I have just gotten back from the most wonderful week up North in Australia where I think I became a bit of a socialite. I saw and experienced some amazing things but this post is more about the social and less about the scenic.

My first night included a free sail on a nice big Yacht called Magic. The Yacht Club in Port Douglas likes to take the public out on free sailing trips in order to increase interest and profit (from bar sales). That evening I was selected to go on a boat called Magic. We hit the jackpot with the Captain of Magic, who took a liking to my English friend and I and became our new social coordinator/gentleman caller in Port D. 

After our posh sailing lesson where I learned to steer the boat we were invited to stay for dinner at the club. We got to know a few of the guys there and overall had a nice time, not aware of what would soon be in store for us. Our Captain turned out to be the CEO of Port Douglas tourism and has a habit of making sure cute tourists have the best time possible. He is the man to know in Port D and basically has an “in” everywhere. 

Friday night after a few drinks at a local pub we ran into The Captain who was out entertaining some media he was having up that weekend. He quickly invited us out for another sail and lunch on Saturday and then after a few more drinks he invited us out for a five course degustation at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Port Douglas for the next night. The restaurant is called Nautilus and is set up in the trees, is all outdoor and hosts celebrities on regular occurances. The degustation costs $250 per person and our Captain thought it would be “beneficial” to have some tourists there to help entertain the media and answer their questions. **For those that don’t know, a degustation is a number of fine courses at a restaurant and all are paired with very specific wines. The meal was fabulous and had some of the best lamb ive ever had, plus the decor and ambiance at Nautilus was incredible. An experience I will not soon forget. The rest of the evening was pretty boozy and filled with lots of free drinks and dancing. All of it was on the up and up, so just went along with it and enjoyed! 

Sadly, my friend left on Saturday morning, but I stayed for a few more days to enjoy the sun, relax a bit and partake in any more freebies that were sent my way. Basically spent the rest of my three days in Port D. by the pool at the Sheridan Mirage relaxing and sunning and having the time of my life.

I strongly suggest anyone who is heading to Port Douglas to head to sailing on Wednesday nights at the Yacht Club and ask to be on Magic. Best tour guide in Port Douglas ever!!!

xoxo,

GDU