DAYDREAM'S 'CITIZEN SCIENCE' CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE GUESTS ABOUT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND OCEAN LIFE HAS ALREADY BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES

April 15, 2019: The iconic Daydream Island Resort has officially reopened (today, April 15) following an 18-month, AUD$100 million (US$72 million plus) refurbishment. The stunning Whitsundays island is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, that is the largest coral reef system in the world, teeming with marine life.

 Daydream offers a tropical haven for couples and families, with a new series of 'Citizen Science' initiatives to educate visitors about how they can help protect the world's oceans and myriad of underwater creatures.

Daydream was recently recognised by The New York Times for its programs run by three on- site marine biologists. The Resort's Living Reef  is a free form coral lagoon, wrapping 200 meters around the resort and holding more than 1.5 million litres of water. Guests can join the marine biology team, led by Johnny Gaskell to interact, in sustainable ways, with more than 100 species of marine fish, coral, and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

Gaskell also heads out with snorkelers and divers onto the Great Barrier Reef.

“One really cool thing that we've recently developed – our pride and joy really – is our 'Reef After Dark' program at Daydream Island. We basically jump into the ocean at night time and live stream what we see onto a giant screen for guests,” he said.

Guests can be a Marine Biologist for a Day and assist the team with a guided fish feed, stingray splash with baby rays and a behind-the-scenes look at the new Touch Tank and Underwater Observatory (15 years and older; AUD$220pp (US$156 a person).

The Living Reef Guided Snorkel provides up to six people at a time with a unique way of experiencing the Reef, getting close to its rays, fish and reef sharks (10 years and older; $100pp or US$71pp).

When guests are not exploring the reef, and seeing creatures up close they can explore the small, private island where sunbirds, parrots and other native wildlife abounds. Don't be surprised to see a wallaby on the beach.

All 277-guest rooms and suites overlook the Resort's lush gardens and pools, or the stunning blue sea. Bathed in natural light, the hotel complements the beaches and forest landscape of the island.

A daily activities calendar showcases the Resort's renewed emphasis on the environment – free Wildlife and Rainforest walks and stingray and shark feeding. There is also Sunrise stretch and Aqua aerobics, blending relaxation and rejuvenation of the body, with a focus on the mind through educational activities.

Guests can explore the surrounding Great Barrier Reef Marine Park by sailboat or jet ski, or choose a self-guided snorkel safari. Helicopter sightseeing experiences over the Great Barrier Reef and to Whitehaven Beach - a four-mile stretch of pristine white sand on Whitsunday Island – are among options. Non-motorised water sports such as stand up paddle boarding and kayaking are also available.

Dining on the island is relaxed, with seafood and other Australian ingredients playing a key role on menus from three restaurants. Graze Interactive Dining provides buffet-style dining with live cooking stations, while Infinity draws inspiration from five nations to offer Asian fusion cuisine. Inkstone Kitchen and Bar has a contemporary and informal ambience. Three bars, Barefoot Bar; Tonic; and Silica offer up signature cocktails.

Jayson Heron, Daydream Island Resort's Director of Sales & Marketing, said: “With our beautiful setting – one of the best areas in the world - we encourage our guests to enjoy the natural world.”

Daydream Island Resort is easily accessible by Cruise Whitsundays sea transfer from Port of Airlie or Hamilton Island or by air shuttle from Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Cost per night from AUD$392 (approx. USD$283) including breakfast for 2, Kids 12 and under eat free

Media contact:

Julie Earle-Levine, JEL Consulting in New York

Julie@julieearle.net
(1) 917 673 3095

About Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort reopens on 15 April 2019 following an extensive AUD$100 million redevelopment. Offering a relaxing getaway in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, the 277-room and suite Daydream Island Resort also features educational programs at their Living Reef, educating guests about marine biology and ecology. Daydream Island Resort provides an idyllic retreat for families, couples and incentive groups.