One of Australia’s favourite family holiday spots is set to get a makeover and it’s looking rather fancy.
Daydream Island in the Whitsundays was damaged during Cyclone Debbie’s arrival in March and the already planned revamp of the island was brought forward as a result.
The redevelopment project will cost Daydream Island $86 million and is expected to be a real boost for the region in terms of tourism but also local jobs.
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“Once Daydream Island has reopened, there will be at least 270 job opportunities creating a huge boost for the region,” Daydream Island general manager Dawson Tang said.
And while the island isn’t expected to be open until 2018, bookings are now open for stays from September onwards.
“We are very pleased to be able to reopen bookings for the resort,” Daydream’s director of sales and marketing, Jayson Heron, said.
“The interest level is high and we look forward to unveiling final details of the redevelopment in the near future.
“We’re proud to once again become a premier Queensland destination of choice for not only holiday makers but also for weddings and conferences.”
Some of the major works already announced include redevelopment of the arrivals pavilion, reception, main atrium area, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all room types and Mermaids Restaurant.
Additionally, the Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian-inspired restaurant will be built.
The iconic mermaid statues, that were a family favourite on the island but sadly washed away during the cyclone, are hoped to be recreated, but there’s no word from Daydream Island whether that will happen yet.
We’ll have to wait and see.