Orpheus Island Lodge

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 Winston Fong and his team, use of water sports equipment, a selection of wines, beers, spirits, as well as soft beverages, and a daily Orpheus experience.

GREAT BARRIER REEF RESORT
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.

THE WEATHER
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.

ROOMS & SUITES
Discover the ultimate luxury island getaway at the Great Barrier Reef’s best island resort. With a commitment to sustainability, each room embraces the natural environment. Our boutique, all-inclusive accommodation offers 14 contemporary suites, all facing immaculate beachfront. At Orpheus, luxury has never been so comfortable.

BEACHFRONT SUITE
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.

BEACHFRONT VILLA
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.

EAT & DRINK
Best suited to the island’s tropical environment, the culinary team delivers an innovative daily-changing menu that showcases the riches of the region. Awarded a Chef’s Hat in the 2019 by the Australian Good Food Guide, Orpheus is a food lover’s destination where guests can enjoy ‘chef hatted’ restaurant meals at every course.

Celebrating a bounty of locally-sourced, wholesome and freshly grown and caught seasonal delights, you are guaranteed a bespoke epicurean adventure. Each meal is an event within itself featuring quintessential Australian breakfast classics, shared tapas-style lunches celebrating different cuisines from around the globe, and memorable degustation dinners.

With a strong focus on sustainability, the island’s veggie patch provides the chefs with a constant supply of fresh produce and resident chickens lay fresh free-range eggs for guest meals. Fresh prawns, Coral Trout and painted rock lobster are just some of local delicacies sourced from local fisherman and suppliers.

Each evening, guests are offered the chance to pair each course with a wine from our award-winning cellar list. Honouring a diverse selection of Australia’s finest drops, the list has been carefully crafted to ensure perfect harmony between cuisine, climate and environment.

BREAKFAST
The Orpheus breakfast is a quintessential à la carte menu starting at 8am, guests can make their way at leisure and choose from the menu. Paired with fresh juice or coffee, breakfast is laid-back and a taste of what real island life is all about, with fresh seasonal produce from the garden to your plate.

LUNCH
Lunch is served at 1pm daily. A changing tapas menu features different regions around the world, including Asian, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, and Australian dishes. The menu is tailored to suit individual food preferences. Alternatively, you can request a picnic hamper to take as you venture out to one of the nearby island beaches.

DINNER
Served from 7pm onwards. The degustation dinner is hosted in the main pavilion dining room overlooking the Coral Sea. The dining experience is described as refined, in a relaxed atmosphere and comprises 4 courses, complete with dessert.

If you are lucky enough to catch something while out fishing our Executive Chef and his team will be happy to prepare the catch for your dinner that night. Matching wines can be partnered with the meal at an additional cost.

BAR
Included in your stay are a selection of quality Australian wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. The main pavilion bar is open throughout the day to enjoy poolside cocktails, with a perfect view out to the Coral Sea.

In the afternoon watch the famous Orpheus sunset with a pre-dinner drink in hand. The cellar beverage list features Australian favourites as well as some beautiful wines from around the world.

GWANDALAN SPA
Awaken the senses and rebalance the mind and body at our island day spa. Gwandalan means ‘rest and peace’ in the Aboriginal language. The day spa was named in consultation with the elders of the region and draws inspiration from the island’s unique and fascinating indigenous history.

As the name suggests, peace guides every element of the spa while each treatment aims to restore balance and wellness. Our treatments are designed to reflect the tranquillity and uninterrupted beauty of Orpheus and its endless surrounding seas.

Decadent spa treatments utilise Li’tya spa product range. Li’tya, meaning ‘of the earth’, is a unique collection of products formulated using sustainably wild-harvested, pure Australian botanicals and organic ingredients.

SAPPHIRE SEA WRAP
Unwind with this revitilising anti-ageing treatment. Begin with an energising and nourishing native mint body exfoliation before being cocooned in warm, vitamin packed pearl and kelp body mud which works to cleanse and deliver essential nutrients to the skin.

