Orpheus Island
Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island lies just 25 minutes by helicopter from Townsville and stretches across 11 kilometres of immaculate coastline, and comprises of a pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage listed marine park
Highlights
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Even the journey there is spectacular - flying by private helicopter over the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef
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Enjoy the delicious food served at Orpheus
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Go on an indigenous tour to learn about the local heritage
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Take in the beautiful landscape of coastline and national park
Accommodating just 34 guests at any one time; this luxury island escape is a rare island of exceptional beauty offering the ultimate in tropical escapism. Nestled in the sheltered Hazard Bay on the western-side of the island, the lodge is laid without fanfare along a ribbon of serene beach and features beachfront rooms, suites and villas, a main pavilion bar and alfresco-style dining area, a restaurant, a reading room, an inviting infinity pool that mirrors the Coral Sea and a sustainable veggie patch which provides the chefs with a constant supply of fresh produce.
Orpheus offers a plethora of once in a lifetime experiences; be it a fishing trip where the day’s catch is grilled on an open fire of a nearby cove; an indigenous-led tour of the culturally-rich neighbouring islands; or taking a dinghy and chef-prepared gourmet picnic hamper and discovering the many pristine bays and reefs that fringe Orpheus. Alternatively, it provides the perfect backdrop for a more private and quieter interlude if you wish to shut off from the outside world.
The island offers just seventeen guest rooms and suites ensuring a personalised stay. The living spaces have been recently refurbished and offer a light, natural colour scheme that reflects the breezy surrounds.
For most guests dining on Orpheus is a highlight, the chef takes great pride not only in the quality of the food but also in the setting of each meal. The meals often include seafood from the surrounding waters and vegetables grown on what was once a tennis court but is now the chef’s own personal market garden! From degustation experiences to beach bonfires with paella and baked fish, each evening promises a culinary treat.
Orpheus has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to the 1930s when the lodge was run with the assistance of local indigenous people. Still today, the indigenous employees play an integral role in the daily operations of the lodge and their expert knowledge of the region makes for an unforgettable cultural experience. Enjoy an indigenous led tour and learn about the culturally rich Palm Islands archipelago.
When to visit
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Take the helm of your motorised dinghy and discover the many pristine bays and reefs that fringe Orpheus. With more private beaches than guests, beachcomb and enjoy a chef-prepared picnic hamper in absolute seclusion.
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Location
Located just 80km north of Townsville amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus is a secluded island stretching across 11 km of immaculate turquoise coastline and comprising 1.368 hectares of pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage-listed Marine Park.
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