The Whitsundays' Luxury Daydream Island Resort Is Reopening Alongside Queensland's Border

Daydream Island in The Whitsundays is only home to one resort; however the luxury venue has been through a difficult few years. Back in March 2018, it was devastated by Cyclone Debbie. Then, after a huge $100 million redevelopment, Daydream Island Resort reopened in April 2019. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, shutting down the site again — but with Queensland's border starting to reopen, so is the getaway spot.

Boasting a 200-metre living reef, three restaurants and a poolside bar to boot, the exclusive resort reopened to Queensland visitors from Wednesday, July 1, and will do the same with interstate travellers from Friday, July 10. Of course, it's doing so in line with the state's border policy — which mandates that anyone travelling to Queensland from Victoria, including local residents, will be refused entry unless they go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, at their own expense.

If you're a Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory resident eager for a tropical holiday, you'll find 277 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 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 is also a key attraction — 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.

Daydream Island also boasts three distinct restaurants, 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 that's heavy on seafood. And, at greenhouse-style option Graze, you'll tuck into an array of international cuisine.

Drinks-wise, Tonic is the onsite gin bar, with 16 types of cocktails on the menu. Or you can also swim up to the Barefoot Bar, which serves up tipples such as the 'Passionate Living Reef Margarita' (with tequila, cointreau, passionfruit, sugar and lime) and the 'Tim Tam Dreaming' (with Kahlua, Frangelico, Baileys, chocolate, honey and cream).

Daydream Island Resort's reopening will adhere to a COVID Safe Health Management Plan, which, for guests, means a range of new practices and amenities — such as amenity cleaning kits, sanitiser and wipes for everyone; a focus on reduced contact through touchless transactions; contactless check in and check out; and QR code activated menus.

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 $281 per night as part of a reopening special, for a resort room. Start saving now, or just daydream by having a scroll through the photos.

Daydream Island Resort is now open to Queenslanders, and reopens to visitors from interstate from Friday, July 10. For more to see and do in the region, check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays.