By Vivienne Pearson
The goats of the Byron Bay lighthouse are no longer there but they provided inspiration for a new boutique catering business called Wild Goat Events. ‘The goats were nearly as iconic as the lighthouse,’ says 29-year-old Katie, who recalls the outrage when it was decided, back in 2006, that they should be removed.
The events that Katie creates at the lighthouse are very civilised, but give people the opportunity to experience Cape Byron at sunrise and sunset – times when it feels more wild, simply because there are fewer people around.
Wild Goat Events are boutique. This is partly to make sure that the location remains as important as the people. Katie has exclusive access to the deck at the Cape Byron Lighthouse when the cafe is not open. ‘It is an honour to be able to work there’, says Katie.
It is also allows Katie to meet her aim of providing a luxury experience. ‘I love spoiling people and taking care of fine details’, she says.
Her inspiration comes from her year working with an events company in Morocco. Like Byron, Morocco has become a destination for weddings, and a wedding party (usually from Europe, the US or Brazil) would often have a week-long celebration. Katie was part of the team dedicated to taking care of every single detail – bookings, chauffeurs, luxury hotels, parties and exotic excursions as well as the actual wedding. ‘Because labour is so cheap in Morocco, there are many opportunities to provide personalised experiences,’ says Katie.
Offering such dedicated service here means that Wild Goat Events are not cheap. Their exclusive Toast the Sun breakfasts include chauffeured Kombi van transfers and a delectable mezze-style breakfast.
A more affordable option is being launched on Christmas Day, with picnic hampers filled with enough savoury and sweet nibbles to see you through as long as you choose to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. Picnic blanket, juices, coffee, and a special postcard to send from Australia’s most easterly letterbox are all included. Having a goat-style scramble around the grassy hills and rocks is optional.
Wild Goat Events: see www.wildgoatevents.co. Picnics are available on Christmas Day and then from February on (bookings essential).
