Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island
Beautiful island in the Great Barrier Reef.
Orpheus Island is located 20 km east of Ingham and 80 km north-east of Townsville. It is a small island only 11 km long and, on average, about 1 km wide. Most of the island is controlled by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service with the exceptions being the small but exclusive Orpheus Island Resort in Hazard Bay with its accommodation of 31 rooms, and the James Cook University Marine Research Station in Pioneer Bay.

The island was named by Lieutenant G. E. Richards in 1887 after the Orpheus, a British naval vessel wrecked off the coast of New Zealand in 1863.

The island, which is volcanic in origin, covers an area of 1300 hectares. In 1960 it was declared a national park. It is surrounded by excellent reefs and the vegetation and wildlife, particularly the birds, are of considerable scientific interest. Although small the island has natural vegetation ranging from grasslands through to tropical rainforest. The wildlife includes a number of varieties of snake as well as echidnas, orange-footed scrubfowl, yellow-bellied sunbirds, friar birds, ospreys, kites, reef herons and egrets.

The reefs around the island have been zoned 'A' (limited fishing only) and 'B' (look but don't touch) and the Parks service go to some trouble to ensure that visitors do not damage the coral in any way.

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Things to see:

Vital Information About the Island
1. The Island Itself
Location
Orpheus Island is located 20 km east of Ingham, 80 km north-east of Townsville and 190km south of Cairns.

Description of the island
It is a small island only 11 km long and, on average, about 1 km wide. The island, which is volcanic in origin, covers an area of 1300 hectares. There are a number of pleasant walks. The eastern side of the island is quite steep and craggy.

How do visitors access it?
By the Orpheus Seaplane - service operating daily from Cairns (1 hour travel time - cost $850 return per person or half one way) or twice daily from Townsville (30 minutes travel time - cost $450 return per person or $250 one way). Special charters by boat can be arranged - closest boat ramp is at Taylor's Beach, 25 km from Ingham.

Activities on the island
Visiting the James Cook University Research Station, bushwalking, swimming, birdwatching, camping, snorkelling.

The Marine Research Station
It is possible to inspect the Marine Research Station but visits must be arranged with the manager in advance through an online procedure: http://www-public.jcu.edu.au/oirs/trip/JCUPRD_046152.

2. Resorts on the Island
History
Orpheus Island Resort is one of the few remaining privately owned island resorts, http://www.orpheus.com.au/

How big is it?
21 Private rooms consisting of Beachfront Terraces, Beachfront Studios Beachfront Bungalows, Mediterranean Villas - Facilities for small conferences - No more than 74 guests, children under 15 not accepted.

Who does it appeal to?
People who love peace and quiet - honeymooners, diving enthusiasts - there are no TV's or telephones in rooms

Free activities
As above including two pools & spa, tennis, recreation room with gym equipment, TV and video.

Other activities
Scuba Diving, Game fishing, sea and air charters, drinks, boutique.

Eating at the resort
Fine gourmet cuisine, fresh seafood.

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Resorts

Orpheus Island Resort
PMB 15 Townsville
Orpheus Island QLD 4810
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]

Web: http://www.orpheus.com.au/

Camping & Other

Queensland National Parks & Wildlife Service Camp Sites
(at Yankee & Pioneer Bays) (permits required)
Orpheus Island QLD
Telephone: [phone] or [phone]

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