Great Barrier Reef's ultra-luxe Orpheus island is a food lover's paradise

Dive into Orpheus Island — the food lover's paradise

On a luxury island on the Great Barrier Reef, chef Shannon Bennett is joined by reef ambassador Jarrod Scott and Produce Awards winner Chris Bolton to explore the sea life, cook with local bounty and soak up the unique experiences on offer.

The island is 1000 hectares of national park across 11 kilometres of coastline on the Great Barrier Reef, and home to Orpheus Island Lodge, complete with day spa and all-inclusive bar and restaurant.

The rooms and villas are airy and bright, with many ocean-facing. Hammocks dot the beach for blissful relaxation, and kayaks bob on the water waiting for patrons.

Daily adventures include boat trips, and waterfall hikes. Exploring the reef and snorkelling is top of the to-do list.

Jarrod, who has worked with Tom Ford, Givenchy and Chanel, is well acquainted with Orpheus from his ambassadorship of Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, which is an organisation working to conserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Citizens created the first Great Reef Census, where vital information of the reef’s health is gathered. The ambition is to survey more reefs, and utilise the boat infrastructure for new scientific missions.

Fishing for the trio begins at the crack of dawn, and with a master like Chris at the helm, everyone is in safe hands.

A good day on the water ends with fresh catches of reef fish, coral trout and yellow stripey snapper, making Shannon eager to get in the kitchen.

“The more delicate the fish, the less fierce the cooking. The taste should be pure sea – nothing fishy or minerally. The focus should be on beautiful, simple seafood,” Shannon explains.

Words: Samantha Jones Producer: Neely Karimi in partnership with Swipe for more travel stories