Overview
The only resort on Daydream Island in The Whitsundays has finally reopened after being devastated by Cyclone Debbie back in March 2018. And, after a huge $100 million redevelopment, Daydream Island Resort is doing it in serious fashion — with a 200-metre living reef, three restaurants, a poolside bar and an outdoor cinema to boot.
The exclusive resort reopened today — Monday, April 15 — with 277 fully refurbished suites that span ocean, garden and pool views. Those aren't any ordinary ocean views, either, with crystal clear turquoise waters surrounding every corner of this tiny oasis. And the massive, newly landscaped pool wraps throughout the resort's tropical gardens and links to its coral beaches, offering views of the Great Barrier Reef beyond.
The resort's living reef has also been revitalised — it's a coral lagoon that spans 200 metres and surrounds the central building, with its 1.5 million litres of water housing over 100 species of fish, coral and invertebrates. Guests can learn from local marine biologists while helping to feed baby stingrays and explore the new underwater observatory that lies four metres below sea level.
Looking from from the pool.
Daydream Island will also boast three distinct restaurants and three bars, all of which feature seasonal and local produce. Fine-dining restaurant Infinity offers panoramic ocean views and a menu of Asian-fusion eats, along with a teppanyaki private dining room. Then there's Inkstone Kitchen and Bar, a modern Australian restaurant using native ingredients. Think crispy skin coral trout sourced from Bowen, served over squid ink linguine, and surrounded by thin slices of smoked crocodile and Australian caviar, too. For cocktails, you'll head over to the gin bar, Tonic.
The third dining greenhouse-style option, Graze will open in the coming months, along with two other bars. An outdoor cinema will launch in June, too.
While you're in the region, don't miss the chance to do a bit of exploring and check out the nearby Whitehaven Beach, which is listed as one of the best beaches in the world.Those keen to explore the Whitsundays further can book snorkelling, helicopter tours, sailing, jet-skiing and island-hopping experiences through the resort.
Of course, all this doesn't come cheap. Rates start at $392 per night — and that's just for a standard room. Start saving now, or just daydream by having a scroll through the photos.
Daydream Island Resort is now open. For more to see and do in the region, check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays.