Torres Strait
Welcome to the Torres Strait, a stunning network of 17 Great Barrier Reef islands just north of Australia's most northern point in Cape York. This unique and naturally tropical location creates a fusion of Melanesian and Australian Aboriginal cultures where 17 islands in the Torres Strait are inhabited with approximately 20 different communities.
Popular activites: Torres Strait Sightseeing, Torres Strait Off Road/4WD Safari, Torres Strait Bush Walking, Torres Strait Guided Tour, Torres Strait Wildlife Spotting, Torres Strait Cruise.
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Torres Strait is home to some of the world’s most stunning blue waters
Some of these communities such as those on Thursday Island offer modern accommodation and thanks to small airports in Bamaga, Horn Island and Coen, seaplanes, helicopters, barges and cruise ships, visitors can be touched by these cultures and experience this unique part of nature’s theme park all year round. (Please note: To travel to remote islands - other than Thursday and Horn Islands - visitors must get permission from the Torres Strait Regional Authority). Virtually untouched, the Torres Strait islands and surrounding Great Barrier Reef are home to some of the world’s most stunning blue waters. An abundance of marine life including dugongs, dolphins, giant marlin and sea turtles surround these islands and you won’t find them anywhere else in the world.
Romantic, private sanctuaries such as Lizard and Haggerstone Islands extend a tempting invitation to newlyweds and busy city dwellers looking for uninterrupted privacy and tropical beach relaxation. With beautiful untouched beaches, crystal clear waters, awesome fishing and raw indigenous culture, visit the far corner of nature’s theme park in the Torres Strait to experience one of Australia's most beautiful, natural hidden gems.
Permits and Applications
Visitors MUST get permission,
from the relevant council at least one month in advance (longer in some
cases), to visit any of the outer Torres Strait islands (except Thursday
& Horn Islands). Each council varies in their approach tourism. For
instance you can stay on some islands, only make a day trip to others
and some councils do not permit visitor access at all. At the time of
writing, Thursday, Horn, Poruma, Warraber and Masig islands were among
the most open to visitors. See the Torres Strait Regional Authority for
more information about permits.
Fishing: Over 97% of land
in Cairns and Great Barrier Reef is protected, including the ocean, and
special rules apply to some areas in the Torres Strait. Find out exactly
where you can (and can’t) go fishing, what types, and how many fish you
can keep, as well as which permits you’ll need for your Torres Strait
fishing adventure from The Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Authority or
the Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries.
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In Their Steps
The tours and museum superbly combine all aspects of Torres Strait, from the military to culture and heritage, and are unsurpassed in the region.
(07) 4090 3333
More Information
Visit Website
Things to Know
The Torres Strait is a special place where the pace and culture of life can be quite different to what we’re used to. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Torres Strait experience.
Food/Supplies: There is an IBIS supermarket on every inhabited island with limited grocery and food supplies and EFTPOS (electronic cash/credit card or automatic teller) facilities for purchases. Otherwise, you must bring everything with you, bearing in mind that there’s usually a luggage limit of 16kg on light planes operating in the Torres Strait.
Staying in the Torres Strait: Most islands have guesthouses run by the council with modern kitchen and bathroom facilities but visitors must be self-catering.
Respect: Cultural norms surrounding privacy of islanders differ between each community. Show respect during your visit by always asking permission before taking photographs and please stay in obviously public areas (Sometimes people don’t fence their properties).
Alcohol Restrictions: Special rules apply to the consumption of alcohol within Cape York and Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal community boundaries.
Rules vary town to town and in some places alcohol is totally banned. Click here to find specific details for the areas you are visiting or call 1300 789 000.
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