Accommodating just 28 people, Orpheus is an all-inclusive, private island lodge located in the Great Barrier Reef. With only 14 rooms, suites and villas, Orpheus Island is the ultimate in secluded, unspoilt tropical paradise, and stretches across 11km of immaculate turquoise coastline.
The island itself, comprising more than 1,000 hectares of national park, is surrounded by pristine fringing reef you can access simply by stepping out from your accommodation. The island lodge features the main pavilion bar and alfresco-style dining area, a restaurant, a reading room, Gwandalan Day Spa and an inviting 25m x 13m infinity pool that mirrors the Coral Sea.
All stays at Orpheus include three gourmet meals prepared daily by chef James Egan and his team, use of water sports equipment, a selection of wines, beers, spirits, as well as soft beverages, and a daily Orpheus experience.
This idyllic island provides unrivalled access to the untouched Great Barrier Reef. Its principal dive sites boast 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef; the local waters are a fisherman’s playground and home to the most sought after reef fish species in the world. Explore the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with a personalised snorkelling or diving tour and come face to face with an enchanting underwater world that will take your breath away.
Located amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus is a secluded island hideaway accommodating just 28 indulged guests at any one time. Access is via a 30 minute helicopter journey from Townsville over the coral-studded sea.
Orpheus showcases a plethora of once in a lifetime experiences! Its principal dive sites boast 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef; the local waters are a fisherman’s playground and home to the most sought after reef fish species in the world; and guests can take the helm of a motorised dinghy complete with gourmet picnic hamper and discover the many pristine coves and reefs that fringe Orpheus. Alternatively, Orpheus provides the perfect backdrop for a more private interlude if guests wish to simply relax and succumb to a unique indigenous-inspired treatment at the Gwandalan Day Spa.
Accommodation rates include all gourmet meals, a selection of quality wines, beers and soft drinks, all-inclusive mini bar and gourmet snacks, a daily curated Orpheus experience (local snorkel, sunset cruise, guided hike, cocktail class, low tide walk, wine tasting, and whale watching (when in season)), and unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle boards, kayaks, catamaran, snorkelling equipment and light fishing gear. Not to be missed is the island’s signature ‘Dining with the Tides’ experience; an intimate degustation dinner under a starlit canopy on the lodge’s jetty (at an additional charge).
Orpheus has a warm tropical climate with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) year-round. The water temperature varies between 21°C (69°F) in the winter and 29°C (84°F) in the summer.
Remember that during the wet season (November to April) there is a chance of rain during these times. The Lodge has a seasonal closure from the 30th January to 28 February 2021 inclusive.
During the cooler, drier months from May to October, when the south easterly winds blow, the weather is pleasantly warm with reduced humidity and plenty of sunshine.
SNORKELLING
Explore the clear azure water surrounding Orpheus, see the many species of reef corals and fish in an incredible array of colours. Enjoy unlimited use of snorkelling equipment during your stay. Venture to the many nearby snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef including the protected Giant Clam Garden just in the bay. Guided snorkelling tours to the local fringing reefs are run as one of the daily signature experiences on the island.
DINGHY ADVENTURE
Motorised dinghies are available for our guests to explore the many neighbouring beaches, go snorkelling or try your luck at fishing. Take a chef prepared picnic and find the perfect sheltered bay for an intimate private lunch.
PICNIC ADVENTURE
A chef prepared picnic can be arranged for any adventure. Guests can take a pick of the many neighbouring island beaches for the most private and secluded beach picnic.
PADDLEBOARDING
Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy a bit of light exercise while taking in the scenery. You might even be lucky enough to see a green turtle.
SAILING
Take out one of the island’s catamarans and venture out into the surrounding waters of the sheltered bay of Orpheus Island. The conditions around Orpheus are perfect for sailing.
KAYAKING
Guests can take a kayak and explore the mangroves just off the shore, within the sheltered bay.
CRUISES
Join a pre-dinner sunset cruise and observe the sun’s setting rays over paradise with a side of mouth-watering canapés and iconic Australian wines and beers.
GROUP YOGA CLASSES
Take a deep breath of fresh ocean air as you relax the body and the mind with yoga classes on our tropical island hideaway. Embrace the island spirit by feeling tranquil and calm for the remainder of your day.
With sweeping views of the Coral Sea and swaying palms, the North Beachfront Rooms are our inviting and most popular accommodation option. Ideal for those travelling individually or as a duo, these rooms draw inspiration from the island and are effortlessly designed to carry a balance of comfort and sophistication.
Room size: 32.5 sq.m
Coral Sea view
Patio
The following room upgrades can be quoted by request:
With a glistening Coral Sea vantage, the North Beachfront Suites deliver a tranquil sanctuary for guests to unwind in. Boasting a spacious adjoining lounge room, the suites evoke the relaxed island spirit of Orpheus. Made for flexibility, a third guest can easily be accommodated for in this room type.
Room size: 56.0 sq.m
Coral Sea view
Patio
Lounge room
Desk
BEACHFRONT SUITE SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Showcasing an idyllic Coral Sea backdrop and minimalist island aesthetics, the generously appointed North Beachfront Villas ensure complete tropical immersion. The ultimate retreat for families and friends travelling together, the villas boast a spacious two bedroom, two bathroom and communal lounge configuration.
