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Located amidst the glistening waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Orpheus Island Lodge is a rare island hideaway accommodating just 28 indulged guests. Orpheus showcases a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Its local dive and snorkel sites boast 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish on the reef , 340 of the 359 varieties of hard corals and some of the region’s largest collections of soft corals; the turquoise local waters are a fisherman's playground and home to the most sought-after reef species in the world; guests can take the helm of a motorised dinghy, complete with gourmet picnic hamper, and discover the many pristine private coves that fringe Orpheus; or they can succumb to a unique indigenous-inspired treatment at the day spa. Not to be missed is the island's signature 'Dining with the Tides' experience; an intimate degustation dinner under a starlit canopy on the lodge's jetty. The Orpheus rate is all-inclusive of artfully prepared gourmet meals tailored to your individual taste, selected Australian wines and beers, a daily-curated Orpheus experience as well as unlimited use of the island's kayaks, paddleboards, catamaran, motorised dinghies, and snorkeling equipment. Perfect as a luxury hideaway, a picturesque wedding setting, or booked in its entirety for exclusive use. Access to Orpheus Island Lodge is via a 30-minute helicopter journey from Townsville.
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A stunningly beautiful island and a lovely stay. Arriving by helicopter is a real highlight and the pilots make you feel super secure and do a great job pointing out landmarks and spotting marine life. The island is stunningly beautiful & the facilities are all clean and well kept. Staff are incredibly helpful and all rooms have direct ocean access which is lovely at sunset. We took a dingy out on the second day and explored other beaches and it was a terrific experience. We felt the only let down on the island was the food & beverage. Upon arrival at 2pm instead of being invited to eat lunch with other guests, we were given a small cheese platter in our room. We had left Brisbane on quite an early flight & had not eaten to this point. Upon requesting more food we were given 2 toasted sandwiches, which is fine normally, but not when you are staying at a 5 star resort. Also, only basic beer, wine and soft drink are available as part of your stay. Again, for a luxury resort we were surprised that we had to pay extra for basic spirits and even coconut water!!!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 22 Aug 2021
Hi NCTravelling, Thank you for your review and we appreciate the feedback, it is so great that you got to explore this island paradise during your stay. The beaches are truly some of the most beautiful in the world. We are so sorry to hear you were not satisfied with the food & beverages served at Orpheus Island Lodge. I can see your stay with us was in August 2020, since then we have further developed our processes as we strive to deliver exceptional customer service to our guests during their stay with us. We have since included basic spirits on our beverage list as of December 2020 and whilst lunch service is at 1pm, we can offer a light lunch to guests coming off a later flight so this doesn't impede on the delicious degustation dinner to follow. Our branded Orpheus Island Lodge coconuts are also cracked open in front of guests to further immerse them in the tropical island experience, however these do come at a charge. Thank you again for your feedback, we hope to welcome you back again in the future. Rachel
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We traveled in March for our 20th anniversary, The place is just special.
I will start by saying the staff are the best thing about this resort. You can just see in their faces they are genuine and nice people. They help with everything you need and are very respectful of your space. They honestly make you feel like a celebrity or someone special and I know that sounds a little weird but that honestly how we felt.
One of our favorite things was going on a dingy with a prepared lunch picnic hamper and spending a day on a completely isolated beach. You often feel like you are the only ones on the island. Everyone is well spaced and you can get as involved as you want to or completely be on your own. No pressure to do anything.
The rooms are perfect and totally spacious with everything you need. I was impressed, you even get a stocked wine shelf and drinks which we didn't even use as you never go thirsty.
The food is an absolute delight. If I could eat this quality of food for the rest of my life I would be the healthiest person on the planet. I am a 195 cm guy and whilst I eat a lot and initially thought the portions were small, by the end of the meal I was full. If you want more you simply ask and they provide.
The pool is gorgeous, I only wish we had stayed a few more days as you can completely unwind at this resort.
I highly recommend this resort for Adults wanting to spend some time together and refresh.
I am sure we will be back maybe for our 30th.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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Response from Michelle Donald, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 16 Apr 2020
We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay on Orpheus Island. Thank you for taking the time to make special mention to our wonderful staff. They will be pleased to know that the effort they put in to make sure our guests get the most our of their stay does not go unnoticed. We are very pleased that you made the most of your time, exploring our beautiful surrounding beaches and experiences the Island at it best. It really is such a special place to visit and we look forward to welcoming you back for a little more of that Orpheus magic in the future.
