Daydream Island Getaways Sale On Now

DAYDREAMING of warmer weather?

Escape the cooler temperatures and enjoy a tropical getaway at Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays with a brand new offer.

The Resort is offering a three-day package priced from $372* per person, twin share in a Garden Balcony Room – an amazing 20 per cent saving.

The package includes three nights accommodation, a scrumptious full buffet breakfast daily, a bonus $50 food and beverage voucher per room, per stay (children stay and eat breakfast free of charge), free shell necklace and mocktails on arrival, free Wi-Fi in atrium 24 hours a day and a free holiday portrait during your stay.

Guests will also enjoy over 20 free guest activities including kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddle boards, stingray and shark feeding show, open air cinema, rainforest walk, gym and much more.

Guests can also upgrade to an Ocean Balcony Room from only $462* per person twin share (a 20 per cent saving) or a Coral Ocean Balcony Room from only $522* per person twin share (a 20 per cent saving).

The special is on sale from now until August 16, 2015 and valid for travel between May 1, 2015 - March 24, 2016 (block out dates apply).

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s stunning Whitsunday Islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

The multi award-winning resort is home to one of the world’s largest man-made living reef lagoons known as The Living Reef, a great selection of restaurants and bars, a fringing coral reef and Rejuvenation Spa offering a selection of health and beauty treatments.

For bookings free call reservations on 1800 075 040, contact your local travel agent or visit www.daydreamisland.com

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. On sale 01 May 2015 – 16 August 2015. For travel 01 May 2015 – 24 March 2016 (Blockout dates apply). Children 0-14 years inclusive stay and eat breakfast free of charge when sharing a room with parents/adults and utilising existing bedding. Max capacity of 4 people per hotel room/suite. Max capacity of 8 people per family room. Cots can be provided free of charge. Launch transfers are not included and must be booked at time of booking accommodation.

ENDS

Get ready for Daydream’s Easter Eggstravaganza

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is launching a series of egg-citing activities for families to celebrate Easter Sunday on April 5, 2015.

The day’s proceedings will kick off at 10am when the Easter Bunny arrives at the Atrium, followed by a photo session at Lagoon’s Lounge until 10.30am.

Families are then invited to a traditional Easter Egg hunt at the Southern End Grass at 11am where they can search for hundreds of chocolate eggs.

The Easter Egg hunt will be immediately followed by some fun games for everyone to enjoy including Egg and Spoon Races, Potato Sack Races and Three Legged Races at the Southern End Grass from 11.15am-12pm.

There will be face painting, Easter colouring activities and Easter crafts from 12.30pm-1.30pm in the Southern End Gazebo.

The day will wrap up with an action packed game of Twilight Mini Golf at 5.30pm and a movie at the outdoor cinema from 7.30pm.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s resort manager Warren McCorriston said the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter activities were extremely popular with families.

“What better way to celebrate Easter Sunday than by being on a beautiful tropical island? It will be a fantastic day out for the whole family,” he said.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s stunning Whitsunday Islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

The multi award-winning resort is home to one of the world’s largest man-made living reef lagoons known as The Living Reef, a great selection of restaurants and bars, a fringing coral reef and Rejuvenation Spa offering a comprehensive selection of health and beauty treatments.

For bookings free call reservations on 1800 075 040, contact your local travel agent or visit www.daydreamisland.com

5 Reasons Daydream Island is one of Australia’s top snorkelling spots

Juvenile Anemonefish at Daydream Island

IF snorkelling with the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, you may want to book a trip to Daydream Island immediately.

Located in the Whitsundays, Daydream Island is one of the most naturally beautiful islands in Australia with white coral beaches and turquoise seas.

The island is also a snorkeller’s paradise.

John Gaskell, the manager of Daydream Island’s Living Reef attraction, and resident marine biologist, said the waters surrounding the island were teaming with fish and coral.

“The diversity of fish and corals found around Daydream Island is comparable to even the most dense parts of the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

He said the coral reefs, particularly those around popular Lovers Cove, allowed people to snorkel in a safe environment that boasted many of the region’s marine wonders.

