UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP: How a Port Douglas hotel manager became BFFs with the Prime Minister

FAMOUS FRIEND

Michael Warren

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Peninsula Boutique Hotel general manager Craig Watson (centre) became mates with none other than the Prime Minister recently in Port Douglas. Picture: Craig Watson

What do the manager of a Port Douglas hotel and the most powerful man in Australia have in common?

On the surface, the most likely answer would be very little, but dig a little deeper and the bond between two men, built over the recent Easter holidays becomes quickly apparent.

It’s very rare to consider the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese a personal friend, but Peninsula Boutique Hotel general manager Craig Watson can do exactly that.

After a hectic start to the year the PM took the chance for some R and R over the Easter break and where else did he choose to kick back during his stay none other than the Peninsula Boutique Hotel.

From that moment the Prime Minster and Mr Watson bonded over their mutual love of rugby league – the PM, a well-known Souths fan and the hotel manager, a long suffering Eels supporter.

From there, a friendship was formed and well, the rest is history.

REEF TIME

“The PM and his party took a trip to the Reef (Easter) Sunday on Quicksilver, it was a perfect day, the water was so flat and crystal clear,” Craig told Newsport.

“He had an amazing day. I sat and chatted with the PM and (partner) Jodie for (the) entire trip home, they just needed a break.

“This was their first real days’ off this year, after a very hectic schedule.

“He is just a normal guy; we never once spoke politics. (We) spoke more about his beloved Rabbitohs than anything else. We both love our footy, I am an Eels tragic as well."

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel general manager said the PM chose his facility because of its five star reviews and proximity to the beach. He also revealed a funny anecdote during the PM’s stay at his hotel.

SURPRISE ENCOUNTER

“On (the) Tuesday morning I was helping the PM with some printing needs when there was an American couple checking out - they were paying for a couple of coffees on their room bill and had a handful of change to get rid of,” he recalled.

“The PM said ‘here you go and gave them three $1 coins’. They laughed and said they were trying to get rid of their change.

“After the PM left I said to the lady, ‘do you know who just gave you that money’? When I told her they didn’t believe me.

“At that moment the PM walked back down and I asked if he would mind a having a photo with our very excited American guests to which he was very obliging.”

NORMAL GUY

Overall, Mr Watson said it proved a memorable few days getting to know the most identifiable face in the country.

“The one thing that stood out on his entire stay was he is just a good bloke in a very tough job,” he said.

“We became quite good friends by the time he had left. The PM and Jodie loved their stay at Peninsula and vowed to visit Port Douglas again as soon as time permitted.”


Craig and the PM bonded over their mutual love of rugby league. Picture: Craig Watson

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