Orpheus Island Resort

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Orpheus Island  Indulgence
Queensland Islands

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Located on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of North Queensland, Orpheus Island Resort is an exclusive retreat for the discerning traveller seeking quality experiences in a natural, relaxing and rejuvenating environment. Surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park, this unspoilt paradise offers the perfect sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life.

With a limit of 42 guests serviced by our attentive but unobtrusive staff, Orpheus is a sophisticated first class retreat offering premium service and total seclusion. This is further enhanced by the exclusion of telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under 15 years.

All guest accommodation is located on the beachfront surrounded by lush tropical gardens and only a short stroll from our multi award winning restaurant.
Then of course there is the cuisine - one of the true highlights of an "Orpheus Experience". Our setting is a relaxed open-air restaurant with wonderful views across the ocean.

Dining at Orpheus is an indulgence - from breakfast, to alfresco lunches in the courtyard, and finally each evening a seven course degustation-style gourmet dinner. Our chef prepares a new menu daily with the emphasis being on seafood and exotic delicacies.

Complimenting the peace and tranquillity of Orpheus Island Resort, the activities are plentiful. Imagine a lazy day in paradise with a picnic lunch on your own private beach with time to snorkel with an amazing array of tropical fish and coral. Or for the more adventurous, why not take a day trip diving on the outer reef, or board your own motorised dinghy and explore the many secluded bays of the island's national park. Alternatively, you can opt to do nothing at all and relax in a hammock by the beach. The options are endless. One certainty is that at Orpheus you will find the perfect sanctuary.

Accommodation
All 21 rooms are superbly located on the beachfront surrounded by lush tropical gardens. All feature a combined bedroom/lounge, private patio, double spa baths and an en-suite bathroom. They are fully air conditioned with ceiling fans and feature a king size bed (or two single beds on request), hairdryer, CD-player, small music selection, quality toiletries & bathrobes, oil burner, mini bar, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities.

Orpheus Retreats (17 Rooms)
The Orpheus Retreat rooms are a studio style and come complete with their own private patio and personal double spa.

Nautilus Suites(4 Rooms)
The Nautilus Suites are very spacious offering a huge private patio, separate lounge & bedroom area and personal double spa.

Resort Facilities
1 restaurant, 2 bars -quiet lounge area,
boutique - tennis court - 2 swimming pools,
heated spa - water sports centre,
recreation room with television - video - billiard table,
games and gym equipment.

Standard Tarrif Inclusions
Accommodation, all meals, use of motorised dinghies, coral viewing trips aboard a glass bottom boat, canoes, catamarans, paddle skis, snorkelling equipment, light fishing gear and selected interpretive activities .Room Rates

The island is a natural beauty of open woodland and rainforest draped national park, surrounded by sheltered bays with breathtaking turquoise waters and fringing coral reefs that are an idyllic habitat for an abundant array of fascinating marine life. This island paradise provides an exceptional environment that inspires a collection of enlightening nature based activities that form  "The Orpheus Island Ecology Program"
The ultimate Orpheus experience !
NB: This list of activities are subject to change without notice

Discover Snorkelling - Duration - 1/2 hour
Complimentary
Gain hints, tips and suggestions on correct snorkelling technique, so as to gain confidence for your reef encounter. This experience is conducted in the safe confines of the pool under the guidance of your qualified instructor.

Hazard Bay Snorkelling Trail - Self Guided
Complimentary
This is a self-guided snorkel trail in Hazard Bay along the fringes of the lagoon in front of the resort. This trail begins at the pier and leads you into the labyrinth of mangroves that provides a nursery habitat for a multitude of fish.

Local Snorkel - Duration - 1 & 1/2 hour
Complimentary
This unguided boat snorkel takes you to view coral bommies just off the edge of our fringing reef flat. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the marine animals in this unique inner reef ecosystem. Your experience will be under the guidance of our qualified safety officer.

Adventure Interpretive Snorkel - Duration - 2 & 1/2 hour
Price: $25 per person
Sign up for an adventure of a lifetime as you embark on a voyage of discovery. Join your Marine Naturalist and head out to the best snorkelling spot for the day in the Palm Island Group. This informative guided snorkel offers explanation of the pristine coral reef ecosystem, and the symbiotic relationships between marine animals. A certificate of participation in our Orpheus Island Ecology Program is awarded on your return.

Twilight Pier Snorkel - Duration - 1 hour
Price: $25 per person
Join our marine naturalist on a crepuscular exploration under the pier, in search of our resident string rays, roaming crustaceans and juvenile sharks. Observe the daytime animals bedding down for the evening making way for the night animals to go about their business. Dive torch and chemical light stick included

Tidal Flat Walk - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
This walk begins with an introduction to Hazardous Marine Creatures that are found in Hazard Bay and throughout the Great Barrier Reef, and how to interact with them in a responsible way.
Join your guide for an informative and exciting journey onto the tidal flat developing your skills on "How to See" and discover the critical role that these aquatic creatures play in this amazing environment.

Island Discovery Tour - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Be enlightened as your guide displays the formation of the Great Barrier Reef and explains how Orpheus Island fits into this fascinating ecosystem. Stroll along the shores of our bay gaining an overview of the flora and fauna of this inner reef marine environment. Marvel at the abundance of marine life, gaining an insight into this fragile reef system. This walk is a must for new guests to the island.

Hazard Bay Seaside Stroll - Duration - = hour
Complimentary
Rise and shine, and be refreshed by the clean crisp morning sea air as your naturalist guides you along the watery foreshore of Hazard Bay, to observe the juvenile stingrays and black tip reef sharks foraging for food over the tidal flat on the incoming tide. This is a great way to work up an appetite for the morning breakfast feast.

Picnic Bay Lookout Hike - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Join your Expedition Leader for this moderate walk up onto the ridge behind Hazard Bay, to capture the sweeping view over the surrounding Palm Island group. Step back in time to the years where mariners walked the same tracks and sailed thru narrow passes as you are introduced to the history of the local area.

Sunrise with the Sea Eagles - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Experience the dawn of the new day 'Orpheus style', as we walk from the resort over the grassy saddle that separates Hazard Bay from Horseshoe Bay for a spectacular view of the cliffs along the eastern coastline. As you gaze out from the cliff side where mighty Sea Eagles nest, witness the awe-inspiring vista of the sun rising from the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef while indulging in tasty breakfast snacks. This is a wonderful opportunity to possibly glimpse basking turtles and dugongs in the waters below.

Nocturnal Saunter - Duration - = hour
Complimentary
Come and take a moonlit stroll through the resort gardens and along the edge of the national park in search of the unique night time animals as they come out to play, spot the echidnas and green tree frogs, and the timid bandicoots to name a few. This leisurely walk concludes at the quite lounge for your dessert and cheese board to complete your evening.

Tropical Flora Garden Walk - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join our expert Horticulturist for an insight into what makes our resort tropical and lush. Learn about the vast variety of tropical plants in our resort gardens and look for signs of animals that have been foraging right next to your retreat door. This is a green thumbs delight !

The Orpheus Experience - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join your marine naturalist in the quite lounge to view a wonderful collection of images, as they take you on a journey introducing you to the charm of Orpheus Island, it's unique experiences, the islands icon the Chambered Nautilus, and other fascinating creatures both above and below the waters of our sheltered bays.

Nature Creature Features - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
In the comfort of the quite lounge your naturalist will introduce you to our Orpheus Island Ecology Program providing you with the opportunity to learn about the many underwater wonders you find in the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the identity of Reef Fish, Sharks and Turtles so as to further enhance your below water experiences.

Orpheus Mullet Mayhem - Duration - = hour
Complimentary
Come and be seduced by our friendly mullet, as your guide feeds our marine pets along the shores of Hazard Bay. Our Diamond Scale Mullet have been well known residents in the bay for many years and take every opportunity to get up close and personal during their feeding time.

Stargazing - Duration - = hour
Complimentary
To complement your Orpheus dining experience, join your guide on the end of the Orpheus Pier and discover the constellations of the southern skies. Australian cheeses and dessert wines are served as you explore how ancient mariners used the heavens to find south and to tell the time of night.

Sunset Cruise - Duration - 1= hour
A perfect way to end an awesome Orpheus day. Join the resort management team as you cruise out into Hazard Bay to witness the sun setting over the Australian coastline. Relax and unwind as you are served pre-dinner nibbles and sip endless glasses of champagne  The ultimate romantic indulgence ! Price: $45 per person all inclusive

Orpheus Dinghy Adventure
Complimentary
This is your opportunity to be the master of your very own vessel, to explore the many picturesque bays and beautiful beaches around Orpheus Island's shores. Order your tropical picnic hamper packed full of scrumptious island food, and explore places like South Beach excellent for beachcombing, or feed the abundant fish at Yanks Jetty, or take a hike to the stone ruins on the ridge behind Pioneer Bay, or discover the fantastic coral structures in Cattle Bay  or simply relax soaking up the ambience on your own secluded beach. If you would prefer not to take command of these wonderful vessels, then you can still take advantage of these experiences using our drop off service to a destination of your choice.

