Orpheus Island Lodge
(Queensland)
Why we love it
Orpheus Island Lodge is a rare island hideaway of exceptional beauty located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in a sheltered bay on the western-side of the island, the lodge is dotted along a ribbon of serene beach and boasts Coral Sea views, languid breezes and spectacular sunsets. Orpheus showcases a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The fringing reefs surrounding Orpheus and the neighbouring islands boast 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef and the local waters are a fisherman's playground and home to the most sought-after reef species in the world.
Stretching across 11km of immaculate turquoise coastline, in 1960 the 1,368 hectare island was declared a National Park and the surrounding waters deemed a World Heritage-listed Marine Park.
Food
Best suited to the island’s tropical environment, Orpheus offers a light, contemporary and daily-changing menu that showcases the riches of the region. Celebrating a bounty of locally-sourced, caught and freshly grown seasonal fare, each meal will inspire and delight with tales of local provenance. A food lover’s destination, Orpheus was awarded a Chef’s Hat in 2019 by the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG).
Breakfast - à la carte
Lunch - tapas-style
Dinner - degustation or; Dining with the Tides experience
Destination
The island boasts vibrant marine life: tropical fish, hard and soft corals, playful dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, green turtles and when in-season, families of humpback whales. Forests and woodlands play home to native mammals, reptiles and birds which can be seen and heard throughout the forests.
Orpheus has a warm tropical climate with an average temperature of 29°C year-round. The water temperature varies between 21°C in the winter and 29°C in the summer. From May to October, the weather is dominated by blue skies, warm days and pleasant nights.
Experiences
Enjoy some time rejuvenating at the Gwandalan Spa - Gwandalan means 'rest and peace' in the Aboriginal language. As the name suggests, peace guides every element of the spa whilst each treatment aims to restore balance and wellness. Embracing the principals of modern and indigenous herbalism, aromatherapy and touch therapy, each ritual is inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques and reflects the tranquility and uninterrupted beauty of the endless surrounding seas.
Getting there
Orpheus lies 80km northeast of Townsville amidst the magical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Located within the Palm Island archipelago, Orpheus is easily accessible by helicopter and is a 30 minute journey from Townsville or a 90 minute private charter from Cairns over the coral-studded sea. Due to helicopter weight restrictions, passengers are requested to bring a small, soft duffle bag up to a maximum weight of 15kg in total.
Accommodation
Orpheus Island Lodge accommodates just 28 indulged guests at any one time. With a beautiful balance between contemporary and laid-back luxe island aesthetic, all accommodation types ensure a tranquil sanctuary for guests to unwind in with their restful colour palette, blonde timbers, stylish décor, airy open- plan designs and Coral Sea views.
