Inside the new-look Daydream Island Resort

After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the Great Barrier Reef’s Daydream Island Resort has unveiled its new offering and no matter what you’re after in an island holiday; it’s got you covered. Here are five things to know when planning your trip to one of the Whitsunday’s favourite resorts.

1. You can roll on in like a rock star 

Sure, the half-hour boat ride out to Daydream Island is scenic in itself – skipping across those glittering Whitsunday waters from Hamilton Island or Proserpine Airport – but if you want to make a real entrance, you can’t go past Daydream Island’s helicopter transfers. The 10-minute trip from Airlie Beach or Hamilton will give you a bird’s-eye view of verdant islands strewn across the Coral Sea, before descending over the Molle Group to touch down at Daydream. You’ll never want to travel in any other way. 

2. You can opt to do as little, or as much, as you like 

After some serious R&R? Daydream’s got what you need. Treat yourself to a session in the on-site Elita Day Spa, and add on a yoga or meditation class afterwards in the underwater observatory, as curious fish watch on. Or simply claim a poolside cabana or deckchair in Lovers Cove for an afternoon of blissful nothing. Fly and flop not your thing? A full roster of resort activities will keep you (and the kids) happily occupied. Swing past the Beach Hut to rent a snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, kayak or jet ski. Still not tired out? Join a friendly game of cricket or try your hand at water polo. Last one to the pool buys first round at the swim-up bar …

3. You’ll be sharing the island with some pretty cute critters

Daydream’s human guests will quickly encounter the endearing permanent citizens that call the island home. Families of wallaroos are a common sight grazing on lawns around the resort. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one on the beach! Large sulphur-crested cockatoos also cruise the grounds looking for mischief, and long-legged curlews stalk the open-air restaurants. Immerse yourself even further in nature on the rainforest walk – leading up to a sweeping lookout, it offers ample glimpses of parrots and fruit bats squabbling in the treetops. 

4. You’ll learn about the Great Barrier Reef without leaving the island

The trademark Daydream Island Living Reef is back and better than ever. Wrapped around the main building and holding 1.5 million litres of water, the tank contains a thriving sliver of that great natural wonder and is home to more than 100 species of fish. Pull on a stinger suit and dive on in for an underwater tour with Daydream Island’s resident marine biologists, who will teach you about the aquamarine denizens of the resort as rays and reef sharks glide past. Come Friday evening, the after-dark tour reveals the otherworldly spectacle of the reef illuminated. 

5. It’s the perfect base to explore the Whitsundays

Lapped by the Coral Sea, Daydream Island is an ideal setting-off point to explore the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Hop on a half-day cruise to tread the white sands of one of the best beaches in Australia, if not the world – Whitehaven Beach. After a transfer on one of the fastest boats plying the islands, the team will set you up on the shore with paddleboards, snacks and a well-stocked cooler. Or island hop with a helicopter tour, soaring high over the Great Barrier Reef, deserted islands and Heart Reef. Add on a stop-off on Whitehaven, complete with a picnic and sparkling wine. Now that’s a holiday!

Keen to have your own island adventure? Choose from one of our great value fares and start planning!

By Krysia Bonkowski – Published Thursday 1 August