Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
savvy traveler eager for peace and beauty. Although it takes 74 guests, guest
numbers usually sit at around 40 or so. The surrounding waters are home to 340
of the 350 or so coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef, 1,100 species of
fish, green and loggerhead turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and, from June through
September, humpback whales. The only other people you will see are resort staff,
a handful of guests, and the occasional scientist from the James Cook University
marine research station in the next bay. Day-trippers are not allowed.
Transfers are by eight-seater Cessna seaplane from Townsville three times a
day. Fares are A$380 (US$247) per person round-trip, trip time 30 minutes.
Book through the resort. Luggage limit is 25 kilograms (55 lb.) per person.
Orpheus Island Resort The resort is a cluster of rooms lining one of the
prettiest turquoise bays you'll find anywhere. Most guests spend their time snor-
keling over coral reefs, chilling with a good book or magazine in the Polynesian-
style Quiet Lounge, or lazing in a hammock. Free activities include water-skiing
(and lessons), snorkeling, catamaran sailing, a “Discover Scuba” lesson, canoe-
ing, windsurfing, paddle skiing, fishing, and taking a dinghy around the shore
to explore some of the island's 1,300 national-park hectares (3,211 acres). You
can pay to go game fishing, charter a boat or seaplane to the outer Reef, or do a
dive course.
Apart from the hillside Osprey Villas, all the rooms and suites on Orpheus are
absolute beachfront. The 17 Orpheus Retreats are set in blocks of three, and
each has a personal patio and a Jacuzzi. Four Nautilus Suites are more spacious,
with separate lounge and bedroom areas, large private patios and large Jacuzzi.
Two have enclosed garden courtyards. The six palatial villas, furnished in terra
cotta and Tuscan style, are about a 3-minute walk from the beach, and have hill-
side views of the sea or gardens. Don't expect marbled splendor on Orpheus; the
rooms and facilities are attractive and comfortable rather than luxurious—
although the complimentary champagne, fruit, and chocolates, and fresh flow-
ers in your room when you arrive are extravagant touches. What you are paying
for is seclusion and tranquillity.
Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef via Townsville (PMB 15, Townsville, QLD 4810). & 1800/077 167 in Aus-
tralia, or 07/4777 7377. Fax 07/4777 7533. www.orpheus.com.au. 27 units. A$1,300 (US$845) double
Orpheus Retreat, A$1,580 (US$1,027) double Nautilus Suite, A$1,800 (US$1,170) Osprey Villas. Rates include
all meals and snacks; drinks cost extra. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. No children under 15. Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; 2 small outdoor pools, 1 with swim-up bar; day/night tennis court; exercise room; Jacuzzi;
watersports rentals; concierge; business center; in-room massage. In room: A/C (except villas), minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
5 The Whitsunday Coast & Islands
A day's drive or a 1-hour flight south of Cairns brings you to the dazzling col-
lection of 74 islands known as the Whitsundays. No more than 3 nautical miles
separates most of the islands, and altogether they represent countless bays,
beaches, dazzling coral reefs, and fishing spots that comprise one fabulous Great
Barrier Reef playground. Sharing the same latitude as Rio de Janeiro and
Hawaii, the water is at least 72°F (22°C) year-round, the sun shines most of the
year, and winter requires only a light jacket at night.
All the islands are composed of densely rainforested national park land,
mostly uninhabited, and the surrounding waters belong to the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park. Don't expect palm trees and coconuts—these islands are cov-
ered with dry-looking pine and eucalyptus forests full of dense undergrowth,
 
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