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.
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 AuthorityTorres 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.
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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.
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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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Horn Island
Home to the only airport in the Torres Strait Island group, visit the museum, art gallery, historical WWII relics and take an indigenous cultural tour in the small, 650 person town on Horn Island.
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Thursday Island
Visit the Torres Strait’s most developed island and see a WWII memorial and peal diving museum.
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Torres Strait Heritage
Walk in the steps of WWII veterans and the traditional people of Torres Strait with Torres Strait Heritage’s ‘Garrison Town' tour of Thursday Island and the 'In Their Steps' tour of Horn Island.
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Pearling
Pearling and fishing are the major economic industries of the Torres Strait and in many cases traditional practices are still used to hunt and gather these creatures.
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