Love Island Australia production moves from Port Douglas to Northern NSW due to Queensland government's strict border rules

Love Island Australia has ditched its Queensland base. 

The reality dating program has shifted production from the Sunshine State's Port Douglas to Northern NSW. 

TV Tonight reports the decision was made due to the Queensland government's strict border rules. 

'Unfortunately it's just not possible for Port Douglas right now,' Location manager, Karen Jones told the publication on Monday.

'The first staff were due to start arriving very shortly and so a decision had to be made.

'[Show producers] ITV are devastated, the whole crew is devastated, everyone was really excited about coming to Port Douglas, they hand-picked this location because it's perfect for the show.'

On Sunday, Channel Nine dropped its first teaser for the upcoming program.

The clip begins with host Sophie Monk dressed in an Australian flag-printed bikini and mermaid tail costume while swimming in the ocean, before surfacing and sitting on a rock. 

'Follow me you beautiful sexy singles,' she says before she begins playing a flute. 

'Dive in. There's plenty of fish in this sea,' Sophie teases, as a bevy of swimsuit-clad male and female actors are seen diving into the ocean towards her. 

'Love Island is in our own backyard, where it's beautiful one day, perfect the next,' she continues, as viewers are given a quick glimpse of the new villa.

Last month it was reported that producers were getting creative with the casting process by scouting hot singletons via dating app Tinder. 

As reported by Daily Mail Australia in May, several dating show rejects who failed to find love on The Bachelor were approached to appear on the show.

Influencer-turned-Neighbours star Sarah Ellen was also asked to star on the program. 

Love Island Australia returns to Channel Nine later this year