Torres Strait Islands

Enjoy the peaceful existence of island life at the Torres Strait Islands, a group of at least 274 small islands that lie in Torres Strait. Rich in culture, this place is a secret backpacker destination that offers a unique experience and insight into the culture of the islanders.

Only 14 of the islands are inhabited, the best known of them is Thursday Island (or TI as the locals call it). TI can be accessed on a boat from Bamaga on the mainland and nearby Horn Island where Torres Strait’s airport is located. Bamanga is 2,677 km from Brisbane, so if you want to take a road trip, this will take you about a day.

This is a great trip to take if you want to really immerse yourself in the culture of the Island people.
Torres Strait Islanders’ have a rich culture in the arts and their lifestyle has evolved from the sea and its abundance of wildlife. They take their name from the strait that separates the Australian mainland at Cape York from the south coast of Papua New Guinea.

Torres Strait Islanders came from Melanesia and Polynesia around 2000 years ago. TI was once a major pearling centre and some pearls are still produced there from seeded ‘culture farms.’ The main appeal to the island is its cultural mix – Pacific Islanders, Europeans and Asians have all contributed to its history.

To really appreciate the diversity of the island, visit Gab Titui Cultural Centre, which houses a modern gallery displaying the cultural history of the Torres Strait. Cultural events and exhibitions by local artists are all hosted at the centre, as well as featuring artifacts, artwork, song, dance and stories from the islands.

On TI, every two years in September, The Torres Strait Cultural Festival and a Music Festival are staged to celebrate the Islands culture. The cultural blend has shaped the remote townships into a fascinating destination.

This unique tropical region is virtually untouched and surrounds the Great Barrier Reef. It homes some of the world’s most stunning blue waters as well as an abundance of marine life. This includes dugongs, dolphins, giant marlin and sea turtles.

On the Island, Peddells Ferry Island Tourist Bureau offers bus tours of TI, taking in all the major tourist sites. They also run Cape York 4WDrive day trips and Horn Island WWII tours.

If fishing’s more your thing, Tony’s Island Adventures offers fishing trips and tours of various Torres Strait Islands, including Friday, Hammond and Goodes Islands. Explore the Island with local Tony Titasey who draws on his thousand year seafearing ancestry.

The cheapest deal for your accommodation on Thursday Island is the Jardine Motel. A sea-view room will cost around AUD $240, the motel is in the main street of TI. The rooms are basic but clean, comfortable and in a great location.

If you want to throw yourself in with the locals, then try Poruma Island Lodge. It overlooks the Poruma Island’s finest beach and consists of two large thatched roof lodges.

The whole village frequently comes together for evening films to celebrate births and marriages or the construction of a new house. The highlight of the stay here is that you’re made to feel part of the family.

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