Orpheus Island Lodge
& Pelorus Private Island
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Orpheus Island Lodge & Pelorus Private Island

Destination

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Manbarra people, the Traditional Custodians of the Palm Island archipelago where our resort lodge is today. We also acknowledge the Nywaigi people, the first known people to have lived in the coastal Queensland areas now known as Hinchinbrook Shire and Halifax Bay.

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“/ was awestruck by the island’s natural beauty. /t’s so lush and green, and the bushland behind the lodge is wild and wonderful. The moment / landed, / felt like / had stepped into another world — untouched, serene, and almost magical.”

Harper's Bazaar

The Great Barrier Reef Region is rich in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage, with evidence of their sustainable and symbiotic relationship dating back more than 60,000 years, long before the Reef was formed 7,000 years ago.

With this culture remaining strong, there are today approximately 70 Traditional Owner clan groups whose Sea Country includes the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage-listed, natural inspiration. One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef. Stretching over 3,000km, the reef is between 15km and 150km offshore and around 65km wide in some parts, a gathering of brilliant, vivid coral providing divers with the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable.

Rising from the northernmost cluster of peaks of the Great Palm archipelago, Orpheus and Pelorus /slands offer an opportunity to experience this great natural wonder of the world and the magic it is renowned for both above and below water.

Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island are located within the Great Barrier Reef, on the edges of the Great Palm archipelago, located off the coast from Townsville and 200km south of Cairns.

The aerial views of the surrounding islands and often abundant sea life – including dugongs, manta rays, and whales from June to September – set the scene for an itinerary of spectacular marine experiences from the moment of arrival.

The Museum of Underwater Art offers a unique underwater art experience, where visitors dive to discover sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, which have become thriving ecosystems for marine life. A scenic boat ride away, Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest national park island, offers a perfect nature escape. Discover the island’s untouched wilderness, from lush rainforests to rugged mountain peaks and the spectacular Zoe Falls.

The region also boasts the Orpheus Island Research Station, a marine research facility operated by James Cook University. During specific times of the year, internationally renowned marine scientists conduct integral research on climate change, sea level rise and their potential impacts on the local reef and ecosystems. Tours of the research station can be arranged for visitors to the island.

A diverse variety of species call the region home, including a wide array of marine life, native mammals, reptiles, and birds such as the orange-footed scrubfowl, which can be spotted hunting for food on the rainforest floor. Humpback whales can be seen passing through the waters surrounding Orpheus Island during their migration north from Antarctica from July through to September each year.

Getting there

BY AIR
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
BY BOAT

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.

Daily scheduled transfers depart from Nautilus Aviation Hangar at Townsville Airport at 2pm and from Orpheus Island at 2.30pm.

Orpheus and Pelorus can assist with bespoke private charter helicopter arrangements from Cairns or Ardo Townsville.

Helicopter check-in time is 45 minutes before departure from both Townsville and Cairns.

There is no charge for infants under three years of age when seated on the lap of a parent or guardian and secured with a supplementary loop belt. Children aged three or more years will be charged at the ‘per person’ rate as they require their own seat for safety reasons.

Due to safety requirements and space restrictions on the helicopters, all passengers are restricted to a maximum of 15kg baggage in total per person. The 15kg includes all handbags, camera bags and luggage, with all baggage weighed upon check-in.

Arrival at Orpheus or Pelorus Islands by private superyacht or boat is possible with prior arrangement to coordinate with tides and jetty access.

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.