ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS

Accommodation is available for school groups, University students and researchers on Orpheus Island and comprises of.

• a 4 room 8 bed self contained researcher house (PELORUS)
• a 2 storey 8 room (accommodating 4-6 people per room) shared student accommodation (HAVANA)

Pelorus House

Built in 2003, Pelorus has 2 bedrooms on each side of a central kitchen and lounge area. Verandahs on either side separate the bedrooms from the kitchen and provide an attractive area for dining or relaxing. Each room has two single beds, fans and ample open locker designed cupboards to store personal belongings. There are 2 adjoining toilets and 2 showers. Drying racks and a large tub basin is located at the back of the building for hand washing and drying of clothing.

Havana House

Built in 2003, this two storey building has 8 rooms comprising of up to 3 sets of bunk beds in each. There are open locker designed cupboards for each visitor and wall fans situated in each room. The ablution block next door, has 6 toilets, basins and showers catering well for large groups (up to 50) of students. Havana East and West are joined by expansive verandahs on the ground and second floor, suitable for dining or casual lecturing.

SUPPLIES

Visitors provide and prepare their own meals except by special arrangement. There are no stores and all supplies must be brought from the mainland. Proximity to the mainland and frequent day trip mainland transfers however, make provisioning relatively convenient. Orders can be faxed through to Coles or Woolworths in Ingham with visitors picking their order up prior to arriving at the Boat. For larger orders, delivery to the boat can be organised. Please contact the Station in advance.

SERVICES

Freshwater at the Station is supplied by stored rain water. It is potable, but supplies are limited and water conservation is encouraged, especially during the dry season. On-site generators, with full backup, provide ample 240V, 50Hz power. Three-phase, 415V power is available at various points around the station and 110V, 60Hz power can be arranged.

ACCESS

The boat terminus at Taylor's Beach is a short highway journey from Townsville (125km) or Cairns (235km).  Visitors to the Station travel to Orpheus Island on station operated vessels which depart from the boat ramp at Taylor's Beach, with access from the Bruce Highway north of Ingham. Passengers wishing for information on when to be to be picked up should contact the Manager at the Research Station.

Station visitors may fly on a standby basis on Orpheus Island resort's flights to Townsville and Cairns.  The Station will assist with arrangments if this is desired. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides an extensive medical chest, and 24-hour telephone and radio consultation. Air evacuation to Cairns or Townsville, or sea evacuation to Palm Island hospital, can be accomplished with minimal delay. All Island staff are trained in first aid and have basic supplies of bandages, dressings, etc. Visitors should report all illness or injuries to Station Staff so that they may be appropriately reviewed. Visitors should bring an adequate supply of any prescribed medication as the Royal Flying Doctor Service does not cater for this.

COMMUNICATIONS

There are telephones in the accommodation, laboratories and communal areas for incoming and internal calls, and a pay phone is located in the communal facilities (phone cards are available on the Island for purchase). A photocopier and fax machine are available for a small charge at the Station Office.

Mail is transported from the mainland to the station with notifications of any deliveries. Internet access is provided in the dry laboratory, lecture theatre and reception areas with a wireless hub planned for the researchers.

PUBLIC SUPPORT

Tours of the Station are provided free of charge, though advance notice is much appreciated.

Public support helps the Station continue important research and training in environmental management, aquaculture, marine ecology, and other fields. Donations attract a substantial tax benefit and are used entirely to maintain and develop Station facilities and to subsidise student bench fees.

The station has an active Volunteer Program for people interested in experiencing life at a marine research station first-hand. Volunteeers can stay at the Research Station free of charge (meals not included) for up to two weeks at a time in exchange for 4 hours volunteering per day.

For more information contact the Manager.