Australia’s Longest Running TV Drama Decamps for Port Douglas

Stars of Australia’s longest-running TV drama, Neighbours, will pack their bags and exit Ramsay Street for a Tourism Queensland supported adventure that will see Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef region beamed into more than 10 million households around the world, including the all-important UK market.

The breakaway story centres around popular TV character, Kate Ramsay’s, dramatic holiday escape to the laid-back north hotly pursued by her TV uncle, Neighbour's enduring character, Paul Robinson. 

To spice things up, Kate meets local marine biologist played by in demand star, Lincoln Lewis, son of Queensland rugby league legend, Wally Lewis. 

Lewis, who is currently starring in Underbelly – Razor embraced the prized guest role that see him venture to the north of his home state.

“I’ve wanted to be on Neighbours since I was a little kid and finally it has happened, and I get to film in beautiful Port Douglas.” said Lincoln. “It doesn’t get any better.”

Head of Tourism Port Douglas & Daintree, Doug Ryan, has embraced the shoot adding the timing is perfect for North Queensland.

“Neighbours is arguably Australia’s favourite national TV export and is watched by more than 10 million viewers around the globe, including 1.5 million fans in the UK and 450,000 fans here in Australia.

“The timing couldn’t be better. Just as the UK and Northern Europe enters the depths of winter, Neighbours will project vibrant reef scenes, stunning rainforests and the iconic charm of the tropics right into their lounge rooms.

The spin-off holiday story will be filmed on location over five days this October and will air globally over several weeks commencing the 6th February 2012 in Australia. 

Mr Ryan said that the shoot could not have been executed without the support of Tourism Queensland and the tourism industry including Executive Retreats who are offering five-star accommodation for the stars, Quicksilver cruises, and Tropical Journeys.