Glass Bottom Boat - Duration - 1 hour
Complimentary
Join our resident Marine Biologist for a cruise to view the magnificent clam gardens in the comfort of our custom built vessel "Explorer". This informative trip will introduce you to the coral reef building animals and an array of fascinating marine creatures.

Mangrove Kayak Expedition - Duration - 2 hours
Complimentary
Your experienced guide will fully orientate you to your self-draining 2 person kayak prior to embarking on this wonderful adventure. Explore the mangrove ecosystem as you are guided through the inlet into mangrove bay until you are engulfed within the maze of this amazing environment. Learn of the inhabitants that live within, and the life cycle of these entwined plants showing their importance to the development of the Great Barrier Reef. Dive

Discover Scuba Diving - Duration - 2 hour (theory/pool) & 2 hour (diving)
Price: on application
This PADI program is a basic introduction to scuba diving. It consists of a basic theory session followed by learning the essential skills in the swimming pool environment, including your opportunity to take those memorable first breaths underwater. If you would like to put your newfound skills into action this program can be taken one-step further on a dive (to max of 10 metres) on the Great Barrier Reef. This scuba experience is conducted under the direct supervision/supervision of our qualified Dive Instructor.

Island Reef Dive - Duration - 2 & 1/2 hour
Price: on application
This local scuba dive takes you to one of the many convenient dive sites throughout the Palm Island Group onboard our fast dive vessel. Each dive is guided by our experienced Dive masters who will ensure a unique inner reef experience. Average visibility around the islands is 9-12 metres (30-40 feet).

Important Dive Information - Certified divers must produce certification cards and log books.

Day Trips & Charters

Outer Reef Dive & Snorkel Excursion - Duration - Full Day
Price: on application
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living structure and plays host to a tremendous diversity of marine life. The waters are often gin clear and highlight an amazing array of colours. It is not surprising that the outer reef is considered one of the most sought after diving destinations in the world. It is situated some 20 miles (50 minutes by boat) from Orpheus Island
Embark on a full day trip to the outer barrier reef for a sensational day on the water. Enjoy an unforgettable experience which can include two guided dives discovering a myriad of marine life, the opportunity to swim and snorkel, and lounge in the sun while being tempted by a fabulous smorgasbord lunch. This trip is conducted by a private charter vessel operator.

Local Island or Outer Barrier Reef Fishing Trips - Duration - Full Day
Price: on application
Half or full day fishing charters can also be arranged upon request. Fishing charters can be a combination of bottom line, light tackle or heavy tackle fishing. A day of fishing aboard a fully equipped vessel with its experienced and qualified crew is guaranteed to grab you hook, line and sinker. 
 
Inclusions
Includes
Accommodation
All Meals & Snacks
Water skiing, catamarans, windsurfers,
canoes, paddle skis, motorized dinghies,
snorkeling, glass bottom boat trips,
two swimming pools, spa,
day/night tennis court and recreation room.
 
Getting There
Access to the resort is by a spectacular scenic flight transfer. A scheduled service operates from Townsville (daily) and Cairns (twice weekly). Charter prices from other ports & islands also available on application.
Townsville - Gate lounge 5, Domestic Terminal, Townsville Airport. Passengers are requested to be in the departure lounge, with their luggage, 30 minutes prior to scheduled flight.
Cairns - Barrier Aviation Terminal. NB: This terminal is a short taxi ride from both the Cairns domestic & international terminals.
Passengers are requested to be in the departure lounge, with their luggage, 30 minutes prior to scheduled flight.
NB: The following information is correct at the time of printing. For your convenience, seaplane transfer times are scheduled to coincide with domestic and international flights where possible. This schedule is subject to change in the event of any alterations to the timetable of domestic and international airlines. We recommend that you reconfirm Orpheus transfer flight numbers and times when booking.
Luggage restrictions are 15kg per person. Although all care is taken, we do not accept responsibility for any expense incurred by a passenger as a result of any delay, alteration or mechanical failure. The operator is unable to guarantee exact arrival and departure times, and will not accept liability for failure to make connections with any other services. 
 
Conditions
Prices shown are per person and are subject to change until booked. Accommodation subject to availability at time of booking.
 
Disclaimer
Every effort is made to ensure that information, including prices, shown on this page is correct. All information is received by us from other sources and we endeavour to check all detail when received. However, we take no responsibility for the information received or for any mistake or omission made by Holiday Magic staff in the up-load of information. 

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All bookings for Orpheus Island Resort are handled by a fully accredited and licensed travel agent