Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island Join Luxury Lodges of Australia
17 Feb, 2025
Morris Escapes is delighted to announce that Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island have joined the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection.
Located within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island offer unparalleled access to one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments. Just a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight from Townsville, these island sanctuaries provide guests with front-row access to pristine fringing reefs, where manta rays, turtles, dugongs, and migratory whales thrive in crystal-clear waters.
Morris Group Executive Chairman, Chris Morris, expressed his enthusiasm about the inclusion of Orpheus and Pelorus in the 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”.
Chris Morris
Sunset drinks at Pelorus Private Island
Orpheus Island Lodge is an all-inclusive retreat with just 14 suites, each offering Coral Sea views. Guests can enjoy world-class dining featuring produce from the island’s organic garden, explore the vibrant underwater world, or indulge in restorative treatments at Gwandalan Day Spa. The island’s jetty serves as a gateway to adventures such as guided snorkelling and diving, fishing, paddleboarding, and secluded dinghy picnics on hidden beaches.
Pelorus Private Island is an ultra-luxury, exclusively bookable island villa accommodating up to 11 guests. Featuring five elegantly appointed suites, it is the only luxury private island residence in the region. Perfect for families or intimate gatherings, Pelorus offers a fully tailored experience, with a private chef curating bespoke menus and personalised itineraries ranging from reef diving to wilderness hiking on nearby Hinchinbrook Island.
Ross Penegar, CEO of Morris Escapes, highlighted the significance of this recognition:
“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, offering deeply immersive, world-class experiences.”
Orpheus Island Lodge
Both Orpheus and Pelorus embrace sustainability at every level, from responsible energy and water use to waste minimisation and locally sourced ingredients. At Orpheus, chefs utilise fresh produce from the island’s kitchen garden, while sustainably caught seafood, including coral trout and painted rock lobster, takes centre stage on the menu. On Pelorus, a private chef crafts each meal to guests’ individual tastes, ensuring a dining experience that is both indulgent and environmentally conscious.
Collectively, the 20 Luxury Lodges of Australia showcase Australia’s extraordinary diversity of place and experience, underpinned by the soft luxuries expected by our guests. Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island join Mt Mulligan Lodge, marking three Morris Escapes lodges in the collection.
Mt Mulligan Lodge sits 160km north-west of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland. Nestled among the eucalypts on the banks of the weir with views of Mount Mulligan (Ngarrabullgan), Mt Mulligan Lodge offers an authentic outback luxury experience for up to 28 guests. The property is accessible from Cairns via fixed wing, helicopter or 4WD adventure.
Experience a quintessential Queensland experience with the Reef & Outback package, a bespoke six-night itinerary at Orpheus Island Lodge and Mt Mulligan Lodge. From the Great Barrier Reef to the outback of Tropical North Queensland, make the most of Queensland and experiences two Luxury Lodges of Australia.
Book six nights at Mt Mulligan Lodge and Orpheus Island Lodge from $11,880* for two guests.
Mt Mulligan Lodge, a Luxury Lodge of Australia
About Morris Escapes
Morris Escapes is a curated portfolio of boutique sustainable lodges and experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty. Designed to inspire authentic experiences and lasting memories, guests can discover luxury island hideaways on the Great Barrier Reef at Orpheus Island Lodge and Pelorus Private Island, invoke the spirit of adventure in the outback at Mt Mulligan Lodge, and succumb to country elegance in the Scenic Rim at Beechmont Estate.
Morris Escapes was crafted by Australian family business, Morris Group, with the goal of allowing travellers to experience Northern Australia in its purest form and to contribute to sustainable economies in the region.
About Morris Group
Morris Group is an independent, family-run business operating a collection of iconic Australian experiences. With businesses in tourism, hospitality, aviation, and technology, we’re on a mission to make a positive impact doing work we love.
From luxury resorts and lodges to urban beer gardens, elevated dining experiences, and superyacht adventures; everything we do is inspired by our love for good company and the great outdoors.