Follow with a quandong infused Aboriginal-inspired scalp massage. Indulge body and soul in a rhythmic Kodo massage to complete this truly holistic marine spa experience.

THE DREAMING
The ultimate spa journey. In the beginning was ‘the dreaming’, the unseen vibration of creation – the sacred source from where all things are nurtured, renewed and revitalised. Our signature spa journey will reconnect the body, mind and soul and provide a total sensory journey from head to toe.

Escape with this deeply therapeutic treatment; a body scrub and warm mud wrap, the all-encompassing Kodo massage, an indulgent facial, hair mask and decadent hand and foot treatments.

Surrender yourself to the ultimate renewal and potency of this experience through the power of nourishing Australian native plant essential oils and extracts, cleansing earth ochres and purifying desert salts or powerful anti-ageing marine extracts.

EXCLUSIVE ISLAND HIRE
Discover one of only a few secluded islands on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia that can be booked in its entirety for private-use. Orpheus Island Lodge is nestled among the Greater Palm archipelago, a group of 16 islands just off the Queensland coastline within the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate, with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Orpheus Island Lodge can become your own exclusive oasis for a myriad of events including small conferences, product launches, corporate retreats and private milestones.

Comfortably sleeping 28 indulged guests in 14 rooms, we invite you to discover this idyllic island paradise for yourself and to be inspired by its natural beauty and surrounding aquatic wonderland!

CONFERENCE VENUE
The alfresco layout of Orpheus’ Main Pavilion is ideal for hosting small meetings, banquets or product launches. Couple this with natural light, Coral Sea views, memorable dining locations and unique leisure experiences, Orpheus is one of Australia’s premium conference venues.

CORPORATE RETREATS & INCENTIVES
Inspire your colleagues with a corporate retreat at the Great Barrier Reef’s favourite island resort. Whether you’re looking to improve team morale or reward your staff for their hard work and dedication, Orpheus Island Lodge is the perfect destination for inclusion in your corporate incentive programme.

DREAMY ISLAND WEDDINGS
Orpheus Island Lodge welcomes you to the Great Barrier Reef’s best island wedding venue. Say “I do” barefoot on a pristine sandy beach, alongside an iconic infinity pool or amidst lush tropical gardens overlooking the Coral Sea! Every love story deserves a perfect celebration.

LUXURIOUS ISLAND HONEYMOONS
Enjoy newlywed bliss at the Great Barrier Reef’s most romantic and idyllic island honeymoon destination. Spend your wanderlust-worthy days lounging by the infinity pool, indulging in a couples spa treatment at the Gwandalan Day Spa, finding seclusion on a private beach complete with gourmet picnic hamper , exploring the Great Barrier Reef or sampling an intimate degustation dinner on the island’s jetty.

OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH THE REEF
The Great Barrier Reef hosts one third of the world’s coral species and is home to an abundance of marine life.

Whilst the reef area surrounding Orpheus Island is still in excellent condition, there are many areas on the reef that have been impacted by coral bleaching, damage from cyclones and the coral-eating starfish, The Crown of Thorns. Orpheus Island Lodge is respectful, protective and proud of the reef and is investing in the preservation of this exquisite organism for future generations.

We are working in partnership and providing funding support to James Cook University to address the Crown of Thorns issue, the Orpheus Island Research Station on the recovery of the reef after cyclones and with Great Barrier Reef Legacy to understand coral bleaching and ways we can assist the reef to adapt.

We also foster visitor connections with the world’s largest living organism in line with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Authority regulations so you can feel confident your experience is a positive one for you and mother nature.

Wild about wildlife? There is breathtaking nature to enjoy all-year-round at Orpheus Island. Orpheus Island Lodge is respectful, protective and proud of the reef and is investing in the preservation of this exquisite organism.

NORTHERN ESCAPE COLLECTION
Orpheus Island Lodge is proud to be part of the Northern Escape Collection, a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty in one bespoke journey.

Inspiring authentic experiences and lasting memories, discover a secluded island paradise on the Great Barrier Reef (Orpheus Island Lodge), a soul-enriching retreat in the Daintree Rainforest (Daintree Ecolodge), and invoke the spirit of adventure in the outback (Mt Mulligan Lodge).

