Daydream Island will close its doors and for more than a year after category four Cyclone Debbie tore through the island at the end of March.
On March 30, Daydream Island Resort and Spa announced they would not accept new arrivals until April 30 but once the full extent of the damage was realised the island opted to temporarily shut.
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Cyclone Debbie by the numbers
Since Cyclone Debbie struck in late March, extreme weather has wreaked a path of destruction across Queensland and New South Wales.
The closure has led to staff redundancies and cancellation of bookings.
When the resort re-opens mid-2018, it will have undergone a $50 million redevelopment.
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The resort had the refurbishment planned for 2018, but in the wake of substantial damaged caused by the cyclone they brought forward the refurbishment.
The refurbishment will allow the resort to transform into a four-and-a-half-star hotel.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa general manager Dawson Tang said it was not feasible to invest money in reopening Daydream Island in the next few months only for it to close again for the planned refurbishment.
"We are determined to bring Daydream Island back to its spectacular best," Mr Tang said.
"This decision for an extended closure has not been an easy one but will enable us to concentrate fully on restoring Daydream Island back to the top of the Queensland tourism industry."
Major works at the island include redevelopment of the arrivals pavilion, reception, main atrium areas, Waterfalls restaurant, Lagoons bar, all rooms and Mermaids restaurant.
The Lovers Cove function area will be expanded and a new Asian-inspired restaurant will be built overlooking Mermaid Beach.
Mr Tang said the island wanted to work with the Queensland government to get the new resort and facilities opened as soon as possible.
Daydream Island's management team has met extensively with state government representatives and tourism bodies to arrange assistance with fast tracking the re-development of the island, particularly in regards to required approvals.
In January the state government revealed plans for a Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Inter-Agency Working Group to rejuvenate and drive investment in the islands.
When Fairfax Media asked the office of Tourism Minister Kate Jones how this working group might adapt or change in response to the devastation left by Cyclone Debbie, they were told a response could take days as the group involved several agencies.
However, Ms Jones said she welcomed the decision by Daydream Island Resort to bring forward their planned $50 million redevelopment.
"It shows, clearly, they've listened to feedback from the local tourism industry and operators," she said.
"It means we'll see a new world-class luxury resort delivered sooner, which is great news for the local tourism industry and for visitors to the region."
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