Orpheus Island Lodge & Pelorus Private Island

FAQ

Need to know a little more about Orpheus Island Lodge & Pelorus Private Island before booking your stay? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions below. If you need any more details or have specific requirements, please contact the lodge direct.

All Orpheus Island Lodge stays include:

  • All gourmet meals daily
  • A selection of quality wines, beers, spirits 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)
  • Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle boards, kayaks, catamaran, snorkelling equipment and light fishing gear

All Pelorus Private Island stays include:

  • Exclusive use – Pelorus Private Island can only be reserved on an exclusive use basis
  • All gourmet meals, with menus curated to guests’ preferences
  • A selection of premium wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
  • Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label champagne
  • Gourmet snacks
  • Experiences such as local fringing reef snorkelling, seabobs, guided jet ski island tours, a Hinchinbrook Island adventure (subject to weather and tides), an outer reef excursion, Orpheus Island Research Station Tour (subject to weather and tides) and unlimited surrounding islands boat charters
  • Use of water equipment such as kayaks, stand-up paddle board, snorkelling and fishing equipment, and Schiller water bikes

Orpheus Island enjoys 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 winter and 29°C (84°F) in summer. During the green season (November to April) there is a chance of refreshing rain.

Orpheus Island Lodge has a seasonal closure from late January to early March each year.

  • At Orpheus, book the Dining with the Tides experience on the jetty. Perfectly timed with the island’s stunning sunset, it’s a magical blend of fine dining and breathtaking views.
  • Explore the tidal flats of Orpheus Island at low tide with a marine biologist to discover a frequently unseen side of the ecosystem.
  • Take a boat charter to explore the rugged coastline of Australia’s largest national park island – Hinchinbrook Island. Walk along rainforest-clad trails to the famous Zoe Falls.
  • Arrange a guided snorkel or dive with a marine biologist to take advantage of access to this distinct part of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Take an early morning hike on one of the walking tracks that explore the native bushland of the island’s national park.
  • Take advantage of the expertly guided tours from both lodges to learn about the reef’s fragile ecosystem and the conservation efforts to preserve it.
  • The marine team can help you plan your day, including when to snorkel, fish, or kayak to make the most of tide times and find the best spots
  • Just off the tip of the bay where Orpheus Island Lodge sits among the palm trees, more than 300 giant clams hide below the waves. The story goes they were bred by Rick Braley, marine scientist and Magnetic Island resident in the 1980s. The clam farm closed, but these giants have stayed there ever since.
  • The winds are often calm in the mornings, so this is the perfect time to try a stand-up paddle board.
  • Access to the lodge is usually by helicopter – with a luggage limit of 15kg per person. The Nautilus Aviation team can store any additional luggage and provide a duffle for repacking if needed.

Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island are accessed via a 30-minute helicopter flight from Townsville or a 90-minute helicopter journey from the international airport hub of Cairns.

Yes. Orpheus Island Lodge can be booked for an exclusive use group.

Pelorus Private Island is only available on an exclusive use basis.

Both Orpheus and Pelorus can be reserved by the same group if availability allows.

Orpheus Island offers Wi-Fi in the main pavilion which is also covered by Telstra’s mobile network. Other networks provide limited coverage.
Pelorus Private Island offers WiFi throughout the residence and receives Telstra mobile coverage. Other networks provide limited coverage.

Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island welcome guests with children of all ages. At Orpheus families are best accommodated in the North Beachfront Villa which features two bedrooms, one lounge and two bathrooms.

Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island welcome guests with children of all ages. At Orpheus families are best accommodated in the North Beachfront Villa which features two bedrooms, one lounge and two bathrooms.

OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK

The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.