Your dream family holiday at Daydream Island awaits
Fun, sun and… oh, did we mention kids eat for free?
Ask any parent what their dream family holiday would look like and they’re likely to say somewhere with a great swimming pool, food options that cater for fussy eaters, and a kids’ club to keep the little ones busy, while allowing us some much-needed relaxation.
Well, Daydream Island Resort checks all these boxes and then some. When my 9-year-old son and I spent three days at Daydream Island Resort, we experienced the type of holiday that dreams are made of.
We boarded a direct flight from Sydney to Hamilton Island and from there we took a quick 30 minute ferry ride across to Daydream Island.
Check-in was seamless and within minutes we were dropping our bags off in our room and taking in the stunning water views from our balcony. Then, it was time to explore the island…
What to expect at Daydream Island Resort
Located in the Whitsundays in Queensland, Daydream Island Resort is literally paradise for families. From the huge swimming pool, which my son would’ve happily splashed around in all day, to the picturesque coral beaches and rainforest walk, there is so much to see and do.
However, what makes Daydream Island Resort so special is the 200-metre man-made lagoon, called the ‘Living Reef’ that wraps around the main resort building. Featuring real-life reef conditions, the Living Reef flushes in 1.5 million litres of ocean water to sustain over 140 species of fish, including sharks and rays.
You can observe the marine life and coral reef through a large acrylic window, or you can do what my son and I did: join the resort’s marine biologists for a Feeding Tour and a Living Reef Guided Snorkel tour.
Feeding the stingrays and then swimming alongside them, as well as with tropical fish and reef sharks, created a core memory that I’m sure will stick with my son for life. After snorkeling, he excitedly declared that he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up. And I’ll be thrilled if this holiday helps shape his future career path!
The resort also offers a variety of watersports, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For thrillseekers, there’s the option to ride a jetski or take a day tour to further explore the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays.
Kids eat free, yep for FREE!
The dining options at Daydream Island are second to none and one of the best perks for families is the “Kids Eat Free” deal, which runs until December 31, 2024. It means kids aged 2-12 can eat for free when dining with a paying adult.
A full breakfast buffet is offered at Graze, while lunch and dinner are at Salti or Infinity and the food is seasonal, fresh and simply delicious.
Standout dishes included the fish of the day – I enjoyed the barramundi served with grilled heirloom tomato caponata, salsa verde, preserved lemon, and caper frisée. From the kids’ menu, my son ordered the steak and chips multiple times during our stay. It was a sure-fire winner!
What age is the kids club at Daydream Island?
A kids’ club is a non-negotiatiable for some families on holidays as they give parents a some much-needed downtime.
Cockatoo Club is great for kids aged 4-12, offering a fun and active space where they can get creative and enjoy nature. You do need to book in advance, and the kids get a healthy fruit snack while they’re there. The club’s activities are designed for different age groups and include games, crafts, and wildlife experiences, making it easy for them to make new friends. Sounds like a win-win, because it is!
What are the accomodation options?
You’ve got four types of rooms to choose from: Resort Room, Superior Pool or Ocean View, Deluxe Ocean Terrace, and Suites. Whichever you choose, all 240 rooms and suites offer a gorgeous view to wake up to, whether it’s lush tropical gardens or the stunning blue waters of the Whitsundays.
Getting to Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island is surprisingly easy to reach with two nearby airports served by major airlines like Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar. Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) offers direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, followed by a 30-minute boat transfer to the island. Alternatively, you can fly into Proserpine Airport (PPP), drive 40 km to the Port of Airlie, and take a 30-minute boat transfer to Daydream Island.
When is the best time of year to visit Daydream Island?
Locals absolutely adore July through September, and it’s no wonder—it’s prime time to visit Daydream Island! The waters are sting-free, and the weather is just glorious. Days are a bit cooler, hovering around a comfy 24°C, with loads of sunshine and hardly a drop of rain.
Now, when it comes to jellyfish in the Whitsundays, there are two main players: the Irukandji and the Box Jellyfish. They can pop up any time of year but tend to be more active from October to May. Keep an eye out near the mainland, islands, and sometimes even the reef.
To stay safe while swimming, snorkelling, or diving, just take some simple precautions. Accredited Whitsundays tour operators hook you up with protective ‘stinger suits’ for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, usually at little to no cost. So, dive in and enjoy the water worry-free!
Whether you seek adventure, learning, or just relaxation, this resort has it all. With its stunning views, endless fun, and family-friendly vibe, both parents and kids are in for a treat.
So, pack your bags and get ready for a dream holiday on Daydream Island.
Daydream Island Resort
- Book Direct and get 10% off
- Accomodation on our Best Flexible Rate inclusive of full buffet breakfast in Graze.
- Kids Eat Free until 31st December 2024
- Available for all room types.
- Subject to Availibility
