Orpheus island lodge

Orpheus Island Lodge in north Queensland combine barefoot luxury with superlative experiences, both above and below the water.

OUTBACK MAGAZINE

One of the most stress-free dilemmas you could ever have is working out where to plonk yourself, take a deep breath, sip a beverage of choice, and enjoy the sunshine and uninterrupted views on a tropical paradise. The challenge on Orpheus Island isn’t due to all the good seats being taken – there are only 14 couples at a time in this exclusive resort, so there’s no shortage of isolated spots – but the bounteous choices. Do you lounge by the 25-metre infinity pool, on a shaded seat on the jetty watching the black-tipped reef sharks, on cushioned lounges along the waterfront, hammocks, in swinging chairs or on sunset seats by a small fire?

And once you’ve really had enough of hard-core relaxing, there is a wealth of water activities to choose from, all included with the accommodation: sailing, diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, organised day trips, picnics on isolated islands, or taking your own dinghy out for a snorkelling trip among coral, giant clams and a crazy cornucopia of colourful fish. A short hike across to Picnic Bay on the other side of the island, with its 1,000ha of national park, goes through tropical eucalypt and rainforest, where you can easily see iridescent sunbirds, emerald doves and up to 200 other bird species. The isolated bay, overseen by a stupendous white-bellied sea eagle, includes your own private tropical reef just metres offshore, with massive plate corals the size of dinner tables, surrounded by soft and hard corals in purples, greens, blues, pinks and oranges.

Part of the Palm Island group, Orpheus is a 25-minute helicopter ride from Townsville, and perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, romantic retreat or some dedicated family time. The accommodation options are all along the waterfront, and can include double showers, an outside bath, inside and outside lounge areas, and fully stocked wine cellars, fridges, coffee machines and snack bars. Not that you’ll be hungry – the food is an ongoing sumptuous experience, with every meal a culinary treasure, dipping into the on-island free-range eggs, the veggie and herb garden, or the freshest seafood and other produce from the area. Breakfast is à la carte, offering a variety of options to start your day. Lunches feature tapas-style cuisine based around a theme, such as Asian street food or Mexican.


At dinner, the food goes up another level, with a carefully curated four-course meal that takes you on a taste journey through umami combinations of saltiness, sweetness, tartness and more. Portions are refined so you don’t finish full as a goog. Courses may include king prawns, a smoky, caramelised cauliflower with cumin and cashew, a sweet and crisp coral trout, succulent duck breast or salty crab risotto. Dessert might be chai ice cream with gingernut and chocolate ganache.

There’s a generous selection of delicious wines included with every meal, but you can also choose from the more than 125 wines on the extended wine menu, including Henschke Hill of Grace and international wines such as Dom Pérignon and Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley in the United States. For an extra-special treat, the chef will also curate a private Dining with the Tides degustation dinner on the jetty, lit up with blazing torches. The dishes will be unique to the couple, based on their discussion with the chef – a wonderful, exclusive experience to celebrate your time on this remote retreat.

LOCATION 

Orpheus Island is 80km north of 

Townsville in north Queensland. 


GETTING THERE

A 25-minute helicopter trip from Townsville to Orpheus Island can be organised with Nautilus Aviation on booking. Helicopter transfers from Cairns can also be arranged.


WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation, three gourmet meals, a selection of quality Australian wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. Use of paddleboards, kayaks, catamaran, snorkelling equipment and motorised dinghies. Curated day trips.


WHAT TO BRING

Don’t overpack, as the helicopter transfer has a 15kg weight restriction per person. Pack a swimsuit, hat, cool, casual clothing, with warmer clothes for winter evenings.


WHEN TO COME

Daily temperature maximums are about 27°C throughout the year. Prime time to visit is between April and October. In the summer months, more rain and humidity can be expected. 


Child policy

Children are welcome. 


CONTACT

Orpheus Island Lodge

Phone: +61 7 4777 7377

Email: reservations@morrisescapes.com.au

www.orpheus.com.au


The Tailor

3/262 Marion Road, Netley

South Australia 5037

Phone: +61 8 8354 4405

Email: info@thetailor.com

www.thetailor.com