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As Far North Qld locals we are embarrassed to admit that Orpheus was not on our bucket list but with covid restrictions meaning two overseas trips were cancelled we found ourselves booking a 5 night stay in a South Suite as an end of year getaway. And what a way it was to finish the year!
From start to finish the experience was flawless. The transfer via helicopter is an amazing way to start your getaway, the staff were brilliant, the accommodation was stylishly understated and the outdoor bath was fabulous. We absolutely loved taking out the dinghy each day to our own private beach, relaxing with a cheese platter and drinks, all packed thoughtfully by the activities team.
The absolute highlight for us was a trip to Hinchinbrook Island with Jen. If you have the opportunity definitely do this. Jen is very unassuming when she meets you at the dock but she has lived on Orpheus for 20 years as the head landscaper and her knowledge and passion for the flora in the region is awe inspiring. She inspired some of us to join her barefoot stroll to Zoe Falls where we climbed to the top for amazing views over the island. We had a swim in the picturesque waters before returning to our boat at Zoe Bay.
Another must do is the dining with the tides experience. We were lucky enough to have Paul take care of us that night and he was faultless in his service and attention to detail.
We had such an amazing time, the service from Alessandro at dinner and Jack at breakfast was first class. The food was absolutely ridiculous, we did not have one bad meal, everything was fresh and showcased the skill of the chef.
A massive thank you to the whole team for such an impressive stay. We have stayed at both Qualia on Hamilton Island and the Four Seasons in Bora Bora and quite honestly Orpheus blew them out of the water.
If you’re looking for a magical place that has laidback luxury absolutely nailed than Orpheus is for you
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Aaron Jones, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 15 Dec 2020
Hi naomis408, We are humbled and blessed to receive such amazing feedback for our luxurious island gem! We are pleased that our staff have provided you with exceptional service, creating a personalised experience which we take pride in. We look forward to welcoming you back for a little more Orpheus magic in the future. Tropical regards, Aaron
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The food is exceptional and of the standard one would expect in a top city restaurant. Every night is a four course meal of this unbelievably high standard. For our last night, we chose the option of “Dining with the Tides” where we dined privately over the water on the jetty. The chef met with us on the night before and requested our food preferences. We had matching wine with the six individual courses which made an unforgettable experience. With only around 20 guests, all the staff address you by name and the staff are unbelievably friendly and make every guest feel like a special VIP. All the air conditioned rooms face the ocean and when you wake, it feels like you could be anywhere in the world. The weather is perfect and in October it only varies a couple of degrees over the whole day and is always a couple of degrees degrees less than the mainland. There’s a huge amount of activities for the guests eg. snorkelling above coral, boating, botanist guided hiking, visiting the marine research station and swimming in one of the best pools we’ve ever experienced. We have traveled the world extensively and in short, this is one of the best holidays we’ve experienced.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 24 Oct 2021
Hi vincew2013, It is so great to hear that even after travelling the globe, you still consider our little island hideaway one of the best holidays you have experienced! We pride ourselves on being a foodie lovers destination, so we are glad to loved our delicious daily changing menu of locally sourced produce. The 'Dining with the Tides' degustation dinner is truly a must-do for anyone visiting Orpheus. Thank you again for such a great review and we hope to welcome you back again. Rachel
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This is our second time back and I'm confident it won't be our last.
The only way to the island and lodge is via helicopter therefore the inner diva in all of us is well satisfied.
The staff, as always is amazing and accommodating to all of your personal needs. The head chef will meet with you to discuss your individual palatable desires. Do as much or as little as you like. Sit by the pool, take out your own little motorised boat, kayak, paddle board or take advantage of the daily activities. It's up to you.
Rooms sizes are very generous with all toiletries provided. No need to pack a beach towel as they too are available in abundance. No need to worry about doing your washing when you get home as the lodge staff will also take care of that.
On the return home, its worth staying a night at the Ville in Townsville. The executive suite is fantastic for a little extra cost.
