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.

Daydream’s Private Romantic Dinners

Romantic private dinner at Lovers Cove

Indulge in a romantic, private candlelight dinner on the beach under the stars as part of a private dinner offering from Daydream Island Resort and Spa.

Daydream Island is offering guests their own private dinners with personal waiter, white linen and a sumptuous four-course dinner with a bottle of wine.

Guests can choose from up to six locations around the island including Lovers Cove and Mermaids Beach, and a lookout with views over spectacular Whitsunday Passage.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa wedding sales executive Alicia Evans said the private dinners were unforgettable experiences perfect for special occasions such as elopements, anniversaries, small weddings and wedding proposals.

“Your private dining experience begins with some delicious amuse bouches enjoyed with a bottle of white, red or sparkling wine,” she said.

“Daydream Island’s executive chef has created some decadent flavours for the entrees and main meals, such as beef tenderloin with pommes pont neuf, broccoli and horseradish cream served with a red current jus or red fillet emperor served on Asian greens.

“A private waiter will tend to all of your dining needs, while you take in the beautiful surroundings and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your time on Daydream Island.”

Private dinners for two people are priced from $500 per couple, depending on location. Additional guests are $90 per individual and $160 per couple.

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

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