Access to Orpheus Island Lodge is via a 30 minute helicopter journey from Townsville over the picturesque coral-studded sea, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands and often the abundant sea life of the brilliant local waters.
Helicopter transfer between Townsville and Orpheus Island, with Nautilus Aviation
A scenic arrival by helicopter
Townsville Airport to Orpheus Island
Departing 2pm, arriving 2.30pm
Orpheus Island to Townsville Airport
Departing 2.30pm, arriving 3pm
$500 per person, each way
There will be no charge for infants under three years of age when seated on the lap of an adult passenger. Children aged 3+ years will be charged at the ‘per person’ rate as they require their own seat for safety reasons.
If the daily scheduled flight is fully booked on your preferred dates of travel, or if the scheduled timings do not coincide with your itinerary, a bespoke helicopter charter may be arranged at an additional cost (subject to availability).
$1,270 (2 passengers, weight & luggage restrictions apply)
$2,800 (up to 6 passengers, weight & luggage restrictions apply)
Private helicopter charters from Cairns or other nearby destinations can be arranged (POA).
All helicopter payments are made through Morris Escapes on behalf of Nautilus Aviation. Prior to booking any domestic flights to or from Townsville, please contact Morris Escapes Reservations on +61 (0)7 4777 7377 or email [email protected]
Step 1: Book your Orpheus Island Lodge accommodation
Step 2: Provide individual body weights of all guests travelling to Orpheus Island Lodge by completing this form
Step 3: Helicopter transfers will only be confirmed by Nautilus Aviation once accurate individual guest weights (kg) are provided. If guest weights are not supplied at the time of booking, an upgrade cost for a private charter may apply
Step 4: Orpheus Island Lodge recommends that domestic flights are booked after accommodation and helicopter transfers are confirmed
Check in
Helicopter check-in time is 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure time. You will be met by a Nautilus Aviation pilot near to the car rental offices. We kindly ask you to take a seat at the far end of the Arrivals baggage carousel, near door #9.
Your body and bag weight will be measured at the time of check-in to document accurate weights prior to your helicopter flight as a regulation of standard aviation safety policy. You will then be transferred to the Nautilus Aviation hangar where your flight will depart from.
Arriving to Townsville Airport
Guests arriving into Townsville Airport by car, please park in the long-term car park and enter the airport terminal.
If your domestic flight arrives into Townsville Airport early and you wish to pass the time outdoors, consider making your own way to The Strand for a coffee or a stroll along the waterfront. The Strand is a 10 minute Taxi or Uber from Townsville Airport. Please remember to return to Townsville Airport 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure time for check-in.
Changes to your arrival
If your domestic or international flight is delayed or cancelled on the day of your helicopter departure, please contact Nautilus Aviation on +61 (0)7 4034 9000
Arriving by domestic flight into Cairns
For any guests arriving into Cairns Airport on a domestic flight, you will be greeted 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure time within the Cairns Airport arrivals hall T2 (domestic terminal) near to baggage carousel #3 and the first aid room. Look out for a Nautilus Aviation ground crew member who will be holding a whiteboard. You will then be transferred to the Nautilus Aviation Cairns hangar located in General Aviation. Please note that we require your flight details in advance to arrange your terminal transfers.
Arriving by international flight into Cairns
For any guests arriving into Cairns Airport on an international flight and taking a private helicopter charter to Orpheus Island, you will be greeted 45 minutes prior to your helicopter departure time outside the Cairns Airport T1 (international terminal), in the public pick-up zone. Look out for a Nautilus Aviation ground crew member who will be driving a silver Hyundai iMax van. You will then be transferred to the Nautilus Aviation Cairns hangar located in General Aviation. Please note that we require your flight details in advance to arrange terminal transfers, as well as your personal mobile numbers.
Making your own way to Nautilus Aviation
For any guests making their own way to the Nautilus Aviation Cairns hangar the address is:
Hangar 9
Bush Pilots Ave,
General Aviation
Aeroglen QLD 4870
Please meet at the hangar no later than 45 minutes prior to our helicopter departure time.
Checking in
Your body and bag weight will be measured at the time of check-in to document accurate weights prior to your helicopter flight as a regulation of standard aviation safety policy. You will then be transferred to the helicopter hangar where your flight will depart from.
Changes to your arrival
If your domestic or international flight is delayed or cancelled on the day of your helicopter departure, please contact Nautilus Aviation on +61 (0)7 4034 9000
Weights
Due to safety requirements and space restrictions on the helicopters, all passengers are restricted to a maximum of 15kg baggage in total per person. Your 15kgs includes all handbags, camera bags and luggage, with all baggage weighed upon check-in.
Should a passenger’s body weight have a variance of more than 10% from their initial provided weight at time of booking, Nautilus Aviation Pty Ltd reserve the right to upgrade to a private helicopter charter if required, at an additional cost.
Luggage
Soft duffle or cabin bags are required as they best fit in the helicopter storage compartment (no hard base or suitcases please). Due to space limitations please do not bring one large bag between two guests.
In some instances, the pilot may ask you to re-pack into a supplied soft duffle bag if your luggage is too large. Rest assured, we can safely store any excess luggage or hard cases at the Nautilus Aviation hangar for collection upon your return. To assist, Orpheus Island Lodge offers a complimentary laundry service for all our guests while staying on the island (unfortunately dry cleaning is not available).
Orpheus Island Reservations
Hours (Brisbane, Australia GMT)
Monday to Sunday 9am – 5pm
+61 (0)7 4777 7377
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