Here are five great reasons you should snorkel at Daydream Island:

1) Easy Access

The island is easily accessible to travellers and is only a 30-minute ferry trip from the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island (which has direct flights daily to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns).

Travellers can also fly to the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine on the mainland. From the airport, there is a 30-minute transfer to the Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach, where a connecting ferry transfers guests to Daydream in 30 minutes.

Once you get to the island, you can immediately go snorkelling off one of the island’s most popular locations, Lovers Cove.

2) You can see Nemo’s Cousin!

Ever since the Disney movie Finding Nemo, children and adults have alike have been fascinated by the striking orange Clownfish or ‘Nemo’.

At Daydream Island, snorkellers can see ‘Nemo’s cousin, the gorgeous Red-And-Black Anemonefish. They can also see five other Anemonefish from the same genus in this part of the Great Barrier Reef.

“Evidence of breeding Red-and-Black Anemonefish is an indicator of the health of the fringing reef habitat that surrounds Daydream Island,” said Mr Gaskell.

3) Great variety

Surf Parrotfish viewed whilst snorkelling at Lovers Cove

Daydream Island has a diverse and extensive marine ecosystem. Just a few metres off the shore of popular Lovers Cove, snorkellers can see a variety of colourful fish including the aforementioned Red-And-Black- Anemone Fish, the colourful Surf Parrot fish, the Blue Tuskfish, Fusiliers and Sergeant Majors.

4) The Fish Come to You!

If snorkelling is a bit too much effort, you can just sit in the shallows and wait for the fish to come to you! A staff member will simply throw fish pellets into the water and before you know it, the fish will be swimming around your feet. Easy!

5) Education

Want to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef?

Daydream Island is also home to one of the world’s largest man-made living coral reef lagoons, the Living Reef. It features more than 140 species of marine fish and 80 species of coral and guests have the opportunity to hand feed resident stingrays, sharks and barramundi.

There’s also the Living Reef Ranger program for those guests who want an extended hands-on Living Reef experience and become more educated about the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and the animals that live within it.

Bookings can be made at the Activities Desk.

For more information on visiting Daydream Island visit www.daydreamisland.com

Daydream Island sold to international buyer

Iconic Queensland tropical island destination Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the Whitsundays will (subject to Government approval) be sold to China Capital Investment Group (www.ccig.com) for an undisclosed sum. It is currently intended that the sale will take place in mid March 2015.

Following an extensive international marketing campaign Daydream Island’s long-time owner Mr Vaughan Bullivant has secured a sale to CCIG Australia Pty Ltd and CCIG Investments Pty Ltd. The new owners intend to continue to operate Daydream Island Resort and Spa and invest money into the gradual refurbishment of the popular resort.

“I’m delighted that we’ve found an investor that can continue to operate Daydream with the current management team and take it securely forward,” Mr Bullivant said.

“Daydream Island has been a huge part of my life and I’ve put so much passion into making it a great tropical island experience but have known for some time it’s best for another owner to continue my vision.

“This is a great day for Daydream and whilst I’m sad to be parting ways the island has a very bright future.

“The new owners also have an opportunity to develop further the southern end of the island and offer new accommodation experiences.”

China Capital Investment Group, based in Shanghai, has several tourism assets in its portfolio with Daydream Island representing its first investment in Australia.

Chairman of CCIG Chuanyou Zhou said, "We look forward to improving the property and providing both domestic and international guests with a continued high level of quality service and enhancing their holiday experience.”

Vitamin and health magnate Mr Bullivant bought Daydream Island in 2000 and immediately reinvigorated the resort with an extensive overhaul to bring it up to international standards and become one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Australia.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa chief executive officer Scott Wilkinson said, “It’s business as usual at Daydream and we’re pleased to welcome a new owner who will continue to develop the tourism experience for our guests in our key markets.

“We’ve just experienced a busy holiday period and look forward to building on the positive guest feedback we continue to receive.

“Our leisure, weddings and conferencing sectors all have strong forward bookings for 2015. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead.”

