Horn Island
The 274 islands that make up the Torres Strait Islands are a melting pot of Melanesian and Aboriginal Australian culture. Thursday and Horn Islands also play an important part in Australia’s military history, and were once one of the richest pearl diving sites in the world.
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Places to stay
There are limited accommodation options on Thursday Island and Horn Island, so it’s best plan ahead and book a package to ensure you have somewhere to stay. There are a few hotels and motels to choose from on Horn Island – a small fishing town, or you can take the ferry to Thursday Island to enjoy beachfront island villas.
Things to do
Whether you stick to the popular Thursday Island, or venture out to the broader Torres Strait - you’re sure to fall in love with the cultural heritage and relaxed way of life.
Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait Island group and is easily reached by ferry from Horn Island - with the trip taking only 15 minutes. Here you’ll find many sites, activities and attractions that showcase the military and maritime history and cultural heritage of the region. Visit the Gabi Titui Cultural Centre and the popular Green Hill Fort - the latter was once an important part of Australia’s military defence and a great vantage point for a view to neighbouring islands. Experience a birdseye view of the Torres Strait Island Group with a helicopter tour.
On Horn Island, be sure to visit the Torres Strait Heritage Museum and Art Gallery to see the displays on the pearl diving era, Indigenous history and artefacts - and if you’re after a spot of fishing, Horn Island Wharf is the place to be and is popular with local fishermen.
Where to go
Torres Strait Islands
With the Torres Strait stretching from the northern tip of Queensland all the way to Papua New Guinea, some of the 274 islands are accessible by ferry, but private tour groups or local operators can organise visits off the beaten track.
Neighbouring islands include Friday, Prince of Wales, Wednesday and Hammond Islands - some of which can be seen from lookout points on Thursday Island, where most transport options are based.
Getting around
From the airport: Horn Island Airport is the only major airport in the Torres Strait - with ferry services or charters available to Thursday Island, the north of Cape York and much of the Torres Strait Island group.
In and around the city: Thursday island is small and easily explored on foot. Ferry services link Horn Island with Thursday Island within 15 minutes.
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