AMAZING THINGS YOU CAN DO AT DAYDREAM ISLAND
The countdown is on. Daydream Island Resort, a dazzling oasis in the Whitsundays, reopens next month after an extensive refurbishment. Here’s what to expect.
1. Feed wild fish at Lovers Cove. Or even better, go snorkelling at Lovers Cove while the fish are being fed to see the most magnificent array of local sea creatures gather to dine. Aside from snorkelling, there are lots of other ways to explore the island – you can try your hand at kayaking around the entire isle, take a jet ski for a spin, or if you don’t feel like getting wet, how about a sailboat?
2. As the sun sets, try a bespoke martini at Tonic,
the specialty bar serving gin and vodka-based cocktails. It’s a perfect precursor to a teppanyaki feast in a private room at Infinity, the resort’s Asian-fusion restaurant, which has expansive views over the Whitsunday Islands. Or you can drop into Inkstone Kitchen & Bar at any time of day – for an omelette, woodfired pizzas at lunch, or light snacks before dinner. If you love the choice a buffet offers, Graze Interactive Dining is open for breakfast and dinner.
3. Wish Barry the shovelnose ray
a belated happy birthday – he turned one in February and is only the second of his kind to be born in captivity in Australia. He might even have a little brother or sister soon. At the Living Reef (a man-made coral lagoon), you can feed the friendly spotted rays – squid is their favourite snack. Keep an eye out for Discus, the oldest ray at the Living Reef – he sometimes knocks other fish out of the way to get more food.
4. Wander through the Living Reef
or join one of the daily education tours to learn more about the conservation effort and the animals that live here. If you’ve visited the island before, you’ll notice it’s in one location (the north end) and is much bigger. Filtered ocean water washes through the reef every day so it’s as close to the wild as possible. There are plenty of orange clown fish and blue-green damsel fish swimming among the anemones and coral. The coral is one of the most spectacular parts of the Living Reef, with a huge variety in every shape and colour. Make sure to visit the new underwater observatory, which is located at the deepest part of the lagoon. You’ll be able to see shovelnose rays, coral trout that are 75 centimetres long and stingrays, as well as epaulette, blacktip reef and bamboo sharks.
5. Discover the 73 other islands of the Whitsundays,
as well as the spectacular Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays. It offers guided snorkelling tours and glass-bottomed boat trips. Or if you’re not ready for the open ocean, go on a guided snorkel in the Living Reef and you’ll learn all about the animals that live there from the resident marine biologists.
6. Send the little ones to kids’ club for a few hours of quiet relaxation.
They’ll get to learn all about marine biology and explore the island while you lie by the pool in the adults-only area with a good book, sipping tropical cocktails. Hungry? You can stay in your swimmers and order a burger from the poolside Barefoot Bar.
7. Work off your breakfast (you won’t be able to resist visiting the buffet multiple times) on the rainforest walk. There are stunning views from the top of the island. Visit the friendly wallaroos that roam about the island at dusk. Watch a romantic movie at the outdoor cinema and hold hands with your partner. Lie in a hammock between two palm trees and feel at peace – you’re in paradise.
8. Turn the alarm clock off and have a lazy morning in your king-sized bed, a gentle breeze drifting through your window. When you finally get up, enjoy a coffee on your terrace – there are views of the ocean, pool or garden in each of the 277 rooms. It’s a stunning vista no matter where you’re staying.