ORPHEUS ISLAND
Chef Shannon Bennett and model Jarrod Scott are landing on uber-luxe Orpheus Island in a brightred helicopter. Cruising in to drop anchor at the private island lodge's jetty is award-winning fisherman Chris Bolton, who will be taking the duo reef and deep-sea fishing.
“I’ve done Cairns and the Daintree, but haven’t been this far north in the waters,” says Shannon, who's enjoyed fishing trips with Chris in the past. Taking in the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea to one side, and the glossy infinity pool and lodge to the other, Shannon is in for unforgettable trip.
The island is 1000 hectares of national park across 11 kilometres of stunning coastline on the Great Barrier Reef, and home to the 14-room Orpheus Island Lodge, complete with day spa and all-inclusive bar and restaurant. The rooms, villas and suites are airy and bright, with many ocean-facing and boasting indulgent outdoor baths. Hammocks dot the beach for blissful relaxation, and kayaks and motorised dinghies bob on the water waiting for the more energetic.
“OUR MAIN GOAL HAS BEEN TO BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER ON– Jarrod Scott
