Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island is a true Great Barrier Reef island and its coral and marine life are considered some of the most  spectacular in the world.  In 1960, the entire island of 1,368 hectares (11 kilometres in length, 1 kilometre in the widest area) was declared a National Park and a little later the surrounding waters were declared part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The crystal blue waters off Orpheus Island showcase 1100 species of fish, and 340 of the 350 known species of reef coral.  Located at Orpheus Island is a rare cluster of 100-150 Giant Clams.  This is the largest grouping in the Southern Hemisphere and include some of the oldest known specimens in the world.
 

The island has a wide variety of vegetation including rainforest, eucalypts and wild orchids.  The National Park is predominately a dry sclerophyll forest with littoral beach front on the western side.  Granite cliffs and boulders cascade down to the Coral Sea on the more exposed easterly side of the island, while gallery rainforest occupy the seasonal water courses that run through the island during the wet season.
 

The fauna is as diverse with echidnas, bandicoots, green tree frogs and various species of butterflies found on the island.

The birdlife is equally impressive and includes orange-footed scrub fowl, yellow-bellied sunbirds, spangled drongos, ospreys and brahminy kites.
 

Orpheus Island Resort is the only accommodation on the island and is one of the last privately-owned island retreats in the world.  Strictly limited to 42 pampered guests in 21 rooms, Orpheus is a sophisticated, relaxed retreat offering premium service and total seclusion. Privacy is assured with the exclusion of telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under 15 years. Orpheus Island is renowned world-wide for its fine cuisine and exceptional customer service. 

Nautilus Aviation offers some wonderful scenic flights to Orpheus Island and the surrounding reef areas.

Including the main beach in front of the resort, Orpheus has seven beautiful, sandy beaches.  There are three clear walking tracks within the national park.   The resort offers various guided walks.

For more information refer to www.orpheus.com.au.