Orpheus Island sits in the Palm Islands group off North Queensland, and anyone looking at Orpheus Island tours or rentals is really asking about a reef island with a resort, a national park and a working research station. This page sets out what the island offers so you can plan with a clearer picture.
For help with a tour, a rental or any other inquiry, call us on the free number 1800 815 378 and we will help. You can also email us through the site.
Orpheus Island tours and rentals: where to start
The island has a luxury resort, the Orpheus Island Great Barrier Reef Luxury Resort, and that is the natural first point of reference for a stay. For tours and other arrangements, the quickest route is a phone call to our team.
For wider trip ideas across the state, the official Tourism and Events Queensland site is a sensible place to look as well.
Where the island sits
Orpheus Island is a continental island in North Queensland and part of the Palm Islands group. It lies 1,189 km (739 mi) northwest of Brisbane. Pelorus Island is 800 metres (2,600 ft) to the north, and both fall within the Shire of Hinchinbrook.
The island's Aboriginal name is Goolboddi, and it was possibly home to the Nyawaygi people before Europeans arrived. Lieutenant G. E. Richards gave it the name Orpheus in 1887, after HMS Orpheus, a Royal Navy ship wrecked off the coast of New Zealand in 1863.
The national park
Orpheus Island was declared a national park in 1960. Orpheus Island National Park also takes in Albino Rock, which lies 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi) east of Great Palm Island, usually just called Palm Island.
Great Palm Island is the closest location with government facilities, which is worth keeping in mind when you think about how self-sufficient a visit needs to be.
The resort and its owners
The island has changed hands a few times. In 2002 it was bought by Jim Wilson, who had developed Freycinet Lodge in Tasmania. In 2011 it was sold to Chris Morris, the Computershare mogul. The luxury resort remains the island's main commercial presence.
Research station and reef work
A James Cook University research station operates on the island. Its activity gives a good sense of what the surrounding reef is valued for:
- Since 2000, St Michael's Grammar School of St Kilda, Victoria, has run a marine biology project there each June.
- Since 2018, Reef Ecologic has run an annual reef restoration and leadership workshop at the station.
- In 2021 the group published a research paper on citizen scientist findings about a rare, large coral bommie at Orpheus Island.
A citizen science database on iNaturalist has recorded over 700 observations of 334 species. The most observed is the Australian Green Tree Frog, a reminder that the island is not only about coral. More background sits in the Orpheus Island National Park entry.
Planning your enquiry
Decide what you want first: a stay at the resort, a day out, or simply information. Then ring 1800 815 378 and tell us. If your trip involves ground travel beforehand, our Coolum transfers page shows how we describe airport and ground travel in another part of the state. Please check current prices and times with the operator before you book.
Businesses that would like to be listed on this site can use the same number. Australian Travel Wholesalers welcome inquiries from potential advertisers, and a sales representative in your region will make contact.
Frequently asked questions
How do we arrange Orpheus Island tours through this page?
Call 1800 815 378 or email us and we will help with your inquiry.
Is there a resort on Orpheus Island?
Yes, the Orpheus Island Great Barrier Reef Luxury Resort is on the island.
Where are the nearest government facilities?
Great Palm Island is the closest location with government facilities.