Four and a half star Daydream Island Resort and Spa has 296 rooms and suites, each offering views of tropical waters or rainforest. The island features white coral beaches and lush rainforest and has been the recipient of numerous tourism and hospitality awards including the 2014 Whitsunday Tourism award for Best Deluxe Accommodation, subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame, and a prestigious silver award for deluxe accommodation at the 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Daydream Island is home to The Living Reef which is the largest open air aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere and is located within the resort and comprises two lagoons with over 80 varieties of coral and more than 140 species of fish including sharks, stingrays, giant barramundi and many tropical marine fish including the much loved clownfish.

Guests can also indulge and be pampered at the world-class Rejuvenation Spa. The refined elegance of this spectacular facility is reflected in its 16 private rooms offering the latest in naturopathy, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy or reflexology to stimulate the senses and bring harmony to mind, body and soul.


ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs

Coral spawning season begins on Daydream Island

Daydream Island’s resident biologists were witness to one of the world’s natural wonders last week – the annual coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef.

The amazing phenomenon, which usually resembles an underwater snowstorm, occurs when hard coral polyps simultaneously release egg and sperm into the water column to increase the chance of fertilisation.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s Living Reef Manager John Gaskell said island biologists had seen the spectacular sight while diving in the waters off the island.

“The annual coral spawning is an event that has to be seen to be believed,” he said.

“The Great Barrier Reef coral spawning is often referred to as the biggest reproductive phenomenon on earth. We’re incredibly lucky to see such a rare event.”

He said the event always occurred a few days after the full moon in November or December, around two to three hours after dark when most of the day predators were less active.

Large spawning events on Western Australia's reefs usually occur in autumn, while large events on the Great Barrier Reef usually occur in late spring or early summer.

Mr Gaskell said researchers had predicted there would be another spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef approximately four days after the December full moon.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s tropical Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, only a 30-minute boat ride from Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) and a 30 minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach.

The award-winning resort features 296 rooms and suites, a great selection of restaurants and bars, lagoon swimming pools, a fringing coral reef to explore and a Rejuvenation Spa offering health and beauty treatments.

There are over 20 free guest activities, which include kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, a stingray and shark feeding show and an open-air cinema.

For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com

ENDS Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs

Celebrate New Years at Daydream Island

See in the New Year with two spectacular fireworks shows, live music and views of the Whitsunday Passage at Daydream Island Resort and Spa.

Daydream has just opened bookings for its popular annual New Year’s Eve dinner and bookings are expected to fill up soon.

“Why not celebrate the start of 2015 in true island style?” said Daydream Island Resort and Spa Manager Warren McCorriston.

“You’ll be able to dance the night away under swaying palms and a sky full of fireworks. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks, great music from live band Honey Remixed and a beautiful tropical island backdrop. It will be a truly amazing night.”

There will be two different dinner options to choose from.

Waterfalls Restaurant will be hosting a sensational seafood buffet. Sittings are from 5.30pm and tickets are $130 for adults, $85 for children (14-18 years), $55 for children (eight to 13 years) and $20 for children (infant to eight years).

Mermaids Restaurant will be hosting a ‘Black and White’ themed three-course dinner from 6pm-9.30pm. Cost is $120 for adults, $80 for children (14-18 years), $50 for children (eight to 13 years) and $20 for children (infant to eight years).

For bookings and enquiries call events on (07) 4967 6023.

Baby Nemos to find new home at Daydream Island

Male clownfish nurturing the eggs

Daydream Island Resort and Spa in the tropical Whitsundays is getting ready to welcome its first set of baby ‘Nemos’ to the world.

Daydream’s marine biologists have discovered that one of the resort’s six clownfish pairs have laid its first batch of eggs in the Nemoville Lagoon in the iconic Living Reef attraction. The clownfish pair will guard the eggs until they hatch within the next 10 days.

The clownfish, known for its striped orange and white appearance, is often referred to as ‘Nemo’ after the main character of the popular Disney animated film, Finding Nemo.

“With the sea temperatures slowly increasing, many species of fish have begun spawning and sights like this will become more common,” said Living Reef Manager John Gaskell.

