FAQ
Travel Guide for Daydream Island Resort & Spa
Everybody is going to have a unique stay at Daydream Island, but we have tried to answer some of the more commonly asked questions about taking a trip to the best island in the Whitsundays.
Our Cleanliness Commitment
Daydream Island Resort prides itself on taking care of our guests, staff, and community and we are doing everything we can to ensure the wellbeing, health and safety of our guests and team members. We will continue to deliver our high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Resort along with additional preventative cleaning measures to minimize the risk of any transmission.
We have elevated our cleanliness processes throughout the Island, and we will be using hospital-grade disinfectants recommended and supplied by Ecolab, a global leader in hygiene technologies and service, with increased cleaning of public areas and our accommodation rooms. We will also be adjusting our food and beverage operations to ensure the highest level of hygiene standards and enforcing social distancing measures.
We are undertaking the following measures to maintain a healthy environment:
- Individual guest amenity cleaning kits and personal-use sanitizer/wipes for guests
- Visible sanitizer stations in all high traffic public areas and back of house spaces
- Reinforcement of personal hygiene, proper handwashing and use of hand sanitizers
- New operating procedures to integrate social distancing signage and signals
- Reduced contact and physical interaction at check-in and check-out
- Encourage touchless transactions for all payments throughout the Resort
- Increased cleaning schedules with elevated sanitization of all common areas and high touch surfaces
- Implementation of various social distance guidelines within all public spaces
- Operational changes to food & beverage standards and service protocols
Can I fly to Daydream Island?
When you step onto our shores, you can feel like you’re a world away. But Daydream Island is surprisingly easy to get to. There are two airports in the region, both used by the major airlines including Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.
Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) has direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Once you’ve landed, there is a direct, 30-minute boat transfer to Daydream Island.
Alternatively, Proserpine Airport (PPP) is a 40km drive from the Port of Airlie where you can get a 30-minute boat transfer direct to Daydream Island.
How many levels are at the resort?
The resort has a ground floor, first floor, and in some wings, a second floor. Our low-rise building is nestled into the Northern end of the island with a central, atrium-style building and three wings of accommodation that wrap around our pools and open up to the beach.
Is the resort wheelchair accessible?
The main part of the resort is wheelchair accessible with accessible rooms on the ground and first floors of the resort. Our accessible rooms have wider doorways to the bedroom and bathroom, plus other special features to help guests with additional access requirements.
How big is Daydream Island?
Daydream Island is approximately 1km (about a 10 to 15-minute stroll) from north to south, and 400m east-to-west at its widest point. The highest point on the island is 51m above sea level.
The main area of the resort is at the north of the island, with additional facilities down the south end. You can explore the lush rainforest through the established walking tracks on the western side where you can take in the stunning views from our purpose-built viewing deck. In fact, the whole island is easy to get around on foot.
Can I swim in the Living Reef Lagoon?
Snorkelling in the Living Reef is an experience you’ll never forget, but you’ll have to join one of our marine biologists on a Living Reef Guided Snorkel tour. You’ll see rays, tropical fish and reef sharks up close. See our activities page for more on when our tours are conducted.
Does Daydream Island have interconnecting rooms?
Daydream Island is a special place for families, so we've made it easy to enjoy. We are able to accommodate larger families or those who want more space and privacy by offering two separate rooms which are interconnecting with each other to form a Family Room. Our interconnecting rooms are available across most of our different room types and all with different combinations of bedding. To book a Family Room please select two separate rooms via our website, one king room and one twin room in your desired room type and request that these rooms are interconnected alternatively please contact our Reservations Team on 1800 888 288 who will gladly assist with your enquiry.
What should I pack for my trip?
We like to take it easy on Daydream Island. There's no strict dress code, so casual clothing is fine, including resort wear for dining out. It can get a little cooler at night time so it's a good idea to also pack a light jacket and jeans. If you're planning to spend most of your time outdoors, the Queensland sun can be very strong, so don't forget sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, flip flops/thongs, sandshoes, and of course, your swimmers.
Can I take my dog /cat to Daydream Island on Holiday?
Unfortunately, dogs, cats and pets, in general, are not allowed to be brought with you to Daydream Island on Holiday.
There are a number of reasons why your dogs/cats are not allowed to be brought with you when you’re coming to Daydream Island for a holiday or to live and work.
Why No Dogs and Cats?
Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef is just not suited to larger pets like Dogs and Cats.
The Island has abundant birds, wallabies and wildlife population and having a domestic pet into the mix would just be devastating for the natural fauna.
There are no veterinary services on the island and the nearest vet is located in Airlie Beach which is over 25 minutes away by boat.
It also adds a considerable amount to the cost of the day with Ferry Ticket and taxi fares.
As much as we all love our pets, Daydream Island is just not a pet-friendly place to bring your pets on holiday and that really just has more to do with the logistics of having a dog or pet here on the island.
So, leave your dogs and cats at home with someone that you trust and know that they will be all the happier to see you on your return.
Where can I dine out at Daydream?
Daydream boasts three signature restaurants and three new bars, each defined by their own distinct design and flavour. Seasonal, local produce is the hero in all our dishes.
Overlooking our Living Reef lagoon, our modern Australian bistro restaurant, Graze ,offers daily buffet breakfast with a selection of freshly baked pastries, cold cuts, cheese, fresh fruits and a variety of hot food.
Infinity is our innovative Asian-fusion restaurant made from the best of Queensland produce.
Embark on a unique culinary voyage at Salti, where the freshest Whitsunday seafood meets the timeless flavors of the Mediterranean, creating a dining experience that is truly a celebration of coastal life. Open for lunch and dinner.
How do I get to and from the mainland?
Boat transfers to Daydream Island are provided by Cruise Whitsundays directly from the Port of Airlie on their fleet of purpose-built, modern vessels. All boat transfers are scheduled to coincide with arriving and departing flights from both airports.
When is stinger season?
There are two types of ‘stingers’ in the area: the Irukandji Jellyfish and the Box Jellyfish. They might be present year-round, but there is a higher risk between October and May where jellyfish can be found around the mainland, islands and occasionally the reef.
By taking some simple precautions to minimise the risk you can safely and comfortably swim in all parts of the Whitsundays. When snorkelling, diving, or swimming with an accredited Whitsundays tour operator, protective 'stinger suits' will be available to all customers at little (or no) cost.
If you are stung, Whitsunday Regional Council provide vinegar to treat stings at each of the beaches on the Whitsunday Coast and all tour operators should also carry vinegar. Pour vinegar liberally over the affected area and seek medical attention urgently. If you need an ambulance, call 000.
Can I bring my own food and beverage to the Island?
Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol or any type of food or beverage onto the island due to hygiene and food safety guidelines. Baby formula and necessary food for a baby/infant are exceptions and permitted.
Can I bring bikes & ride-ons?
Due to the high probability of guests being injured due to the use of this equipment, we're currently unable to accommodate bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
Are there any drone restrictions?
Due to the high rates of air traffic in the Whitsundays, as a result of the region's multiple heli-pads and two airports located at Proserpine and Hamilton Island, the use of recreational drones is not permitted on Daydream Island Resort.
Please visit our Drone Policy here for more details.