A private helicopter charter service provides unrivalled access to the three boutique lodges and an outstanding superyacht (M.Y. Flying Fish), equipped with its own heli-pad, offers privately chartered Great Barrier Reef exploration.

The Northern Escape Collection was crafted by Australian family business, the Morris Group, with the goal of allowing travellers to experience Northern Australia in its purest form and to contribute to sustainable economies in the region.

THE MORRIS FAMILY
The Northern Escape Collection was crafted by Australian family business the Morris Group. The Morris family is passionate about contributing to sustainable economies in Australia and allowing travellers to experience the unique natural beauty of Northern Australia in its purest form.

With this vision in mind, Chris Morris curated the Northern Escape Collection and brought his daughter Hayley on-board to help design unique experiences that tread lightly on the planet and create meaningful memories.

Chris, together with Hayley and the family, run the Morris Group which has diverse interests spanning the tourism, hospitality, agriculture, food, technology and aviation industries in Australia and the UK and is parent to charitable fund, Morris Family Foundation.

PHILOSOPHY
Achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. At the Northern Escape Collection, we are passionate about reducing our impact on the environment and making a positive one on the community. We believe that turning a profit and supporting these two areas can go hand-in-hand.

Sustainability lies at the core of who we are as a business and we use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as the framework to help focus our efforts with the mission of achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

At Orpheus Island Lodge we are continuously expanding our efforts to tackle these issues by focusing on the goals where we think we can have the most impact. Orpheus’ parent company, the Morris Group, also supports community projects related to these goals through its philanthropic foundation the Morris Family Foundation.

REEF KEEPERS FUND
At Orpheus, we are passionate about preserving the reef that makes your stay so special. The Reef Keepers Fund is an environmental fund created by the Morris Group that supports projects and organisations that are committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

The fund allows you to indulge with a clear conscience, as $50 per guest stay is donated towards environmental projects aimed at protecting and preserving the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem.

The donations will be granted to different organisations working on projects that protect our reef. If you feel inspired to contribute after witnessing the true beauty of the reef first-hand during your stay at Orpheus, you are welcome to match or add your desired amount to your final bill.

The Reef Keepers Fund has supported projects that have helped build research, awareness and education surrounding reef sustainability, and has helped combat issues like climate change, water pollution, crown-of-thorn outbreaks, clearing of forests and plastic pollution. Guests will be kept updated on the impact of their contribution to preserving one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

NATURE & WILDLIFE
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is composed of 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 km and is the only living thing on earth that can be seen from space.

The underwater world is home to more than 1,500 fish species, 10% of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Above the water, there are so many wildlife species residing on Orpheus and surrounding islands.

Over the last 20 years, the Great Barrier Reef has been faced with many threats that have compromised the health and sustainability of the reef. Climate change, water pollution and over-fishing have had severe impacts on the underwater ecosystem. Find out about the steps taken by Orpheus Island Lodge to preserve our precious reef.

MANTA RAYS
Manta Rays are truly friendly creatures of the reef. These harmless creatures have a toothless mouth and are free of the sharp barb, making them the perfect swimming buddy.

HUMPBACK WHALES
During the winter months of June through to September, Humpback whales grace the waters of the Great Barrier Reef with their presence.

REEF SHARKS
Generally a reclusive species, the Reef Sharks of the Great Barrier Reef feed on small fish and stay clear of humans. Reef Sharks can be found swimming in the shallow waters of the reef, but are nothing to be scared of!

AUSTRALIAN SNUBFIN DOLPHIN
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin is a rare species endemic to northern Australian oceans. The species can be identified by their rounded snouts and can usually be found swimming around the shallow oceans of the Great Barrier Reef.

TREE FROGS
During the wet season, these bright green amphibians make themselves known to Orpheus Island guests.

GREEN TREE SNAKES
Green Tree Snakes are completely harmless and do not pose a threat to humans. This friendly species can grow up to 2 metres long, and can often be spotted dangling from a tree branch around Orpheus Island.

