Orpheus Island attractions are mostly natural and scientific rather than commercial. The island is a national park, it hosts a university research station, and it has a single luxury resort.
For wider trip planning, Tourism and Events Queensland is the official state tourism site, and our page on Coolum transfers may help with ground travel. Please check current prices and times with the operator before you go.
Orpheus Island attractions: the national park
Orpheus Island is a continental island in North Queensland and part of the Palm Islands group. It sits 1,189 km northwest of Brisbane, and Pelorus Island lies 800 metres to the north. Both fall within the Shire of Hinchinbrook.
The island was declared a national park in 1960. The park also takes in Albino Rock, which lies 2.6 kilometres east of Great Palm Island, usually known simply as Palm Island. More background is on the Wikipedia page for Orpheus Island National Park.
Names and history
Before Europeans arrived, the island was home to an Aboriginal people, probably the Nyawigi. The Aboriginal name for the island is Goolboddi, possibly of Nyawaygi origin.
The name Orpheus was given in 1887 by Lieutenant G. E. Richards. It refers to HMS Orpheus, a Royal Navy ship wrecked off the coast of New Zealand in 1863.
In 2002 the island was bought by Jim Wilson, who had developed Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania. In 2011 it was sold to Chris Morris, the Computershare mogul.
The research station and reef science
James Cook University operates a research station on the island. It is the best-known working feature of Orpheus, and the station has its own website, Orpheus Island Research Station.
Several programs run from the station:
- Since 2000, St Michael's Grammar School of St Kilda, Victoria, has run a marine biology project each June.
- Since 2018, Reef Ecologic has run an annual reef restoration and leadership workshop.
- In 2021 that group published a research paper on citizen scientist findings about a rare, large coral bommie at Orpheus Island.
We reckon this science focus is what sets Orpheus apart from other island stops.
Wildlife and citizen science
A citizen science database on iNaturalist has recorded over 700 observations of 334 species at the island. The most observed species is the Australian Green Tree Frog, which may surprise anyone expecting only reef creatures.
Staying on the island
The Orpheus Island Great Barrier Reef Luxury Resort is the island's accommodation. If you are arranging travel around the region, see our guide to transfers from Coolum.
Nearest facilities
Great Palm Island is the closest location with government facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Orpheus Island a national park?
Yes. It was declared a national park in 1960, and the park also includes Albino Rock near Palm Island.
Is there a resort on Orpheus Island?
Yes, the Orpheus Island Great Barrier Reef Luxury Resort.
What research happens on the island?
James Cook University runs a research station there. It hosts a school marine biology project each June and a reef restoration and leadership workshop run by Reef Ecologic.