Room size: 89.5 sq.m
Coral Sea view
Patios
2 x bedrooms
2 x bathrooms
Lounge area
Desk
LUXURY BEACHFRONT VILLAS SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Nestled amongst established tropical gardens, the South Rooms offer utter privacy just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. These bungalow-style rooms offer understated luxury whilst embracing the natural island surrounds. Timeless design features with flawless finishes evoke a deep sense of serenity and an alfresco shower creates a sophisticated connection between modern amenities and natural elements.
Room Size: 46.2 sq.m
Beach on your front doorstep
Modern design
Indoor and outdoor showers
SERVICE AND AMENITIES:
With a beautiful balance between contemporary and laid-back luxe island aesthetic, the beautifully appointed South Suites offer a secluded sanctuary best suited to couples and honeymooners! The suites feature an enclosed terrace surrounded by lush tropical gardens overlooking the Coral Sea, a restful colour palette, an airy open plan bedroom and lounge, stylish décor, and a double vanity bathroom that opens onto an idyllic private courtyard with a deep freestanding bathtub. The epitome of effortless luxury, the South Suites harness the beauty and poise of the pristine tropical location to ensure a feeling of calm and tranquillity greets each guest. This room type is wheelchair-friendly and caters to guests with disabilities. For personalised assistance regarding your accessibility needs, please contact our Reservations Department.
Room size: 68 sq.m
Outdoor bathtub
Modern design
Open layout to capture languid sea breezes
Lounge area
Desk
Private terrace surrounded by tropical vegetation
SERVICE AND AMENITIES:
All prices are person twin share unless otherwise stated, are in Australian dollars, are correct at the time of publication & are subject to change without notice depending on exchange rate. For room upgrades, additional nights or guest pricing please contact us.
Travel
1 Apr 2023 – 31 March 2024
TRANSFERS
Access to Orpheus is via a 30min helicopter journey from Townsville over the picturesque coral-studded sea.ONE DAILY SCHEDULED CHARTER EX TOWNSVILLE
Townsville Airport to Orpheus – departing 2pm, arriving 2.30pm (check-in 1.15pm from Townsville Airport)
Orpheus to Townsville Airport – departing 2.30pm, arriving 3.10pm (recommend a domestic flight departing Townsville Airport after 4.30pm)
$400 one way, per person
If the daily scheduled charter is fully booked on your preferred dates of travel, or if the scheduled timings do not coincide with your itinerary, a private helicopter charter may be arranged at an additional cost (subject to availability).
There will be no charge for infants under three years of age when seated on the lap of an adult passenger. Children aged 3+ years will be charged at the ‘per person’ rate as for safety reasons they require their own seat.
PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTER EX TOWNSVILLE (on request only)
Check-in time is 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure time at the Nautilus Aviation desk located within Townsville Airport, at the far end of the Arrivals baggage carousel. Here you will be met by a Nautilus Aviation pilot.
Your body and bag weight will be measured at the time of check-in to document accurate helicopter payloads prior to the flight as a regulation of standard aviation safety policy. Guests will then be transferred to the Nautilus Aviation hangar where their helicopter journey will depart from.
For any guests arriving into Townsville Airport by car, we suggest that they park in the long-term Airport car park and then enter the terminal.
Arriving by domestic flight ex Cairns – for any guests arriving into Cairns Airport on a domestic flight, they will be met at the baggage carousel. They are to look for a welcome board with their surname noted on it. Guests will then be transferred to the Nautilus Aviation Cairns hangar located at General Aviation.
Passengers are restricted to one small bag, to a maximum of 15kg in total (1 x carry on size case or soft / non-rigid duffle bag is required as they are easier to load in the helicopter boot due to space limitations). Any excess luggage can be safely stowed at the Nautilus Aviation hangar. Be aware that in some instances the pilot may ask your guests to re-pack into a supplied duffle bag if their luggage is too large!
CANCELLATION FEES
CHECK IN AND OUT TIMES
Check-in time is from 2pm. Check-out time is 11am.
Orpheus Island Lodge has a seasonal closure from 1st to 28th February 2023, reopening 1st March 2023.
CHILDREN
Orpheus Island Lodge welcomes children. Infants are classified as under 2 years of age. Portacots are provided, free-of-charge, to infants in either the North Beachfront Suite, South Suite or North Beachfront Villa. Children are classified as 3 – 17 years of age. Special children’s menus are available on request.
When confirming a stay at Orpheus Island Lodge, parents accept all responsibilities for their child(ren).
WEATHER
Orpheus Island Lodge will not accept any responsibility for adverse weather conditions. If guests accessing Orpheus Island Lodge experience inclement weather and their chosen transfer arrangement cannot be fulfilled, the Northern Escape Collection Reservations will provide alternative solutions (subject to availability and weather conditions). In some extreme circumstances, an overnight stay in Townsville may be required.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Although all care is taken, Orpheus Island Lodge cannot accept responsibility for any expenses incurred by a passenger as a result of any domestic/international flight delays, reschedules or alterations, mechanical failures or poor weather. It is suggested that guests take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
As Orpheus Island Lodge is a remote island destination, it’s essential to advise any special dietary needs at the time of reservation. We will do our best to tailor menus accordingly whilst providing an opportunity to sample the delights of the region.
WIFI
Orpheus Island offers WIFI in the Main Pavilion and is best covered by the Telstra mobile network. Other networks provide limited coverage.
REEF KEEPERS FUND
The Northern Escape Collection donates $50 per guest stay to the Reef Keepers Fund. Guests can indulge with a clear conscience knowing that donations go towards environmental projects aimed at protecting and preserving the Great Barrier Reef.
