Page 119 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

CLIMBING TO

FLAVOUR

Port Douglas Iconic Coconut Grove

WORDS by Maura Mancini
IN THE SCENIC HAVEN of Port Douglas, where blue waters meet lush A COCONUT CONNOISSEUR
greenery, majestic coconut palm trees stand tall, enhancing the town’s beauty During the harvesting process, Coconut Lenny fearlessly ascends heights of up
and holding a significance that has become part of its identity. A local legend, to 30 metres. To retrieve the carefully selected coconuts, often the best ones
affectionately known as Coconut Lenny, brings joy to the community through located at the top of the tree crown, he works with the assistance of his ground
his passion for the freshest coconuts, offering a taste of the finest tropical crew, comprised of either a family member or one of his friends. Although
produce.
amid such heavenly scenery, observing him hang on a tree at that height is quite
nerve-wracking. However, amid the tension, there’s a giggle of amusement
CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS when Lenny gets bitten and covered in green ants.
Andrew Lennox, or Coconut Lenny, grew up in Papua New Guinea, where Lenny’s coconut journey extends beyond climbing and harvesting. His rustic
childhood tree-climbing competitions for coconuts set the stage for an stall at the Port Douglas Sunday market makes him a local coconut connoisseur.
unconventional life path. Arriving in Port Douglas in the ‘90s, Lenny’s agility Each coconut is meticulously selected for its color, shade, and overall appeal.
in free climbing coconut trees distinguished him in town. Back then, Lenny According to Lenny, the challenge lies not just in climbing but in serving the
was among the few skilled locals providing a valuable de-coconuting service, community the best drinking coconut.
ensuring safety from falling coconuts as well as supplying a local company
distributing the sought-after FNQ produce to a niche market. SIPPING PLEASURE FROM NATURE’S CUP
Lenny’s exceptional free climbing skills didn’t go unnoticed. Well-established At his stall, Lenny becomes an educator, sharing insights into the diverse
rigging companies sought his expertise, leading him to work for many years on varieties of coconuts. He explains how different trees yield distinct flavors, and
major TV and movie productions around Australia and overseas, including ‘I’m his selection process involves morning tastings to ensure the best quality for his
a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here’ and ‘Lord of the Rings.’
customers. Witnessing him expertly chop open a coconut with his machete is a
show, akin to both watching a ninja and an artisan in action.
THE ICONIC COCONUT GROVE OF PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas’ coconut groves are a hallmark of the town’s identity, and as Lenny The young coconut, a variety that Lenny passionately explains, becomes a
vessel of liquid gold. The journey from selecting the perfect coconut to expertly
continues climbing from one tree to another, he encounters a stunning array of chopping it open adds to the delight of the experience.
shapes, sizes, and flavors and he gains valuable insights into these iconic palms.
He knows where to find those trees laden with coconuts for harvesting and Acquiring a coconut from Lenny’s market stall is a fantastic experience for those
operates as a professional contractor, holding permission from private property seeking the ultimate tropical refreshment. Unlike commercially sold coconuts,
owners and local resorts. which in Australia are mostly imported, these locally harvested gems are a
Coconut trees, a marvel of nature, predominantly showcase a crown adorned precious find, making Lenny and only a few other fellow local harvesters the
custodians of Port Douglas’ liquid gold.
with large leaves, commonly reaching heights of 15 to 25 metres, and enjoying
an enduring lifespan. They typically bear fruit for several decades, with the Getting a coconut at the market is not just a purchase; it’s a unique connection
annual harvest influenced by factors such as growing conditions and palm to the land and the hands that bring to the community those tropical delights.
variety. As visitors taste the fresh coconut water for the first time, the pleasure and
sometime the surprise is evident on their faces – a moment that adds to the
allure of Port Douglas’ coconut culture.