Overview
Barrier Reef haven
On a pristine national park island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, reached by helicopter and shared only with a research station, Orpheus Island Lodge is a tropical haven.
There are just 14 chic, contemporary suites, all facing the beachfront and swaying palms, including a two-bedroom villa set up for families and larger suites with enclosed terraces ideal for honeymooners.
Days here are all about exploring the fringing reef and coves by small boat, kayak or paddleboards and hopping on private charters to dive down on the outer reefs. Between all the adventure, enjoy a menu of fresh Queensland produce and indulge in the Gwandalan Spa, which takes it name from ‘peaceful rest’ in the Aboriginal language.
Facts
At a glance
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14 rooms and suites
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Swimming pool
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Restaurant and bar
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Spa
Experiences
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Snorkelling
Explore the clear azure water surrounding Orpheus, see the many species of reef corals and fish in an incredible array of colours with unlimited use of snorkelling equipment during your stay. Guided snorkelling tours to the many nearby spots on the Great Barrier Reef are run as one of the daily signature experiences on the island.
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Boating
Motorised dinghies are available 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. Or join a pre-dinner sunset cruise and observe the sun's setting rays over paradise with a side of canapés and Australian drinks.
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Kayaking and SUPs
Take a kayak out to explore the mangroves just off the shore. You can also try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy a bit of light exercise while taking in the scenery.
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Sailing
Borrow one of the island’s catamarans and venture out into the surrounding waters of the sheltered bay off Orpheus Island.
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Scuba diving
The pristine outer reefs are approximately 75 minutes from the lodge by boat and are accessible by private charter. You can also dive at the thought-provoking encounter at the Museum of Underwater Art off Townsville.
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Orpheus Island Research Station
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 the local reef ecosystems.
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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 while avid anglers can charter a trip to the outer reef.
Conservation
Orpheus 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. A$50 per guest stay is donated towards environmental projects aimed at protecting and preserving the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem with donations granted to different organisations working on projects that protect the reef.
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.
Community & Culture
Orpheus’ parent company, the Morris Group, supports community projects through its philanthropic foundation the Morris Family Foundation. These include Ganbina’s ‘Journey 2 Jobs’ program in nearby Townsville which assists Indigenous Australians in obtaining an education and gaining meaningful employment. They also support One Girl, a charity with the goal of educating and empowering one million girls across Africa, and Kenyan social enterprise ‘Bibi and Me’.
Footprint
Following the installation of 810 gleaming solar panels on the hill behind the lodge, Orpheus Island Lodge is primarily solar-powered with battery storage and a backup generator on standby only.
Solar hot water servicing all guest accommodation and water treatment that allows 100% of the water to be recycled and used for irrigation and watering
An on-site veggie patch and chickens provide chefs with a constant supply of fresh produce for guest meals. Orpheus works with local suppliers in the Far North Queensland region to source local, organic, free-range, fair trade, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed produce and products. This all helps to minimise the lodge’s carbon footprint by reducing the distance from farm to table.
The Northern Escape Collection offsets the carbon emissions of guests’ helicopter flights to Orpheus Island Lodge.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
