We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. Find out more in our Privacy Policy. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Orpheus Island Day Tour

Bookings

Send an enquiry

Orpheus Island Day Tour

Enquiry sent

Thank you for your enquiry. Our customer service team will contact you shortly.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of a palm-fringed island paradise…


GOOLBOODI (ORPHEUS) ISLAND

Nestled within Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Orpheus Island is a true hidden gem off the coast of Townsville. We’ll help you discover an island escape your soul is craving for, where the phrase ‘Island Time’ means reconnecting with nature and maybe even a little adventure.

The journey to Orpheus Island is all part of the experience. Enjoy a 1-hour and 45-minute scenic cruise, take in the breathtaking views of the rugged Palm Island Group coastline. Delight in morning tea while our knowledgeable crew shares stories about the island’s rich history and diverse marine life. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the majestic humpback whales during their migration season from mid-July to August!

Upon reaching Yanks Jetty, the island's magic truly unfolds. Stroll along pristine beaches, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply unwind by the jetty and savor your lunch as you soak in the serene surroundings of this island paradise.

For those seeking adventure, set out on a 20-minute scenic walk through the island’s rustic forest. This trail winds past fascinating WWII ruins and leads to stunning panoramic views of Hinchinbrook Island and the mainland. Visit QLD National Park website for more information about Yanks Jetty walking track.

Orpheus Island is a destination that will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're planning a getaway with friends and family or embarking on a solo adventure, this tour offers something for everyone.

Highlights & Inclusions

  • Scenic cruise through the beautiful Palm Island Group
  • Enjoy up to 3 hours of free time to relax on the beach, swim, snorkel & explore Yanks Jetty
  • Cruise in style on a fast, modern, air-conditioned catamaran
  • Island history & marine life presentations from our expert guides
  • Delicious morning tea & lunch
  • Snorkel gear hire (including lycra suit) available
  • Experience comfort with guest numbers capped at less than half capacity
  • Environmental Management Charge (EMC) $8

Tour details

  • Passenger typePrice
    Adult$155
    Child (5-14 years)$105
    Family (2A+2CH or more)10% discount*
    Infant (0-4 years)Free of charge*

    Group discount: book 10 adults or more and receive 10% discount at check-out time.

    *Please note: only one discount can be applied to any booking. Infants must be included in the booking. Price is valid till 31st March 2026.

  • Saturday 12th April
    Saturday 10th May
    Saturday 17th May
    Saturday 14th June
    Saturday 12th July
    Saturday 20th September
    Saturday 27th September
    Saturday 11th October
  • 7:00amCheck-in opens.
    7:45amBoarding commences.
    8:00amVessel departs from Townsville.
    A light morning tea is served while cruising for approx. 1hour & 45minutes.
    10:00amArrive at Yanks Jetty, disembark and enjoy up to 3hours to explore while lunch is served.
    1:00pmDepart Yanks Jetty.
    3:00pmArrive back at SeaLink Breakwater Terminal, Townsville.

    Please note: this is a sample itinerary, with estimate arrival/departure times, subject to change without notice. This tour doesn't stop at Orpheus Island Resort.

  • Departure time: 8.00am.
    Return time: 3.00pm (approx.).
    Check-in: opens at 7.00am and closes 10minutes prior departure.
    Location: SeaLink Breakwater Terminal, Townsville.
  • Please be aware that once arrived at Yanks Jetty, located within a National Park, facilities ashore are limited:

    • An undercover area is available on the jetty for your use.
    • A long-drop toilet is accessible on the island for the duration of your stay.

    Please note: access to the vessel will not be available while you are at Yanks Jetty.

    • small beach bag to take your essentials ashore
    • refillable water bottle
    • camera
    • beach toys
    • appropriate clothing - swimmers, comfortable clothes & footwear, light jacket/jumper during winter months
    • sun safe gear - hat, sunglasses, reef safe sunscreen, towel
  • Dietary requirements
    Our Orpheus Island tour is prepared by Michel's Catering who provide delicious and nutritious food. Morning tea consists of tropical seasonal fruits & sweet platters. An individual lunch pack is included for each guest and can cater only for the following dietary requirements:

    • Gluten-free
    • Dairy-free
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan

    If you require any of the above options, please notify SeaLink at least 48 hours before departure in the comments section at check out or by calling our sales team on 07 4726 0800. We will do our best to accommodate your request. For any further dietary preferences or food allergies, you are welcome to bring your own food in addition to what we can supply.

    Drinks

    • Barista made hot drinks are available for purchasing from the Terminal Café, prior tour departure.
    • Cold drinks, snacks kiosk available for purchasing on-board the vessel. Licensed bar open from 10.00am – NO BYO alcohol.

    Snorkel gear hire
    Snorkel gear is available on-board for use throughout the day at no extra cost (mask, snorkel, fins and stinger suit) or feel free to bring any personal snorkel items if you wish to.

