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Leave Airlie Beach behind for a full day on Daydream Island, where rays glide through a living coral lagoon, the resort pool looks out across the Whitsundays and lunch comes with an ocean-side setting. Once the ferry arrives, there is no group itinerary to follow, so you can spend the day exactly the way you want.
The island is compact and easy to explore on foot. Start at the Living Reef, where more than 100 species of marine life live in a 200-metre coral lagoon, look beneath the surface from the Underwater Observatory and catch the free public fish-feeding show scheduled for 10am. From there, cool off by the pool, follow the rainforest track towards the quieter southern end or head onto the water with the included non-motorised activities when available.
At lunchtime, settle in at Salti Restaurant & Bar for two courses and one house beer, wine or soft drink. The afternoon stays open for another swim, a walk to Lovers Cove, more time around the Living Reef or simply a quiet spot by the pool with the Whitsunday views in front of you.
The recommended full-day schedule leaves Port of Airlie at around 8.20am and returns at approximately 5.20pm. With the cruise, island access and lunch already arranged, you can enjoy the freedom of an island day without having to organise each part yourself.
We loved every minute of our trip to Daydream Island. The cruise was smooth, the views were stunning, and the island itself is just beautiful. We spent hours by the pool and had a delicious two-course lunch at Salti — great quality and great view!
The Living Reef was a hit with our two kids — they were fascinated by the fish and stingrays! There’s not a ton of structured activities, but the free time was perfect for a slow-paced, family-friendly day.
Meet at 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie)
Check availability to see starting times.
Not allowed
No. The return cruise and lunch are arranged, but your time on Daydream Island is self-guided. You can decide how long to spend at the Living Reef, pools, walking tracks and water activities.
You can view the Living Reef lagoon, visit the Underwater Observatory and attend the free public fish-feeding show scheduled for 10am. Guided animal encounters and the Living Reef Guided Snorkel are separate paid activities and depend on availability.
Swimming and snorkelling inside the Living Reef lagoon are only available as part of a guided Living Reef experience. During the standard island day, you can still swim in the resort pool and enjoy non-motorised water activities when available.
Yes. You can explore the Living Reef and Underwater Observatory, watch the public marine-life show, walk around the island, enjoy the ocean views and relax over lunch without entering the water.
Yes. The compact island, resort pool, Living Reef, walking tracks and flexible schedule give families several ways to enjoy the day together. Optional guided activities may have their own age, swimming and supervision requirements.
Daydream Island is approximately one kilometre from north to south and takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cross on foot. Most main facilities are easy to reach, while rainforest tracks and longer walks are optional.
Outside food and drinks are not normally permitted on the island. Baby formula and food required for an infant are allowed. This tour already includes a two-course lunch and one house beer, wine or soft drink.
Everything was well organised — from the check-in to the ferry ride to lunch. The island is beautiful, and the water is crystal clear. I just wish the day could have been a bit longer!
Honestly, I didn’t expect the lunch to be that good, but it was fantastic! Also loved the chill vibe of the island. It’s not crowded and you really get time to unwind. Would definitely come back.
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