Daydream Island - Culture and History

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This was published 15 years ago

Daydream Island - Culture and History

The first European to explore the area was Captain James Cook who travelled through the area on his journey up the eastern coast of Australia in 1770. He passed through Whitsunday passage, a narrow channel which lies between the mainland coast, South Molle and Daydream Islands to the west and Dent, Whitsunday, Hook and Hayman Islands to the east, on Sunday 4 June which happened to be Whit Sunday (the seventh Sunday after easter) - hence the name of the area.

Originally known as West Molle Island, Daydream became a resort around 1933 when it was purchased by retired army major Paddy Murray and his wife. In 1947 the island was purchased by Sir Reginald Ansett. He closed the resort in 1953, dismantled the buildings and moved the equipment. Daydream was closed until 1967 when it was sold to a Gold Coast entrepreneur who re-established the resort.

Daydream changed hands several times in the ensuing years before being purchased by its present owners, The Williams Corporation in November 1999.

In recent times Daydream has moved from a very child-orientated destination to a more general tourism orientation. It is now designed to appeal to the general market being a suitable destination for conferences,weddings and the general leisure market for all ages. There is still a child care facility available.

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