The perfect Molle Group island getaway just 10 km from Airlie Beach

 

 

At just one kilometre in length from north to south and about 400 metres wide from east to west, Daydream Island might not be the biggest Island in the Sunshine State, but it is one of the best places to go if you want a mix of relaxation and exploration.

Located just a half an hour ferry ride from the mainland, Daydream is the closest of the Whitsunday islands to Shute Harbour and Airlie Beach. Back in the 1880s, it used to be called West Molle Island. But its name was changed in the 1930s, when it was transformed into a tourist resort.

Currently owned by the CCIG – China Capital Investment Group, who purchased it along with the defunct South Molle Island resort in 2015 for about $30 million, the resort is the perfect place to relax, as accommodation, restaurants and recreational facilities all available.

It is also a terrific base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Whitsunday Islands. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the secluded beaches, lush forest, pristine bays, and fabulous pool side seating that make it one of the best islands in Queensland to visit for a relaxing getaway.

 

 

Where is Daydream Island?

Daydream Island is located in The Whitsunday region of Queensland, about 10 km from the mainland at Airlie Beach.

Situated close to the Great Barrier Reef it is one of the seven Molle Group islands that lie within the Whitsunday Islands.

More specifically, it is about 18 km from Hamilton Island, 24 km from Whitehaven Beach, and around 20 km from Hook Island.

 

 

How To Get To Daydream Island

Daydream Island, which used to be known as West Molle Island, is an easy destination to get to.

Most visitors (and the resort’s staff!) arrive by ferry from Shute Harbour in Airlie Beach, a journey that takes about 35 minutes to complete from the mainland.

The ferry service runs several times a day and you can check our the timetable here.

If you are travelling from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne, you can fly directly to the Great Barrier Reef Airport which is situated on Hamilton Island, from where you can catch a ferry over to Daydream.

Alternatively, you can flying into the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine, and then make your way to Port Beach to board the ferry to Daydream Island.

 

 

The best time to visit Daydream Island

While Daydream Island is a destination you can visit all year round, most tourists prefer to come to the island between the months of March to November.

During the summer months the humidity and warm weather can be quite stifling for many. Additionally, as it is the storm season, ferry crossings sometimes do not happen from Airlie Beach because it is considered too dangerous.

Through the other times of the year, you’ll find the temperature will range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, which makes for wonderful conditions for relaxing by the pool or exploring the neighbouring islands.

 

 

Things to do on Daydream Island

Despite it being so small in size, there is plenty to see and do in and around Daydream Island.

When not enjoying a cooling dip in or gentle lounge by one of its pools, you can explore one of the three islands on the beach. Sunlovers Beach, is somewhere you might also want to snorkel around, as it accommodates live coral outcrops that are home to over 50 different varieties of Coral and more than 40 species of fish.

The island also has a rainforest walk that takes you past the notable Three Brothers Sculptures into a bosky jungle of lush vegetation which is inhabited by tiny sunbirds and parrots.

One of the main attractions on Daydream is the Living Reef Guided Snorkel tour, which you can book through the resort’s tour desk. Additionally, there are around 20 other activities you can do including SUP, kayaking, and a public feeding show of Barry the Shovelnose Ray.

If you want to venture off the island, the ferry will take you to nearby Hamilton Island where you can relax on beautiful Catseye Beach.

You can also choose to go on several tours, including a helicopter ride around the Great Barrier Reef, and various sailing tours, such as the one to Whitehaven Beach.

 

 

Daydream Island Resort

If you want to stay for a few nights on Daydream Island you’ll need to book a room at the Daydream Island Resort.

Recently refurbished the resort offers 240 modern, comfortable and stylish suites and rooms that come with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and multiple bedrooms, depending on the size of your party.

All of them feature a terrace or private balcony that showcases splendid views, of the ocean, marina, garden or pools. They also have a flat-screen TV that offers free in-house movies, and some interconnecting and accessible rooms are available for families and those in wheelchairs.

Guests can enjoy a full complimentary buffet breakfast, and the choice of three restaurants and bars to enjoy dinner (which you’ll have to pay for). Additionally, the resort has several pools you can swim in, a fitness centre and an open-air cinema.

 

 

FAQs About Daydream Island

Here are some answers to questions that are frequently asked about visiting Daydream Island.

 

Can you do a day trip to Daydream Island?

Yes, Daydream Island is a destination you can easily visit on a day trip. If you want to do this you will need to catch the ferry over from the Port of Airlie. The first one departs to the island at 8.45 am and leaves it at 9 pm. There are regular services throughout the day.

 

Can you swim in Daydream Island?

You can swim on the beaches around Daydream Island but as they are not patrolled, it is advisable to exercise caution.

If you would prefer to swim in a pool, there are several to choose from including the Splashes Pool, Inkstone Pool, Tonic Swim Up Bar and Rumbah Pool.

 

Is there sand on Daydream Island?

On Daydream, there is a small stretch of beach that boasts very white sand and is beautifully offset by the shimmering turquoise waters.