Orpheus Island, Queensland

Gwen O'Toole Luscombe is the director of a boutique creative services company, The Ideas Library. Visit www.TheIdeasLibrary.com.au

Australia (76) Luxury (30) Queensland (8) Group Travel (5) Great Barrier Reef (3) Destination Wedding (3)

Offering kilometres of coastline and surrounded by a National Park and a World Heritage -listed marine park,staying on the island feels like you're a world away. Images courtesy of Orpheus Island.

Orpheus Island, set in the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, has recently reopened its doors for 2014 (following the wet season), and offers guests the ultimate in tropical island escapism.

Ideal for groups, weddings or independent travelers seeking an absolute getaway, this destination is located just 80 kilometres north of Townsville and is accessible by helicopter from Cairns or Townsville.

The iconic Great Barrier Reef surrounds the island and offers a wide variety of activities such as snorkeling.

The reef surrounding Orpheus is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most spectacular and diverse and it's not uncommon for guests to sight Green Turtles, Manta Rays and Humpback Whales.

Accommodating just 28 indulged guests (14 rooms) at any one time, the island channels a laid-back beach house vibe. Orpheus is also one of the only islands in Queensland that can be booked for exclusive use, providing the perfect backdrop to host an intimate wedding, a couple's or group retreat, a memorable milestone or a major celebration.

Live the suite life in one of the 14 available accommodation rooms on the island.

Orpheus' principal dive sites boast thousands of species of fish on the reef; the local waters are a fisherman's playground and home to the most sought after reef fish species in the world; and guests can take the helm of a dingy packed with a gourmet picnic hamper and discover the many pristine coves that fringe Orpheus.

The island also offers a signature dining experience, 'Dining with the Tides', which gives guests the unique opportunity to enjoy an intimate dinner served under the stars on the island's pier.

A day spa is available and the collection of spa treatments are inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques and aim to restore and balance wellness through herbalism, aromatherapy and touch therapy.

Bedroom view at Queensland's Orpehus Island.

Guest rooms are private, offer amazing views, a lush tropical setting and some feature outdoor stone baths and private courtyards with hanging day beds.

Accommodation rates start from $1400 (twin-share) per night and include all gourmet meals, regional wines and beers, and daily Orpheus experiences.

Flight time is approximately 3 hours from Sydney, 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 2.5 hours from Brisbane.

#Australia
#Great Barrier Reef
#Queensland
#Luxury
#Group Travel
#Destination Wedding

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