The Daydream Island Resort in the Whitsundays is for parents and kids

This is the island resort for low-key families.

Think Whitsundays and you're hardwired to conjure up images of romantic getaways and adults-only resorts, but this stay is far from that - giving adults and kids alike unforgettable experiences in Queensland's popular holiday spot. 

The lowdown

Forget designer kaftans and overpriced flip flops, Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef is a far cry from neighbouring Hamilton, and you’ll be happy it is. Combine lagoon-style pools and fine dining restaurants with ping pong tables and a lolly shack for an experience chilled-out families will love.

Does a view get better than this?

Location

Play “guess the island” with the kids as you journey past the coves of the forever appealing Whitsundays. Whether you’re travelling by ferry from the mainland or Hamilton Island, the boat ride to Daydream is part of the fun. 

The resort map makes the island appear larger than it is. The hotel is situated at one end of the island, while the other end is essentially abandoned (following Cyclone Debbie in 2017), save for the water sports desk and a pool.

Smack bang in the middle of paradise.

Set the scene

Small white beaches descend into reefs and sapphire water at the northern end of Daydream. Low apartments line the sand. Palm trees wave to guests aboard the Cruise Whitsundays ferry. Friendly resort workers direct you past large, white letters that spell Daydream Island. Inside, vines crawl over plantation shutters in a spacious atrium lounge where families chill pre- and post- tours. As far as entrances go, this one is impressive. 

Low apartments line the sand and palm trees wave to guests.

The room

The view over Whitsunday Passage from my Deluxe Serenity Twin Room was dreamy - living up to the island’s name. It was also quiet and secluded, yet only a short stroll toward the popular snorkelling spot of Lovers Cove and the starting point of a rainforest trail. There were two queen beds, a large bathroom with separate shower and spa bath, and a balcony. There was also plenty of space for luggage, and for my son to build a pillow fort. 

However, as luxurious as my room was, I found myself slightly envious of the guests I’d see dripping from the pools to their ground-floor rooms only metres away. These Superior Rooms (with Poolside or Pool View options) would be my pick for next time. 

Spacious, two queen beds and stunning views.

Food and drinks

Bush-stone curlews prowl the dining room at Salti Restaurant, cheekily eyeing off diners’ dishes but never being brave enough to snap up a Queensland prawn. They make for curious, albeit slightly intimidating, lunch guests. But who can blame them? The chefs at Salti do a good job of creating a wide-ranging menu in their remote island setting. Clay-fired pizza is the specialty, but you can also enjoy a hearty beef pasta or oysters. On the kids’ menu, it’s nice to see grilled steak or grilled chicken over deep-fried options.

Upstairs is the more sophisticated Infinity Restaurant, with stellar sunset views. Open for dinner, the menu here is modern Asian, featuring delicious beef short ribs, karaage chicken and a raspberry and chocolate fondant so mouthwatering that I returned the following night to order it again. The setting is intimate; reserve a table so you don’t miss out. As for the kids, they’ll enjoy the popcorn chicken and fried rice.

Unbeatable views when you dine at Salti Restaurant.

Although there is also a bar, coffee kiosk and lolly shack, there are only two island restaurants. After three nights, I was hankering for more choices. During school holidays, I am told there’s a poolside pop-up with street food offerings, as well as a proper snack menu at the bar. So you have to decide: opt for a quieter holiday with fewer facilities, or travel during peak season and get the full resort experience? I’d probably opt for the latter, otherwise take a cooler bag with fruit.

The extras

What sells this resort is the Living Reef, which is like an aquarium without a roof. You’ll get a kick out of snorkelling with the resident shovelnose rays, mangrove rays and adorable epaulette sharks. This guided snorkel is great for families to do together; kids must be at least 10 years old.  Our other favourite activity was the stingray splash, where rays swim in between your legs in a shallow pool. Younger kids can take part in this, while even younger still can help with fish feeding.

Snorkel with stingrays at Living Reef.

What’s hot

The resort is running a Kids Eat Free special until 31 December 2024, available for children aged 2-12 years. The deal includes breakfast at Graze, as well as lunch and dinner at Infinity Restaurant and the new-look Salti Restaurant.

What’s not

The teacups in the hotel rooms are barely larger than a tea bag, meaning that making a tea is a messy and unsatisfying endeavour. Management needs to replace these cups, and until they do, pack your own.

The verdict: 8/10

Daydream Island Resort is a fabulous destination for families in search of an adventure with minimal hassle and plenty of water-based fun.

At the time of writing this, Resort Rooms start at $236.70 a night, while Deluxe Serenity Twins start at $395 a night. 

The writer travelled as a guest of Daydream Island Resort.

Originally published as The Daydream Island Resort in the Whitsundays is for parents and kids