Man islands are in

No Man Is An Island. But Every Man Deserves One.

By Kelly O'Mara

Man caves are out. Man islands are in.

A popular Australian beer company, XXXX Gold, has leased a 15-acre island in the Great Barrier Reef to turn into “the ultimate destination for mates trips.” As the announcement of XXXX Island said, it’s because “all men need an island.”

Groups of four buddies will win trips to the island, valued at $10,000, as prizes in contests and promotions over the next few years, with the trips starting in October.

The first way to win a trip? Decide exactly what XXXX Island will be.

“The best way to get to XXXX Island is to earn it,” said XXXX Gold Brands Director Jon Bradshaw in a statement.

The company is taking suggestions about what XXXX Island should include at www.xxxxisland.com.au. The five best ideas will each win a weekend trip for the thinker and three of his mates. Top ideas so far include: a bar built over the water with a hole in the floor to drop a fishing line, a microbrewery, and a one-hole golf course with a floating green on an anchored boat – with bio-degradable balls.

XXXX Island is virtually untouched right now, sitting empty off the central coast of Queensland in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It was previously known as Pumpkin Island and is owned by Wayne Rumble and Laureth Craggs. Rumble reportedly was given the island by his parents, Sonja and John Rumble, who purchased it for $1.3 million in 2003.

The beer company has promised to return the island “in the same – if not better – condition,” said Bradshaw. All construction on the island will be environmentally-friendly, damaging water sports won’t be allowed, and staff will be trained in standard Australian Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines to prevent any safety issues. The sponsor’s brew will be the only alcohol served on the island, of course.

“We believe this is a great opportunity for the island that will not only bring more people to the area, but will provide additional jobs and support the local community over the coming months and beyond,” said Rumble in the announcement of the deal.

Though XXXX Gold says mates can be men or women, all visitors do have to be over 18.

A group of Australian celebrities and athletes are helping celebrate the good life on the island, filming TV spots and videos of themselves hard at work playing beach cricket.

The video announcing XXXX Island sums up what the island is all about: “BBQs – yes, buffets – no. Foot matches on TV, but no foot massages to be seen. It’s nothing fancy, but that’s just fine.”