Orpheus Island, Queensland: Travel guide and things to do

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.

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.