Thank you to all of the staff involve with the Orpheus experience. Simply unforgettable.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michelle Donald, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 13 Apr 2020
Hi oromanerol, It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you back again. Thank you for your kind words and we look forward to welcoming you back for a 3rd visit, with a stopover at The Ville Resort-Casino. What a great suggestion! Warm regards, Stacey
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This destination has been high on our bucket list for some time, when finally the stars aligned and we had a last minute opportunity to experience this beautiful island and we were not disappointed. The flight over with Nautilus aviation Helicopters was also a highlight, flying low over deserted islands and some fortuitous Whale sightings, a Humpback with new calf. The Island itself is naturally pristine, there is much to see and do (or not) there are daily excursions/activities or else relax by the pool, drink cocktails and indulge in the day spa. The staff go out of their way to ensure each and every guest has their ultimate stay, hopefully we will get to experience Orpheus Island again soon.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Room Tip:We stayed in one of the cheaper rooms on the Southern end and it was very well appointed and quiet.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 15 Sept 2021
Hi Noreen L, Thank you for your great review, we appreciate your kind words. We are so glad you got the opportunity to visit our little island paradise. It's amazing that you got to see some whales on your journey to the island, that would have been a incredible start your stay. As you mentioned, the island really is the best of both worlds whether you wish to lay by the pool with cocktails or explore the island its surroundings. We can't wait to welcome you back again soon. Rachel
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Orpheus island is the best of the great barrier reef all in one place.
For the resort, bar and dining; Every standard inclusion is a premium product. Craft beers, boutique spirits, freshly baked cookies, and amazing meals are just the start. Nothing was a let down, nothing underwhelmed.
The service is next level. The bar staff will sign you up for water sports, the spa team will offer and grab you drinks, the whole team just functions as one exceptionally helpful unit. No one passes anything off as not their job, there's no way to improve the service. It perfectly blends attentiveness and letting you have your own space.
The location is without compare. The jetty has sharks and fish coasting by all day. A 10-20minute self driven dingy ride gets you to either the clam garden, or yanks jetty, both excellent snorkel spots. You can fish on the way, or take a picnic to enjoy on the beach.
We took the opportunity to do an outer reef charter with a combination of scuba and fishing. The crew have endless knowledge of the reef and work tirelessly to put you on to fish. The bramble bommie dive site was only limited by our air supply, there's so much to see. The outer reef charter was so good we signed on for an inner reef charter the next day, caught more fish and dived another reef ledge.
The only negatives: some sandflies at dusk, but bug spray is on hand to keep them at bay, And having to leave. It honestly feels like good value, the premium price is reflected over and above in what you receive as an experience.
Should be on everyone's bucket list. Twice.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 27 July 2021
Hi Hoopdawg, Thank you for your 5-star review and taking the time to write this feedback. The team will be so glad to hear they helped make your experience all the more enjoyable. Exploring the reefs truly is an incredible experience, with so many tropical fish and colourful coral to be seen. We are so glad to hear that your only negatives were the sandflies (which as you mention are easily resolved with some bug spray) and leaving the resort, we would love to host you again for a second time. Rachel
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Luckily my second time back and the paradise that is Orpheus Island still never ceases to amaze me. The overall experience, from the welcoming "Northern Escapes" Staff at the "Ville", the helicopter pilots, the greeting from lovely Jen at the Island, to all the staff at the Island, they all go out of their way in every interaction to make your stay a memorable one, always personable, always with a smile and always very friendly. I love the truly sublime, indulgent accommodation, the daily menu is a pure delight for the taste buds, loved the food. The activities are all taken to the next level whether it be snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing on the reef, hiking up to the top of Hinchinbrook Island water falls or taking a dinghy to the "Clam Garden", your every whim is catered for, food, drink, picnic hampers and expert guidance. A big thanks to dive master "Billie" from me for giving me the courage to take my first scuba dive, simply loved it. I still count myself fortunate to have experienced all that is Orpheus Island.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 6 Apr 2021
Hi rozc2021, Wow, thank you for reviewing your second trip on the island! We are so happy you found the time to make it back to us and enjoy another holiday escape at Orpheus. At Northern Escape, service is the utmost priority for us so to note that you have experienced top service throughout the entirety of your trip, is just wonderful! Please feel free to come back for your 3rd visit whenever you get the chance! Jen would be so pleased to see you again. Tropical regards, Rachel.
