Luxury Lodges of Australia announce the addition of Orpheus Island Lodge and the ultra-luxury Pelorus Private Island to its distinguished collection. Just 15 minutes apart by private boat, both islands are situated within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. These exclusive retreats – part of the esteemed Morris Escapes portfolio – welcome guests of all ages, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

Orpheus and Pelorus Islands emerge from the northernmost peaks of the Great Palm Archipelago. They are accessible via a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight from Townsville or a longer helicopter transfer from the international air hub of Cairns. They provideguests front-row access to pristine and complex fringing reef systems along the protected Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The region’s clear, azure waters are home to colourful corals and a rich diversity of marine life including manta rays, turtles, dugongs and migratory whales.

Morris Escapes owner Chris Morris said he was delighted to see the properties joining the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. “We’re proud to see Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island joining the ranks of Luxury Lodges of Australia alongside our other property, Mt Mulligan Lodge. As a group, we share a commitment to delivering some of the most exceptional and immersive luxury experiences in the country. Orpheus and Pelorus are truly special places, offering an experience and hospitality that is as unique as the Great Barrier Reef itself”, Mr Morris said.  

Spanning 12 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres at its widest point, Orpheus Island is home to more than 1,000 hectares of national park, which acts as a sanctuary for native wildlife including bandicoots, sea eagles, ospreys, brahminy kites, and echidnas. Pelorus Island is made up of 400 hectares of pristine wilderness and is surrounded by superb fringing reefs.

Luxury Lodges of Australia Executive Chair Penny Rafferty said the addition of Orpheus and Pelorus added depth and diversity of luxury lodge access to locations and experiences across the 2,300km (1,450-mile) expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. “Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island provide the kind of uniquely Australian experience that aligns perfectly with the Luxury Lodges of Australia DNA,” she said.

Boutique and beach house in style, all-inclusive accommodation at Orpheus Island Lodge is offered across an intimate collection of 14 suites, each with views of the Coral Sea. The island lodge features a main pavilion bar alfresco-style dining area, a restaurant, a 25-metre infinity pool and the Gwandalan Day Spa. The jetty is the hub for all activity and the departure point for marine adventures on the Great Barrier Reef. Experiences include snorkelling and diving, fishing, paddleboarding and hiking as well as dinghy adventures complete with a gourmet picnic to enjoy at one of the island’s secluded bays and beaches.

Exclusively available for private bookings of up to 11 guests,Pelorus Private Island is a secluded, generously appointed single residence - or ‘island villa’ - with five luxurious suites; the only luxury private island abode in the region. It is ideally suited to small groups of friends or multigenerational families travelling together for a special occasion or just spending time with the people who matter most.

At Pelorus Private Island, itineraries are crafted to suit individual preferences. Guests can snorkel or dive the pristine fringing reef straight from the beach, cruise the Great Palm Archipelago and outer reef, hike the rugged wilderness of uninhabited Hinchinbrook Island, or simply relax and enjoy the island’s stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

Ross Penegar, CEO of Morris Escapes, commented: "Joining the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection is a testament to the exceptional experience we deliver at Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island. These destinations showcase a distinct region within the Great Barrier Reef; its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. As part of the Morris Escapes portfolio, we are committed to providing guests with unforgettable moments that are both luxurious and deeply connected to the unique environment they are exploring."

Both Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island feature a strong commitment to sustainability on every level: energy and water consumption, waste minimisation, and carbon footprint reduction. The dining experience reflects this approach. At Orpheus, the island’s kitchen garden provides the chefs with a constant supply of organic seasonal produce, while the happy resident chickens provide a daily supply of free-range eggs. Sustainably sourced prawns, coral trout and painted rock lobster are just some of ingredients sourced from local fishermen and suppliers. Guests at Pelorus enjoy the attention of a private chef, who creates bespoke menus to suit guests’ preferences.

“Guests travelling within Australia and from overseas can enjoy an incredible range of experiences via several Luxury Lodges which provides access to one of Australia’s greatest drawcards: our pristine, diverse and World Heritage-listed reef systems,” said Ms Rafferty. “A Luxury Lodges of Australia itinerary can incorporate the Great Barrier Reef via Lizard Island, qualia and now Orpheus and Pelorus Islands; Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef with a stay at Sal Salis; and Australia’s southernmost coral reef from Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island,” Ms Rafferty said.