“It is great to see that the animals in the Living Reef on Daydream Island are healthy and happy enough in their environment to reproduce.”

Clownfish are monogamous, choosing one partner for life. When the conditions are right and as the water temperature warms up, the male will prepare an area suitable for the female to lay her eggs. The nest area is usually on a hard surface next to an anemone so the anemone tentacles protect the eggs. Once the female lays her eggs it is the male that does most of the work, making sure the eggs are well ventilated and protected from predators. Clownfish eggs hatch in less than 10 days depending on the temperature of the water.

The female standing guard

“Once the young clownfish hatch they will generally be carried away by currents and hopefully drift towards an anemone where they might establish their new home,” John Gaskell said.

“We will endeavour to catch some and put them in a holding tank to ensure survival, though this might be difficult as they hatch at night.

“Either way we can expect an increase in our clownfish population which is always one of our most popular attractions.”

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s Living Reef is one of the world's largest man-made living coral reef lagoons.

It is home to more than 140 species of colourful marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

Comprising a north and south lagoon and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water, the Living Reef lets visitors learn about and get up close to the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef.

For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com 

Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs
Pictures: John Gaskell

Daydream Island – A Snorkelling Haven

John Gaskell snorkelling at Daydream Island

Snorkelling on Daydream Island’s fringing coral reef is fast becoming one of the ‘must do’ activities for guests at the Whitsunday resort.

Daydream is located very close to Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday coast and about a two-hour boat ride away from the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.

Daydream Island’s resident marine biologist and Living Reef manager John Gaskell says that many people aren’t aware that Daydream has such a rich diversity of marine life immediately off the island.

“Many people assume the marine life density and diversity is nothing special,” Mr Gaskell said. “At least not until they get in.

“The health of this fringing reef habitat is actually comparable to the best and most dense parts of the Great Barrier Reef.

Honeycomb Moray Eel

“It may not have the consistently clear water of the outer reef, but there is no shortage of fascinating animals.”

Over the past three months, Daydream’s Living Reef biologists have taken the opportunity to investigate the coral reef habitats that surround Daydream Island and document their findings.

“Spending every opportunity in the water has certainly changed our view of the fringing reef health around Daydream Island,” Mr Gaskell said.

Stony Corals such as Staghorn and Brain Corals dominate the south-eastern side, whereas up at Lovers Cove on the north-west, colourful soft corals use the island as protection from the current. In amongst these corals lives a surprising diversity of marine animals.

Daydream is set in the Molle Channel providing good nutrient flow and plenty of opportunity for species recruitment. Colourful corals, reef fish, turtles, eels, octopuses, small sharks, rays, shrimps and colourful nudibranchs are just some of the animals that are commonly observed while snorkelling there.

Flowerpot coral at Daydream

It was not until recently that the Daydream team decided to grab their torches and snorkels to venture out at night. It is well known in the marine world that the ocean comes alive at night as many species prefer to hunt with the cover of darkness. Daydream Island is no exception. Octopuses, squids, huge crayfish, “friendly” sharks, rays and a range of invertebrates all contribute to the busy nightlife throughout the fringing reef.

Although night snorkelling is not recommended without experience, Daydream Island’s Lovers Cove provides a safe haven to view many of the animals. And for those who want to experience the local wild fish and prefer not to get too wet, this is where wild fish feeding takes place.

John Gaskell has also developed an iPhone app called Sea Life Australia, which identifies and provides information on over 950 species of marine life in Australia’s waters.

“I’m very impressed with the number and variety of species found right here on Daydream’s fringing reef itself,” he said.

Fish feeding at Lovers Cove

“You do not need to venture out to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef to get an amazing tropical reef experience.”

Guests can either bring their own snorkelling gear or else hire it from the water sports centre.

Daydream’s on-island Living Reef attraction is one of the world's largest man-made living coral reef lagoons, home to more than 140 species of marine fish, 82 species of coral and 15 species of invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

Comprising a north and south lagoon and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water, the Living Reef lets visitors learn about and get up close to the fascinating inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef.