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Thursday Island

Thursday Island is the administrative centre for the Torres Strait islands which have been part of Queensland since 1872. "T.I." as it's usually known, is the most popular of the Torres Strait Islands. It's only just over three square km in area and 39km off the top of Cape York. The strait's population of 25 000 live on more than 20 islands, and is engaged mostly in fishing, prawning and a declining pearling industry.

Thursday Island is now identified as one of the last great frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. In 1880,Thursday Island acted as the defence centre for Australia and evidence of this still exists in that the cannons still remains in place.

At one time T.I. was also a major pearling centre and pearlers' cemeteries tell the hard tale of what a dangerous occupation this was. Some pearls are still produced here, from seeded 'culture farms'. Although Thursday Island has lost its former importance as a stopping point for vessels, it's still a popular pause for passing yachties.

It's an attractive and easy going little place and has a small Quetta Memorial Museum attached to the Quetta Memorial Cathedral. There are regular flights to Thursday Island from Cairns as well as a weekly boat to Bamaga and Cairns.

Although CAPE PCYC is not currently operating in this area, it is proposed that the CAPE PCYC model will be implemented in the near future.

Click here to see the CAPE PCYC proposed rollout to the Cape York communities.
Popular tourist attractions and services

  • Jardine Motel (includes Torres Strait Art Gallery)

  • Island Tours and Cruises

  • Maritime Museum

  • Historic Cemetery

  • Green Hill Fort

  • Fishing Trips

  • Helicopter Flights

  • Quetta Memorial Museum & Cathedral

  • Camping Grounds

  • Milman Hill

Updated Friday, 16 July 2010.