Orpheus Island National Park Townsville

Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Visiting Orpheus Island safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Orpheus Island lies off the north Queensland coast, 110 kilometres north of Townsville and 45 kilometres east of Ingham. Access is by charter or private boat. The closest boat ramp is at Taylors Beach, 25 kilometres from Ingham. There is also a boat ramp at Lucinda, but it is a little further from the island. Charter boat access is from Dungeness (Lucinda), 23 kilometres to the north-west. There are no roads or formal walking tracks on the island.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on Orpheus Island National Park.

    Staying safe

    Be croc wise

    Be aware that estuarine crocodiles may be encountered in waters surrounding continental islands and cays in north Queensland. Estuarine crocodiles are potentially dangerous. Never take unnecessary risks in crocodile habitat. You are responsible for your own safety, so please follow these guidelines and be croc wise in croc country.

    • Stay alert at all times. If you see a crocodile stay well away.
    • Never swim in water where crocodiles may live even if there is no warning sign present.
    • Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, even small ones.
    • Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat. If you fall out of the boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible.
    • Be more aware of crocodiles at night and during the breeding season, September to April.

    Remember, your safety is our concern but your responsibility—always be croc wise in croc country.

    General safety tips

    To enjoy a safe visit in this area, please take these precautions.

    • Avoid the sun in the middle of the day to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
    • Dangerous stinging jellyfish (‘stingers’) may be present in the coastal waters at any time, but occur more frequently in the warmer months. A full-body Lycra suit, or equivalent, provides a good measure of protection against stinging jellyfish and sunburn. See Beachsafe for the latest safety information.
    • During summer months mosquitoes and midges can be a problem. Remember to bring insect repellent and to wear protective clothing.
    • Ensure you carry plenty of drinking water.

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Before you visit

    Our precious Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way. Please Be pest-free! (PDF, 573.6KB) before your visit.

    Essentials to bring

    • Bring adequate food and water.
    • Pack first-aid equipment.
    • Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and clothes for protection from the sun.
    • For protection against biting mosquitoes and sandflies or midges bring insect repellent and protective clothing.
    • Lighting of fires is prohibited. Bring a fuel or gas stove for cooking. Do not rely on the barbecue at Yanks Jetty.
    • Bring rubbish bags to remove all rubbish from the island.

    Opening hours

    Orpheus Island National Park is open 24 hours a day. There is no Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service office at the park.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite.

    Permits are not required for day-visits to the island. Permits are required for all commercial and organised events within the park.

    Pets

    Please leave your pets at home—domestic animals are not allowed on Orpheus Island National Park. It is also an offence to introduce domestic animals into the National Park and Scientific Research zones of the marine park including the area between low and high tides on the beach.

    Climate and weather

    Orpheus Island National Park has a tropical climate. Summer can be very hot and humid with maximum temperatures reaching over 35 degrees Celsius. During the wet season, from December to April, there are heavy, frequent downpours. During the cooler, drier months from May to September when south-easterly winds normally blow, the weather is pleasantly warm, with reduced humidity. Overnight temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at times. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology

    Fuel and supplies

    The nearest fuel and supplies are available at Lucinda and Ingham. For more information see tourism information links.