Orpheus Island National Park

Orpheus Island National Park is a protected island national park in Queensland, Australia, located at latitude -18.63693 and longitude 146.49985. It forms part of the coastal reef islands in the Great Barrier Reef region and is administered as a Queensland national park.

The park’s principal attractions are its beaches, fringing coral reefs and clear coastal waters which are used for snorkelling, reef observation and marine research. There is a permanent research station on the island that supports fieldwork and limited overnight accommodation for researchers and organised groups.

The island and surrounding reefs are managed for conservation and scientific use; the site is within the wider Great Barrier Reef marine management area. Its designation and usage emphasize protection of reef ecosystems alongside regulated visitor and research access.

The national park lies off the north Queensland coast in the Coral Sea, offshore from the City of Townsville and Magnetic Island region. Access to the island is by private charter boat or aircraft from mainland Queensland; it is situated among a chain of reef islands within the Great Barrier Reef marine area.

• Research station: Hosts a James Cook University research facility that supports marine and coral reef science and is used for field research and training.
• Marine reef access: Located within the Great Barrier Reef marine region and surrounded by fringing coral reef, making it a focal point for snorkelling and scientific study.

What to See #

• Orpheus Island (main island): Main island of the national park, featuring beaches, coastal vegetation and fringing coral reefs immediately offshore; the island is the principal landmass of the park and base for visitors.
• Orpheus Island Research Station: A research facility operated by James Cook University that supports coral, marine and climate research and is used by scientists and students for fieldwork and overnight stays.