Orpheus Island Lodge

ORPHEUS ISLAND LODGE

ORPHEUS ISLAND, QUEENSLAND • LUXURY ISLAND RESORT • SLEEPS 28 | 14 BEDROOM | 14 BATH

The ultimate island hideaway.

Orpheus Island Lodge is an incredibly idyllic and luxurious, all-inclusive tropical island lodge experience in the Great Barrier Reef. With only 14 rooms, suites and villas, the island can accommodate only 28 people making it exceptionally intimate.

With 11km of brilliantly turquoise coastline all to yourself, Orpheus Island Lodge will provide a tropical state of mind.

Located between Cairns and Townsville, the island is best (and most easily) reached by helicopter (a quick 30min ride). The team at Nautilus Aviation are wonderful. I would recommend flying into Cairns and going from there.

On arrival the very friendly Orpheus Island Lodge staff will welcome you warmly and show you around. The island itself is made up of more than 1000 hectares of national park, and is surrounded by a pristine coral reef you can access simply by stepping out from your accommodation. A dream for those who love diving and snorkelling - its principal dive sites boast 1100 of the 1500 species of fish on the reef; and the local waters are a fisherman’s playground, home to some of the most sought after reef fish species in the world. This is a true nature paradise.

As for the island lodge it features the main pavilion bar and alfresco-style dining area (where all meals are served), a reading room, a boutique store, the Gwandalan Day Spa and a stunning infinity pool that mirrors the Coral Sea.

Accommodation is a mix of different rooms, villas and suites on the north and south side of the main pavilion. All stays at Orpheus Island Lodge are inclusive of three gourmet meals each day, prepared daily by the Head Chef and his team, use of water sports equipment, a selection of wines, beers, spirits, as well as soft beverages, and a daily Orpheus experience.

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Why I love it

I have been lucky enough to stay on the island on two occasions now and I can happily say I love it here. The island itself is spectacular. I love the nature and the views over the Coral Sea. The easy access to the untouched Great Barrier Reef is a total privilege as well. I also love the staff, they are warm and friendly and very hospitable. And the swimming pool as well (for obvious reasons). I love enjoying a sunset dinner on the pier, or if there is a yoga teacher in the house, doing an early morning yoga session there as well. I also love taking out one of the paddle boards in the afternoon.

In terms of what room to choose, and if budget allows, I would definitely recommend one of the more contemporary and laid-back luxe South Suites. They are much more spacious and fresh than the North Rooms (which are also totally fine I might add). They come with an enclosed terrace surrounded by lush tropical gardens overlooking the Coral Sea, and an outdoor bath (always a big tick for me) in a private courtyard. This room type is wheelchair-friendly and caters to guests with disabilities.

About the owners

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.

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.