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About

Our Philosophy

Achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

At Morris Escapes, we are passionate about reducing our impact on the environment and making a positive one on the community. We believe that turning a profit and supporting these two areas can go hand-in-hand.

Sustainability lies at the core of who we are as a business and we focus our efforts on achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

At Orpheus Island Lodge we are continuously expanding our efforts to tackle these key sustainability issues by focusing on the areas where we think we can have the most impact.

Energy usage, water and waste management and climate change

We donate $50 per guest stay, across all properties in our collection, to Morris Family Foundation’s Reef Keepers Fund, supporting projects that work to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef Keepers Fund has funded research and protection initiatives run by The Next Economy, Tangaroa Blue, Rainforest Rescue, Climate Council (Queensland), Australian Youth Climate Coalition, James Cook University (Orpheus Island Research Station), Australian Marine Conservation Society, Ocean Impact Organisation and Solar Citizens Queensland.

We aim to minimise the use of single-use plastics and packaging throughout our properties including the kitchen, restaurant and rooms. We provide guests with reusable drink bottles and keep cups to minimise waste.

We have removed single-use in-room amenities and instead use refillable toiletry dispensers and introduced washable slippers made from recyclable materials. We use eWater as a cleaning product instead of harsh cleaning chemicals.

We work to eradicate harmful species and replant lost plant species and we host Deep Dive – an annual event to share best practices in reef preservation.

Our on-site veggie patch provides our chefs with selected fresh produce for guest meals and our chickens lay eggs for chef use. We are committed to recycling and divert food waste from landfill where possible.

Following the installation of 810 solar panels on the hill behind the lodge, Orpheus Island Lodge is primarily solar-powered with battery storage and a backup generator on standby only. Solar hot water is used to service all guest accommodation. We have installed a water treatment plant that allows our water to be recycled and used for irrigation and watering.

Morris Escapes provides the opportunity for guests to offset the carbon emissions of their helicopter flights to Orpheus Island Lodge.

Where possible, Orpheus works with local suppliers in the Far North Queensland region to source local, organic, free range, fair trade, biodynamic and sustainably-farmed produce and products.

Eco Certification

Orpheus Island Lodge is certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. This means that when you travel with us, you are supporting a business that is backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.

Our certification demonstrates our commitment to looking after our natural environment, offering quality interpretation and educating guests, supporting and engaging our local community, reducing our carbon footprint and protecting our unique wildlife and endangered species. We also seek to make real contributions to conservation, help to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures, and provide unforgettable, high-quality guest experiences.

The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

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