From personal experience I can highly recommend Daydream Island.  It is such a cute, lovely resort located in the beautiful Whitsundays.  It is also very easy to get to.  There are two airports you can fly into, the Great Barrier Reef airport on Hamilton Island or the Whitsunday Coast airport on the mainland at Proserpine.  Flying into Hamilton Island is more convenient as you can then get a boat transfer to Daydream Island which takes approximately 30 minutes.  If you fly into Proserpine, you have to get a coach connection from the airport to Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach which takes 30 minutes, then connect with a ferry transfer to Daydream Island, allowing another 30 minutes.

I think it is perfect for families!  Kids absolutely love all the activiites and they never get bored.  There is a daily activities program and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday they feature the latest released movies in a unique open air cinema.  For good value food and a great atmosphere I would suggest the Fish Bowl Tavern.  Serves food such as steak sandwiches, burgers and chips and nachos.  A day trip to the Outer Barrier Reef is also something you should budget for.  You will be amazed by its beauty!

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in the beautiful Whitsundays and is the perfect island getaway for both families and couples.  The resort has a lovely relaxed island feel to it and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

You will never be bored on Daydream Island with so many activities to choose from including a host of free non motorised water equipment including paddle skis, sea kayaks and catamaran sailing.  Daydream Island also offers introductory scuba lessons, snorkelling safaris, open water PADI certificate courses, tennis, an open air cinema and so much more.  Explore more of the Great Barrier Reef with one of the many Great Barrier Cruises that depart from the island daily (charges apply). 

Daydream Island offers a range of eating options to suit all budgets and tastes.  I highly recommend the Fish Bowl Tavern which has great food and a really fun atmosphere.  There are 3 large outdoor lagoon style swimming pools, kids club, mini golf, pool bars, Day Spa and a gorgeous wedding chapel.

Access to Daydream Island can be by air, road or rail.  There are 2 two domestic airports in The Whitsundays, one on Hamilton Island and one on the mainland at Proserpine.  From the airports, you can then be transferred across to Daydream Island by boat or helicopter.

catseye beach

With excellent weather, coral reefs, white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water, Hamilton Island offers travellers the perfect Great Barrier Reef experience! With six accommodation choices to choose from, there is a Hamilton Island Resort that will suit every taste and budget. Hamilton Island is located in the heart of the Whitsundays, and is the largest inhabited island in the group. With its own airport, and direct flights daily from the east coast of Australia, this is the most accessible island on the Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton Island has a year round temperature of 27 degree’s and is the ultimate destination for swimming and snorkelling around the reef, witnessing the natural wonders and the abundant marine life.

main pool

Hamilton Island is the only island that offers guests a choice of 6 hotels. Hamilton Island Bungalow and Terrace are free-standing bungalows with their own balcony overlooking the tropical gardens.  Hamilton Island Holiday Properties offers a range of self contained accommodation, located either resort side or throughout the bushland, sleeping from 1 to 8 people. Famous for its breathtaking views, The Reef View Hotel is one of the most sought after accommodation options on Hamilton Island. Offering affordable, well-appointed suites each with its own private balcony facing the Coral Sea or landscaped tropical gardens. The Whitsunday Holiday Apartments are located on the beachfront and are suited to couples and families looking for the convenience of hotel facilities with the flexibility of self-catering features. The Beach Club offers absolute beachfront boutique style hotel accommodation with stunning views of the Coral Sea. This option is perfect for romantic getaways as it doesn’t cater for children under the age of 18.