    Magnetic Island Guests
    Guests traveling from Magnetic Island will receive a complimentary return ferry ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour. Tickets can be collected on-board on the day of travel. Please present your travel itinerary to the crew as proof of travel. Please catch the 7:00 am service departing from Magnetic Island at the latest.

    Travelling with children and infants
    Infants ( 0-4 years old) travel free of charge and must be included in the booking. Please note children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

    Parking
    Onsite car parking is $9.00. During peak season (April - September) and weekends we highly recommend arriving early for your tour to allow sufficient time to find alternative options if our car park is full.

    Travel and motion sickness
    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to departure.

    If you are unsure or you need further assistance please contact our sales team on 07 4726 0800.

  • Sunscreen's Impact on the Ocean

    Chemicals in sunscreen, like oxybenzone, can be absorbed by corals if you go for a swim after applying it. Nanoparticles in these chemicals have been shown to disrupt coral reproduction and growth cycles, which in turn can lead to bleaching. Here are some pointers on reef-safe sunscreens. For more information on what to avoid, what to look for, and how to lessen your impact, check out this useful article from Reef Check :

    1. Check out the contents first:
      1. Stay away from oxybenzone, nanoparticles, parabens, and cinnamates.
      2. Look for "Non-Nano" and water-resistant sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
      3. The recommended waiting time between applying sunscreen and entering the water is 15 minutes.
    2. Don't use a spray when we use an aerosol, much of the sunscreen misses and ends up in the sand.
    3. Bring an umbrella or a tent to the beach to provide some of your own shade.

    SeaLink’s popular Orpheus Island Day Tour, Whale Watching, Private Charter, and Outer Reef Experiences which incorporates the world-first Museum of Underwater Art, are Ecotourism Certified by Ecotourism Australia.

  • Is snorkelling gear hire included in the cost?
    Snorkel gear is available on-board for use throughout the day at no extra cost (mask, snorkel, fins and stinger suit), however you are welcome to bring any personal snorkel items if you wish to.

    How long is the stay at Yanks Jetty, Orpheus Island?
    There will be approximately 3 hours to laze on the beach or jetty, cool off, snorkel fringing reef, explore walking trail or take part in some beach fun.

    Will the boat staying at the jetty?
    No, therefore access to the vessel will not be available while you are at Yanks Jetty.

    Can I bring a fishing rod?
    No, Orpheus Island is a green zone.

    Is Scuba Diving available on this tour?
    Scuba diving is not available on this tour.

    Can I take my stand-up paddle board?
    No, for the safety of all guests the use of SUP’s is not permitted.

    Does this tour stops at Orpheus Resort?
    No, this tour visits Yanks Jetty.

    Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
    All SeaLink vessels are wheelchair accessible, for toilet use travel in the lower cabin is required. Access to Yanks Jetty however is not wheelchair accessible, passengers will need to be able to make their own way on/off the vessel by foot via a steep ramp.

    I’m travelling from Magnetic Island, do you provide a pickup for this tour?
    No, unfortunately this takes too much time out of the tour itinerary. SeaLink will however provide Magnetic Island guests with a complimentary return ticket to make their way to Townsville prior to the tour (7:00am service at the latest). Tickets are available for collection on-board on the day of travel, please show your booking number or travel itinerary.

    Can I BYO alcohol?
    All SeaLink vessels are fully licensed venues, all liquor must be purchased and consumed onboard (BYO liquor is not permitted). Carriage of Liquor from our vessels to the shore is not permitted whilst disembarking. Our on-board bar is open for the duration of the tour for the purchase of light snacks and refreshments (alcoholic drinks available from 10am).

    Will I get seasick on this tour?
    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. We recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to the departure. Please dress according to the weather – it will often feel colder at sea. Smoking is not permitted on board.

  • 1. Cancellation by the Traveller
    If you cancel your booking the following fees apply:

    • Between 14 days and 48 hours before departure: 20% of total cost
    • Between 24 hours and 48 hours before departure: 50% of total cost
    • Within 24 hours of departure: 100% of total cost

    A ‘no show’ will incur 100% penalty. No refunds are given on unused tickets.

    2. Cancellation by SeaLink North Queensland

    All tours cancelled by SeaLink North Queensland due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances are eligible for:

    • Full refund
    • Transfer or reschedule to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour
    • 100% Credit to use for a future SeaLink North Queensland Tour

    3. Booking changes

    SeaLink North Queensland will accept travel date changes or changes to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour (subject to availability) up to 48 hours before departure for a $20 p/person administration fee – any difference in tour price is payable by the passenger. Please note cancellation fees apply for any changes within 48 hours – please refer to the above Cancellation Policy.

    4. Change of Itinerary

    Tours and itinerary are subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell and rain. The vessel master will determine the most appropriate course on the day of travel.

    5. Travel Insurance

    Holiday plans can be disrupted and cancellation fees can be costly. We highly recommend that you have your own travel insurance. Please note that Travel Insurance may not cover disruptions caused by mechanical breakdowns or adverse weather conditions.

    Click here for a full list of SeaLink North Queensland Terms and Conditions.

Related products