on reality TV tonight
REAL HOUSEWIVES
FROM snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef to covert operations in the Daintree Rainforest, the Douglas region’s stunning natural beauty will continue to be beamed to millions of households across Australia and New Zealand in coming weeks.
Following on from the success of last week’s airing of Married at First Sight where the newlyweds Bella and Michael honeymooned at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, reality TV enthusiasts are in for a real treat when Real Housewives of Auckland (RHOAKL) is broadcast to its New Zealand audience tonight, September 13.
It will then air on Foxtel’s Arena on Sunday, September 18 in Australia. ABC’s drama The Code, which is on every Thursday at 8.30pm, was also filmed throughout the Douglas Shire, although the TV show is set in Papua New Guinea.
Tara Bennett, executive officer of Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree, said Married at First Sight had been a ratings winner, with it capturing the largest audience numbers on the night.
“It shows just how attractive and versatile our destination is as a film and television location,” Bennett said.
“We have a long history of popular television series’ and international movies being shot here, and to have these programs visit us as well, is a real coup for the destination.”
RHOAKL offers an exclusive look into the glamorous galas, scintillating scandals, and enormous egos of a group of luxury-loving ladies as they navigate the social scene of the city’s elite, all while juggling their husbands, boyfriends, careers and families.
“New Zealand is an incredibly strong market for us, so to have the RHOAKL experience the absolute lap of luxury on the Great Barrier Reef onboard the super yacht Enterprise, the newly refurbished Sheraton Mirage, helicopter adventures to Silky Oaks Lodge and Port Douglas’ newest bar Barbados, we continue to showcase this region as one of the most aspirational destinations in Australia.”
Wade Bowen, sales and marketing manager at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, said the Married at First Sight couple were just like any other on honeymoon, with the exception that they were still getting to know each other.
“They checked into one of our glorious Coral Sea Bungalows. Their first night at Thala included a romantic candlelit dinner at pavilion-style Osprey’s Restaurant,” he said.
“The next few days were then spent exploring the Great Barrier Reef, ziplining through the Daintree Rainforest, sipping champagne and relaxing on Thala’s private beach.”
