Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island is a small, palm-fringed resort island in the Molle group, just a short sail from Airlie Beach. It is one of the first islands you pass on a Whitsunday Escape charter, and its resort and Living Reef make it a familiar sight in the Whitsunday Passage. Charter boats cannot use the resort marina or moorings, so most guests enjoy Daydream as they sail past, or stop briefly at Lovers Cove on the island’s single public mooring.

Visiting Daydream Island by charter boat

Access to Daydream Island by boat is limited. Here is what you need to know before you go.

• Resort marina: no access for charter boats, as there is not enough turning room.
• Resort moorings: no access for charter boats, for safety reasons.
• Lovers Cove: one public mooring only, and no anchoring. It suits north and north-east winds. If the mooring is taken, carry on to a nearby anchorage.
• Southern reef: the reef off the southern end of the island extends a long way south. Give it a wide berth.

Your briefing covers Daydream Island and the best stops for the forecast before you leave Coral Sea Marina.

About Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef is the only accommodation on the island. Its best-known feature is the Living Reef, a 200 m coral lagoon around the main resort building, home to more than 100 species of marine life. The resort also has pools, restaurants, a day spa and rainforest walks.

The resort is set up for its own guests and ferry visitors, not visiting boats. Want to stay? Book a night at the resort before or after your charter, with ferry transfers from Airlie Beach.

Anchorages near Daydream Island

Daydream Island sits in the middle of some of the closest anchorages to Airlie Beach. These make better stops on your first or last day.

• • Sandy Bay, South Molle Island: public moorings only (4 available), no anchoring. Suits north and north-east winds.
  • Happy Bay, Long Island: a sheltered overnight anchorage in south-east winds.
  • Palm Bay, Long Island: book a resort mooring for dinner and the pool (guests 16 and over).

Best time to visit Daydream Island

The Lovers Cove mooring suits north and north-east winds, which are more common from October to March. In the steady south-east trade winds from April to September, Long Island makes a better nearby stop. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit in the water.

Best Time to Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my charter boat into the Daydream Island marina? No. The marina does not have enough turning room for charter boats, so it is off limits on a Whitsunday Escape charter.

Can I use the Daydream Island Resort moorings? No. The resort moorings are not available to charter boats for safety reasons.

Where can I stop at Daydream Island? Lovers Cove has one public mooring. Anchoring is not permitted, and it suits north and north-east winds only.

Can I visit the Living Reef on my charter? The Living Reef is part of the resort, which is set up for its own guests and ferry visitors. To experience it, book a stay at the resort before or after your charter.

Where can I anchor near Daydream Island? Sandy Bay on South Molle Island and Happy Bay on Long Island are both close by. Your briefing covers the best options for the forecast.

Is Daydream Island close to Airlie Beach? Yes. It is about 5 km off the mainland, so you will pass it soon after leaving Coral Sea Marina.