Beer company leases an island – most expensive PR campaign of the year?

Spotted on Matt Muir's brilliant Web Curios blog, this example appears to have cost a fortune.

In short, Australian beer company Castlemaine XXXX has leased a 15 acre island off the coast of Australia – 'about 15 clicks off the coast of Queensland', apparently – and is asking members of the public to decide how the island should be developed.

They've called it XXXX Island, the linguistic geniuses, and want to turn it into the ultimate destination for 'mates’ trips' (note: every bit of the marketing and content seems like it's leaning towards men, but I spotted a comment from XXXX on their Youtube video saying: Don't worry guys, XXXX Island isn't just for men. It’s the perfect place for mates’ trips away –males and females alike, so everyone can get involved', so if there's one flaw it's that it needs to decide what it

is and who it's for and stick to it).

I like the campaign, though. There's a nice escapist element to it and it'll be interesting to keep an eye on how it pans out. If anybody from Castlemaine reads this and wants to fly me out to check it out, you know, on the ground and report back just how manly – but also appropriate for women it is, too – I'd be happy to.

Watch more about the campaign below:

UPDATED on Friday 6th April to state that the island has been leased – not bought, after looking into it a bit more following Jowust's friendly comment below.

Agencies involved (according to CampaignBrief.com):

BMF Sydney for creative

Holler Sydney for digital

ZenithOptimedia and Newcast handing media

(Other agency partners include Res Publica and Octagon).

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