The superb Gab Titui Cultural Centre, near the ferry dock on Thursday Island, houses a contemporary gallery displaying the cultural history of the Torres…
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Thursday Island & Horn Island
Thursday and Horn Islands are the most visited of the remote Torres Strait Islands, Australia’s most northerly frontier. The archipelago consists of more than 100 islands stretching like stepping stones for 150km from the tip of Cape York Peninsula to Papua New Guinea.
The islands have a fascinating history of Indigenous seafaring inhabitants distinct from mainland Aboriginal people, pearling and WWII defence, and a relaxed island culture. Horn Island (Ngurupai) is the air hub for the islands and the Cape, connected by regular ferries to nearby Thursday Island (TI; Waibene), the tiny administrative capital and main population hub. Prince of Wales Island (Muralag) is the largest of the group, but is inhabited by only around 20 souls. Friday Island and tiny Roko Island can be visited for their pearl farms.
These 'inner islands' are the traditional home of the Kaurareg people, one of four island groups in the Torres Strait.
Explore Thursday Island & Horn Island
- GGab Titui Cultural Centre
The superb Gab Titui Cultural Centre, near the ferry dock on Thursday Island, houses a contemporary gallery displaying the cultural history of the Torres…
- TTorres Strait Heritage Museum
Fascinating educational tours revealing the island's significant and all-but-forgotten military history, including fixed gun sites and aircraft wrecks,…
- GGreen Hill Fort
The highest point on Thursday Island, Green Hill is home to the well-preserved remains of a 19th-century fort, built in 1891 in preparation for a possible…
- TThursday Island Cemetery
This heritage-listed cemetery includes the graves of more than 600 Japanese pearl divers and a memorial erected by the Japanese consulate in 1979. Look…
- AAll Souls & St Bartholomew Memorial Church
Built in 1893 in memory of the 134 lives that were lost when the Quetta struck an uncharted reef and sank within three minutes. Inside is memorabilia from…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Thursday Island & Horn Island.
See
Gab Titui Cultural Centre
The superb Gab Titui Cultural Centre, near the ferry dock on Thursday Island, houses a contemporary gallery displaying the cultural history of the Torres…
See
Torres Strait Heritage Museum
Fascinating educational tours revealing the island's significant and all-but-forgotten military history, including fixed gun sites and aircraft wrecks,…
See
Green Hill Fort
The highest point on Thursday Island, Green Hill is home to the well-preserved remains of a 19th-century fort, built in 1891 in preparation for a possible…
See
Thursday Island Cemetery
This heritage-listed cemetery includes the graves of more than 600 Japanese pearl divers and a memorial erected by the Japanese consulate in 1979. Look…
See
All Souls & St Bartholomew Memorial Church
Built in 1893 in memory of the 134 lives that were lost when the Quetta struck an uncharted reef and sank within three minutes. Inside is memorabilia from…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Thursday Island & Horn Island
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