Shoalhaven Heads featured in the national spotlight as an idyllic honeymoon destination on Tuesday night’s episode of Married at First Sight.
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The segment, featuring a couple newly-introduced to the hit reality show, was filmed in secret in November 2018.
The show, which regularly features aerial footage of Sydney Harbour, also featured aerial shots of the far more isolated and equally scenic Seven Mile Beach last night.
Honeymooners Susie and Billy had a romantic stay and dinner at Bangalay Luxury Villas, a horse riding experience on the beach with Regal Riding School and surf lessons with Shoalhaven Heads Surf School.
MAFS tragics (me included) were led to believe Susie and Billy were off to a rocky start on their honeymoon.
To say Billy is portrayed as overbearing and desperate to please his wife is an understatement. Billy threw a compliment in Susie's direction at every opportunity, EVERY SINGLE CHANCE, and Susie was just trying to live her life and wrap her head around the fact she had married a complete stranger.
However, Shoalhaven Heads local and riding school co-owner Monique Miller said the honeymooners were in good spirits on Seven Mile Beach.
"The beach ride was a surprise for them, they walked out onto the beach at Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club and there we were waiting for them," Mrs Miller said.
"Last night the show portrayed a negative spin on their relationship, the show does have a reputation for that.
"I'm hoping tonight’s show has a little more coverage of the beach ride, it was a really beautiful experience, they loved every moment."
Apart from a brief private lesson before riding on the beach, it was Susie and Billy's first time on a horse.
They looked at ease - testament to the professionalism of the fully licenced local coaches.
All in all it was a worthwhile enterprise for Mrs Miller.
"We’re so fortunate to be able to offer something that is so unique, we have the ideal location," she said.
"We were happy to showcase the experience and our beautiful horses."
Shoalhaven Tourism worked with Shine Endemol Australia Producers for some time, building relationships to encourage inclusion of Shoalhaven product in a number of shows including MAFS.
“Todays’ audiences aren’t responding to traditional advertising like they used to, and often switch to their devices in ad breaks," Shoalhaven City Council Tourism Manager Coralie Bell said.
"As a destination we can showcase our unspoilt beauty in the background of broadcasts of all kinds, reality shows are just one way of promoting the region.
"Our marketing team is always looking for new opportunities to continue our successful off-season growth and Married at First Sight is a good example of that.”
MAFS has a national audience of 1.7 million viewers, beating all rival shows this season and propelling Channel Nine to overall ratings victory.
