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Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Near Townsville. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia
Photo: Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Near Townsville. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia
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Orpheus Island, Australia Great Barrier Reef

Map showing location of Orpheus Island: Queensland Coast Map.

Off the east coast of Queensland, Orpheus Island National Park on the Australia Great Barrier Reef is located some 110 kilometres north east of Townsville with beautiful bays, sand beaches, colourful reefs and even more colourful fish.

Camping and Getting Here

There is limited camping available in the park at Yanks Jetty, South Beach and Pioneer Bay, but you will need to get a permit from the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing.

The only access to the island is via charter boat or your own. If your staying at the exclusive luxury resort there are flights available via helicopter from Townsville.

Native Animals and Birdlife

Amongst the native animals, there are colourful birds living on the island, including the blue-winged kookaburra, cockatoos, egrets and the white bellied sea-eagle. There are some small mammals as well. Marine life abounds in the waters surrounding the island.

Geology

The geology of the island shows that it was formed from volcanic lava that had pushed its way through the basalt base in the surrounding area, making ring dykes of rock. On the headlands and rocky shore line, one can see the web like patterns of these dykes.

The island had formed some 280 million years ago and is 12 kilometres long in length with a maximum width of 2.5 kms. Unlike many of the other islands of the Great Barrier Reef, it is not an coral cay, but became isolated from the mainland of Australia at the end of the last Ice Age, when the seas rose.

The Manbarra Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the land, having used this island for fishing, hunting and recreation. There are indigenous guided tours available.

Far North Queensland Map

Shows Cairns and Surrounding towns, beaches, national parks and places to go : Tropical North - Cairns Map or the Map of Queensland.

Other Parks in the Townsville Region

Blencoe Falls, Girringun National Park
Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Jourama Falls, Paluma Range National Park
Magnetic Island National Park
Mount Fox, Girringun National Park
Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park
Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park

See more about the many beautiful National Parks in Queensland: Queensland National Parks and our Australia National Parks.

Other Australia Great Barrier Reef Islands

There are hundreds of islands on the reef. More about the Great Barrier Reef.

Whitsunday Islands

Visit the stunning Whitsunday Islands: Whitsunday Islands. See the Whitsunday Coast Map QLD.

Hotels and Resorts in Queensland

Find Hotels and Resorts in Queensland - Hotels in Australia.

Main Photo: Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Near Townsville. Photo: Maxime Coquard Tourism Australia

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