BIRDS
More than 200 bird species can be found soaring over the Great Barrier Reef. Some species to be on bird watch for include the White Bellied Sea Eagles and Brown Falcons that hunt the aquatic animals residing in the reef.

BANDICOOTS
Closely related to a rabbit, these small marsupials can only be found in Australia. The local bandicoots are friendly in nature and will often greet our guests.

ISLAND RESORT ACTIVITIES
With its unique location set amongst the pristine Great Barrier Reef there are boundless opportunities to explore the island and surrounds and many once-in-a-lifetime moments.

In addition to all the diving and snorkelling the heart desires, guests can take a private charter out on the reef and try their hand at fishing, or a helicopter drop-off to secluded Havannah Island with a gourmet picnic hamper.

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.

SCUBA DIVING
Orpheus’ local dive sites are home to 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef, 340 of the 359 varieties of hard corals and some of the region’s largest collections of soft corals.

The pristine outer reefs are approximately 75 minutes from the lodge by boat and are accessible by private charter. Private local charters and private outer reef charters include skipper, guide, equipment and refreshments.

MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART
Dive into Townsville to discover the reef’s greatest stories. Be inspired as you experience the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef with a new and thought-provoking encounter at the Museum of Underwater Art.

HINCHINBROOK ISLAND
Explore the rugged coastline of Australia’s largest national park island by boat charter. Highlights of this tour include guided walks along rainforest-clad trails to the famous Zoe Waterfall and saltwater crocodile spotting in the island’s waterways. The perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

DINING WITH THE TIDES
Not to be missed is the island’s signature ‘Dining with the Tides’ experience; an intimate degustation dinner for two guests under a starlit canopy on the lodge’s jetty.

HELICOPTER ADVENTURES
Flying with Nautilus Aviation adventure and luxury go hand in hand. Explore the beauty of this vast region from above on a scenic joyride, enjoy a romantic remote island picnic or embark on a fishing adventure.

FISHING
The Great Barrier Reef is a fisherman’s playground, the surrounding waters teaming with fish. Light fishing gear is available for guests to take out at leisure. Fish from one of the motorised dinghies or for the avid anglers take a trip to the outer reef.

FISHING CHARTERS
Some the most sought after reef species in the world can be found around Orpheus. An array of table fish including Coral Trout, Sweetlip, Red Emperor and Giant Trevally can be caught locally, but the outer reef is where the famous pelagic species such as Dog Tooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel and Wahoo breed.

Full and half day expeditions to the fringing and outer reefs are available, subject to weather and tidal conditions. Bookings are essential.

RESEARCH STATION TOUR
Located within Pioneer Bay is the Orpheus Island Research Station, a marine research facility operated by James Cook University. On this educational eco-tour, explore the research facilities, including the wet and dry laboratories and the live reef touch tanks.

During specific times of the year, internationally renowned Marine Scientists will be conducting integral research on climate change, sea level rise and their potential impacts on the local reef and ecosystems.

PICNIC BAY BEACH CLEAN-UP
We at Orpheus Island Lodge are passionate about preserving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Our staff and guests regularly conduct beach clean-ups at Picnic Bay. Marine debris is a major threat to the health of the Great Barrier Reef! Marine debris can smother coral, cause wildlife injury or death through drowning, injury through entanglement and internal injuries, or starvation following ingestion.

ECO-EDUCATIONAL DIVE AND SNORKEL
Take a half-day charter with one of our qualified dive instructors or explore the protected giant clam garden via motorised dinghy with a qualified eco-educational guide.

DIY RESEARCH VOLUNTEERING
There is a citizen science project for everyone. Study anything – from Mangroves to Manta rays, from coral to coastal habitats. Collect data in your own time, in or out of the water. Volunteers produce real and tangible results, with data being used by professional scientists, reef managers, communities or conservation groups.

Contribute to a great cause and explore the wonders of this unique environment at the same time. Citizen Science gives the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the Great Barrier Reef and beyond – like never before.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 770 EUR per night

Source: www.orpheus.com.au