Daydream Island
Close to shore. Far from ordinary.
Thirty minutes from Airlie Beach by ferry. The Living Reef is a 200-metre free-form coral lagoon with more than 100 species of local marine life and an Underwater Observatory. Activities include rainforest walks, an outdoor cinema and non-motorised water sports.
Experiences
From the Living Reef to off-island tours, Daydream brings reef, island and resort experiences together in a compact setting. Explore the Living Reef with resident marine biologists, or choose kayaking, rainforest walks and tours to Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and scenic flights over Heart Reef through the resort's tour desk. Activities, inclusions and availability vary, so check the resort's current schedules before booking.
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef
Find information on booking rooms, prices, and deals.
Learn MoreTraveller Tips
Cruise Whitsundays operates resort transfers from Port of Airlie. Check the current timetable and book ahead, especially during school holidays and long weekends.
You can view the Living Reef around the resort and through the Underwater Observatory. Guided Living Reef activities have separate schedules, age limits and charges, so check and book the current experience.
The tour desk arranges off-island tours, including Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef experiences. Book before your stay because tours are subject to availability and weather.
Day access is available through the Daydream Island Escape package, rather than ordinary resort-connection fares. Check the package's current inclusions and conditions before travelling.
Getting to Daydream Island
Daydream Island is reached by Cruise Whitsundays transfers from Port of Airlie, with scheduled services that vary by timetable. Some services connect with Hamilton Island Airport for flight passengers. Check and book the current transfer that matches your travel plans.
Getting to Daydream Island
Daydream Island is reached by Cruise Whitsundays transfers from Port of Airlie, with scheduled services that vary by timetable. Some services connect with Hamilton Island Airport for flight passengers. Check and book the current transfer that matches your travel plans.
Activities on Daydream Island
Daydream Island's current activities include pools, coral beaches, rainforest walks, an outdoor cinema and non-motorised water sports. Cockatoo Club is available for children aged 4 to 12, subject to availability and advance booking. Living Reef and off-island experiences have their own schedules, age limits, prices and booking requirements, so check the resort's current activity guides before you travel. The tour desk also arranges trips to Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and scenic flights over Heart Reef, subject to availability and weather.
Activities on Daydream Island
Daydream Island's current activities include pools, coral beaches, rainforest walks, an outdoor cinema and non-motorised water sports. Cockatoo Club is available for children aged 4 to 12, subject to availability and advance booking. Living Reef and off-island experiences have their own schedules, age limits, prices and booking requirements, so check the resort's current activity guides before you travel. The tour desk also arranges trips to Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and scenic flights over Heart Reef, subject to availability and weather.
Eat & Drink
Dining on the island ranges from Graze Interactive Dining and Salti Restaurant and Bar to Infinity Restaurant and Tonic Bar. Check the resort's current opening hours and venue availability before your stay.
Hit The Trail
Daydream Island is about 1km from north to south, with established walking tracks and a purpose-built viewing deck. Check current access conditions and allow time for the route that suits you.
Find Your Way.
Daydream Island FAQs
How do I get to Daydream Island?
Cruise Whitsundays operates scheduled transfers between Port of Airlie and Daydream Island. Journey times and routes vary by service, and some connections serve Hamilton Island Airport for flight passengers. Check the current timetable and book the transfer that matches your arrival and departure plans.
What is the Living Reef?
The Living Reef is a 200-metre free-form coral lagoon around Daydream Island Resort's central building, with more than 100 species of local marine life. You can view it from around the resort and through the Underwater Observatory. Guided snorkels and other marine-biologist-led activities have separate schedules, age limits and charges, so check and book the current experience.
Are there activities for kids on Daydream Island?
Families can use the resort's pools, coral beaches, rainforest walks, outdoor cinema and non-motorised water activities, subject to the current schedule and availability. Cockatoo Club is currently for children aged 4 to 12; bookings are essential and sessions are subject to availability. Living Reef activities have their own age limits, prices and group sizes, so check the resort's current guides.
Can I visit Daydream Island as a day trip?
Yes, but ordinary resort-connection fares are not available to day guests. Cruise Whitsundays currently offers Daydream Island Escape as a packaged day trip from Port of Airlie, with specified ferry times and inclusions. Check the latest package, availability and conditions before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Daydream Island?
Daydream Island can be visited throughout the year, but weather, sea conditions, resort activities and ferry schedules vary. Choose dates around the experience you want, check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast and current resort schedule, and book early for school-holiday and long-weekend periods.
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