Exploring Orpheus Island – snorkeling and hiking

Exploring Orpheus Island – snorkeling and hiking

Orpheus Island is a tropical Great Barrier Reef island and part of the Greater Palm Island group. For adventure travelers, snorkeling and hiking on Orpheus Island are some of the best of the Great Barrier Reef Islands.
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How do I get to Orpheus Island?

Although the Palm Islands are relatively close to Townsville, getting here is more difficult than other Great Barrier Reef Islands.

Organized day trips by ferry

If you're looking for a day trip, you can book a round-trip ferry ticket to Orpheus Island with SeaLink Ferries. However, these organized day trips are irregular and cost up to $119 per person.

If you don't have your own equipment, you can also add the Orpheus Island snorkeling equipment add-on at checkout.

For the wealthier: private helicopter

If you have a lot of money to spend or are already staying at Orpheus Island Resort, you can take a private helicopter from Townsville for $559 per person.

Sailing

If you are lucky enough to own your own sailboat or yacht and sail along Australia's east coast, then the best way to get to Orpheus Island is to sail there yourself.

The main anchorage area is in the northern bay known as Pioneer Bay. There are five 24-hour visitor buoys that can accommodate monohulls up to 20 m and catamarans up to 18 m.
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Best time to travel to Orpheus Island and the Palm Islands

You may be wondering when is the best time to visit Orpheus Island? Due to the tropical nature of North Queensland's weather, the best time to visit is during the dry winter months of June to August.

These months offer the calmest weather and a more predictable southeast wind pattern. The temperature usually stays around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, with water temperatures usually averaging 23 to 25 degrees.

Additionally, and probably the most important factor, these months are not during peak sting season, so the risk of encountering a stinger while snorkeling on Orpheus Island is much lower than in the summer months.
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Stay on the island of Orpheus

Yes, it is possible to stay on Orpheus Island. However, it costs you.

The Orpheus Island Resort is the only accommodation option on Orpheus Island and is aimed at high budget travelers and honeymooners. Their luxurious rooms are a perfect getaway for people who want to splurge a bit.

The best things to do on Orpheus Island

So you managed to reach Orpheus? Here is a short list of some of the best things to do during your stay in the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkeling on Orpheus Island

Orpheus Island Snorkeling offers you a unique underwater experience on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is home to 1,100 of the 1,500 species of fish that live on the reef.

The best snorkeling spots on Orpheus Island are at the southern tip of Pioneer Bay or at the spot near the research station. However, exploring all parts of the fringing reef offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
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Snorkeling with manta rays

While we were on Orpheus Island, snorkeling with manta rays was a clear highlight. We saw dozens of different manta rays, some swimming alone and others in pairs. There's no specific place to find them, but if you spend enough time in the water, spotting one is all but inevitable.

The best part is that the manta rays stay here all year round!
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Orpheus Island hike and viewpoint

The beach near Pioneer Bay is a great short walk to a lookout at the north end of Orpheus Island.

For sailors, this is the beach where you will most likely anchor. However, if you're visiting the island on a day trip or staying at the resort, you'll need to kayak or take a dinghy to the beach.

From here you will find the start of the route directly behind the old national park seating area. After a short 10-minute walk you will see the remains of the first British settlement. You can continue up the dense, rainforest-like terrain until you reach a clearing with long, thick grass.

Avoid brown snakes and push your way up the hill to find the lookout rock that overlooks both sides of the island. Remember to look down for incredible views of the reef below, where you'll often see manta rays and turtles swimming in crystal clear, turquoise waters.
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Kayaking on Orpheus Island

Everyone loves a yak, especially over calm fringing reef! You can rent kayaks from the resort and paddle around the inner bays, often spotting manta rays and turtles.
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Check out the research center

Between Pioneer Bay and Orpheus Island Resort you will find a settlement dedicated to marine exploration. There are buoys marking the research zone and you should avoid kayaking or boating in this area.

However, the southern headland is one of the best snorkeling spots on Orpheus Island, where you can snorkel in the shallow fringing reef. Here the research center has helped to replant corals damaged by bleaching that are in excellent condition.

While I was snorkeling at the site, I saw a huge humpback whale entering the bay and making its way almost to the research center! This was by far my favorite snorkeling experience on Orpheus Island.
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Take a day trip to Hinchinbrook Island

If you're not staying on the island, why not take a day trip to one of Australia's last wildernesses? Hinchinbrook Island.

Day trips can be organized by the resort but are a bit expensive. If you're sailing around the islands yourself, don't miss Hinchinbrook!
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For sailors and cruisers: Sailing to Orpheus Island

I visited Orpheus Island on our Australian east coast sailing trip to the Daintree. For those who sail, read my SAILING LOG for more detailed information on anchorages and night buoys.
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