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I had my 50th birthday on Orpheus over 4 days with 28 family and friends, and they pulled out all the stops to make sure we all had the time of our lives. It was like a dream it was so good.
The island itself is stunning, and the experience of arriving and departing by helicopter is next level fun and excitement. As a big group it was also so much fun greeting each arriving helicopter, and the welcome by the very friendly and Sharon and Shane who always made sure everything ran smoothly.
Jennifer was so great in the weeks leading up to the trip and making sure all the details were perfect and helicopters confirmed. And then a few calls from Chef Paul as he designed a menu for the weekend for us.
Everything was laid on while we were there, island hikes, snorkelling trips, a remote beach party, sunset cruise, cocktails on the jetty, it was all perfect. Everything was so well organised by the boat team, and they made sure there was always fully stocked eskys on the boats with whatever our favourite booze was!
The food was sensational. Chef Paul pulled out all the stops for every meal, and everyone was blown away by how much food there was, and the 5-star standard of every course and every meal. All dietary requirements were covered and remembered at all times. He even gave an after dinner shark feeding on 2 nights!
The staff were all so outstanding. Friendly, funny, and nothing was too much trouble. We struggled for days later after we left the island that Kieren was not overseeing our lives and making sure everything was perfect! The all inclusive drinks were always flowing and topped up with a friendly smile and the dinners we organised at a 5 star standard. Kieren was definitely a standout, as was Sally, but everyone we encountered on the island was brilliant and made sure we all had the best time.
I can't recommend this island enough. All 28 of us cannot wait to get back to paradise sometime soon!
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Rachel Crowley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 18 Dec 2022
Hi Nathstravels, Thank you for the 5-star review and happy 50th birthday! What an incredible way to celebrate such a milestone and we are so happy that we were able to make your stay all the more enjoyable. Out team are passionate about making every guest experiences as memorable as possible, from curating special meals based on our guests dietaries to welcoming you to and from our little island paradise. It is great to hear that you made the most of your holiday with experiences exploring the secluded tropical island and venturing out into the Great Barrier Reef. We can't wait to welcome you back again soon!
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We love this island hideaway. From the tranquility, to the staff, food and the fact that that everything is catered for.
We visit twice a year to get away from work, the city and unwind.
Everything is taken care of. Nothing is ever a problem on Orpheus. The fact that guest number is limited to I think 50?? at any one time means that we can find a lot of peace and quiet while on the island.
The private yacht tour with Margie and her husband is high recommend as is the vegetation hike.
So nice to learn everything from our food on the island is island grown except for meat produce and the like.
The infinity pool is a great place to stretch out while being treated to live music weekly.
Worth every penny and the journey getting there. It is a helicopter ride from Bris which is only 30 minutes and offers a magnificent scenic tour.
A special must visit. No children allowed though.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stacey Rolley, Guest Services / Front Office at Orpheus Island Lodge
Responded 3 Nov 2020
Hi TanZ888, Thank you for taking the time to review your tropical getaway. Our tranquil island certainly provides guests the opportunity to unwind in a naturally isolated setting; at times you may feel as though you have the entire island to yourself as guest numbers are limited to just 28 (however, we do welcome children). We are pleased you enjoyed the scenic helicopter journey to the island which we offer from either Townsville (30 minute journey time) or Cairns (90 minutes). Our staff will be delighted to read that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed our laid-back but polished service and delicious seasonal food on offer. Whilst we don’t offer live music, we always love when guests take to our grand piano and play a tune! Best wishes, Stacey
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Hi Mpeg36,
It is not a requirement to wear stinger suits as we are free of any stingers on the island. However we do offer them and you are welcome to use them as they are also very handy in protecting you from sun exposure while in the water.
Hi Jam1e7
Of course we can take you to the outer reef! The closest of the outer reefs takes about 45 minutes by boat from the resort. The reefs come up to the surface forming shallow coral gardens or stunning reef walls. Check out our instagram for pictures of our outer reef sites: orpheusisland
Look forward to your visit!
There are more places to choose from in the Orpheus Island area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$1,947 - AU$2,983 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
orpheus island hotel orpheus island, orpheus island resort all inclusive
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandOrpheus Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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