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A FIRST CLASS JOURNEY

Into The Wild

PORT DOUGLAS LUXE TOURS

WORDS by Jamie Jansen

or Agostino Arrigo and Josephine Warnet,
the landscapes of Far North Queensland
are far more than a scenic backdrop.
FTheir lives are defined by the region’s
natural rhythms, from years spent navigating
luxury charters across the Great Barrier Reef to
embracing the ancient wonders of the Daintree, a
deep-rooted connection that naturally evolved into
Port Douglas Luxe Tours.
By turning this intimate local immersion into a
sophisticated, personal service, the pair has created
an experience where true luxury is found in the depth
of the connection to the land itself. In a town like
Port Douglas, which has long been synonymous
with the finer things in life, their venture feels like
a natural evolution of that legacy, offering a refined
and thoughtful way to experience the raw beauty of
the region.
This philosophy of a “private concierge on wheels”
is shaped by a lifetime of high-stakes hospitality that
spans the globe. Agostino spent years as a skipper on
luxury reef charters and yachts, a career that began
in his native Sicily, a world-renowned hub for the
maritime elite.
“I was already familiar with that high-end market,”
he explains. “People come to Port Douglas expecting
something special, and we are here to offer exactly
that, but in a way that feels curated.”
Josephine’s background is equally impressive: a rare of the journey is completely different. We focus on rare Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo, adds a layer of depth
combination of high-end luxury and deep immersion that feeling of being truly curated and considered.” that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing.
in the wild. While she is now an acclaimed wildlife
photographer, and was recently featured with a The service is built around removing the stress of Recognising that many travellers want to stay fully
stunning shot of a Cassowary on the January 2026 planning entirely. Rather than requiring guests to present in these moments, Josephine also offers the
cover of PORT DOUGLAS Magazine, her sense navigate a rigid schedule, Agostino and Josephine option to act as a private photographer for the day.
of hospitality was honed during her service in the act as personal architects for the day, handling every Her expert eye captures both the wildlife and the
French Army as an attendant to the President of logistical detail and curation. Their experiences are guests within the landscape, allowing travellers to put
France. entirely tailored to a guest’s interests, often starting their cameras away and simply enjoy the moment,
with a simple request: “We are here for three days. knowing professional, high-resolution memories will
That “presidential” standard now extends to every Show us the magic.” follow.
guest who steps inside their luxury vehicle. The
vehicle serves as a sanctuary from the tropical The result is a seamless, multi-dimensional itinerary. The couple remains adamant about keeping the
heat, featuring plush leather seating, privacy glass, One day might involve a private charter to the Great business small and exclusive. “If someone books us
and a cabin fridge stocked with chilled water and Barrier Reef, the next a helicopter flight over the for the day, we are fully dedicated to them,” Agostino
champagne. It is an experience defined by the finest Coral Sea, dining in exclusive venues, or a sunrise insists. “This isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. We’re
details, right down to the refreshing cold towels hot-air balloon ride over the Atherton Tablelands. doing what we love, nature, hospitality, and meeting
waiting for guests as they return from a walk in the “We don’t really have limits,” Agostino says. “Guests people from around the world.”
rainforest. tell us what they want, and we create it.” By blending Agostino’s Sicilian maritime flair
The couple’s combined international heritage also This ability to “create the magic” is rooted in with Josephine’s French precision and ecological
allows them to offer their services fluently in English, Agostino’s deep local passion, attention to detail, knowledge, the pair has created a way to experience
French, Italian, and German, ensuring a seamless, and meticulous planning. Josephine brings a unique the region that feels as expansive as the Great Barrier
personal connection for guests from around the lens to these itineraries, guiding guests not just Reef, yet as intimate as a private conversation.
globe. through landscapes, but into them. Her intuitive
knowledge of the region’s most elusive inhabitants,
As Agostino notes: “Economy class will get you to from the Southern Cassowary and platypus to the portdouglasluxetours.com
the same destination as first class, but the experience