Where to go
Blessed with coral reefs, deserted beaches and pockets of rainforest, the 274 islands of the Torres Strait off the tip of Cape York are a fascinating mix of culture, breathtaking scenery and WWII history.
There are few relatively undiscovered places left in the world, yet one of them starts just off the coast of Tropical North Queensland. The Torres Strait Islands are impossibly beautiful and virtually untouched, a series of stepping stones reaching from Cape York towards Papua New Guinea.
White beaches, volcanic peaks covered in forest and rocky islets emerge from turquoise water teeming with dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles and giant marlin. The northernmost fringes of the Great Barrier Reef lie to the east, although you’ll find none of the crowds that exist further south.
It’s a region with a rich history, dating back 70,000 years when the first Torres Strait islanders migrated from the Indonesian archipelago. The people are still intrinsically tied to their ancient culture and each of the islands’ small communities has their own distinct practices, beliefs and customs. Practices they share include colourful dance, distinctive masks and headdresses, traditional carving and modern printmaking.
Less than 20 of the islands are inhabited and just a few permit visitors, including the administrative capital, Thursday Island. The island is tiny (about 3 sq km) and there are just two sleepy main streets and a handful of hotels. In the late 19th century, it was a bustling pearling hub with hundreds of ships and divers based here. More than 600 Japanese divers are buried in the island’s heritage-listed cemetery. You’ll also find one of Australia’s oldest military fortifications on the island, Green Hill Fort, built in 1891.
On the more remote islands, tourism is almost non-existent. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get around – friendly locals will be happy to take you out in their dinghies to fish in hidden coves or invite you to join them for a celebratory meal; or take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight.
During World War II, 5000 troops and airmen were stationed on Horn Island, which was the second most-attacked location in Australia after Darwin. Visit the Torres Strait Heritage Museum on the island to uncover its fascinating and little-known military history.
See historic artefacts and contemporary works from local communities at the award-winning Gab Titui Cultural Centre. The centre promotes only ethical sales of Indigenous work and supports some 70 artists across the islands.
Visit a modern working pearl farm at Roko Island, a private island just off the mainland that produces high-quality Australian South Sea pearls. Take a tour of the farm, see pearls being harvested and buy jewellery made on the island.
The fishing on the islands is exceptionally good. Throw a line in off the wharf at Horn Island, or take one of the many available fishing charters in search of coral trout, sail fish, mackerel, golden snapper and red emperor.
The Torres Strait Islands can be tricky to get around, so plan ahead with flights and inter-island transfers, book accommodation in advance and carry cash, as banking facilities are limited.
Learn more about the individual islands, their unique communities and the region’s fascinating history – and explore the untouched tip of the Great Barrier Reef.
Here’s why you should experience the beauty, culture and history of the Torres Strait on a brand new tour exploring Australia’s most northerly point.
Between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, there’s a fascinating world of unforgettable adventures to be had. Journey to this culturally unique part of Australia and you’ll find vibrant Indigenous communities celebrating their strong connection to land and sea.
We’ve rounded up the top reasons why you need to get your ship together and get on the MV Trinity Bay to Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands.
Tropical North Queensland is the only region in Australia with two distinct Indigenous cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Connect with these ancient cultures 60,000 years in the making.
Skytrans connects Cairns with the main communities on Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands and offers the most diverse route options. Qantaslink offers daily return flights from Cairns to Horn Island.
Peddell’s Ferry offers transfers from Seisa to Thursday Island as well as providing island tours by bus on Thursday Island. Private boat charters are also available. McDonald Charter Boats and Rebel Marine/Torres Strait Tours offer ferry services between Horn Island and Thursday Island.
Take the cargo ship MV Trinity Bay to the tip of Australia. You’ll cruise 1,000km along the Great Barrier Reef on a vessel destined for the azure-blue waters of the Torres Strait Islands. A stunning, unique, bucket-list experience like no other. Why not put your 4WD on the vessel heading north, and drive back to Cairns through Cape York – an untamed wilderness that has to be seen to be believed.
Multiple scenic and fishing tours are available from Seisa, Cape York to the islands of the Torres Strait with Nautilus Aviation, and Helitours North Queensland. Private charter services are also available.
From mountain bike festivals to parties under the tropical palms, @tropicalnorthqueensland is bringing an unmissable lineup of events this season. Check out the full What’s On guide 🔗 in bio ☝️🌴
@savannah.sounds @pdcarnivale @crankworxcairns @pbraustralia @ccc_cairns @cairnsindigenousartfair @ironman.cairns @cooktown.discovery.festival @discoveryparksandresorts
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID This image carousel features a series of images showcasing upcoming events in Tropical North Queensland, from cultural celebrations and adrenaline-fueled action to live music and beachside festivals.
💙 Australia’s bluest waters? You will find them right here in @tropicalnorthqueensland. Would you swim here? #BedarraIsland?
🎥 @_markfitz
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID The video opens with text that reads “Places in Australia with the bluest water”, over an aerial drone shot of a secluded beach. The scene features clear turquoise coloured water, smooth boulders and palm trees lining the white sand.
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate #RexSmealPark? Drop your score below. 👇 We would give it a 10… obviously...🌴
📸 IG/kel.and.dyl
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree #portdouglasdaintree
ID A park with lush green grass stretches toward the waterfront, framed by tall, evenly spaced palm trees. In the background, a calm body of water reflects the sky, with distant mountains and a tree-covered shoreline.
No snorkel? No worries! A glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the #GreatBarrierReef without getting wet. Who’s up for an underwater adventure but above water 😉?
🎥 @sunloverreefcruises
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID The video opens with on-screen text that reads “Have you ever been on a glass-bottom boat tour?”. The footage then shows a glass-bottom boat floating over the Great Barrier Reef, with coral formations below. The perspective shifts between above-water shots of the boat and views through the glass panels, where tropical fish and marine life can be seen swimming beneath.
Journey through #Mareeba along the historic Wheelbarrow Way to discover #Chillagoe, a hidden outback gem filled with ancient limestone caves, rich mining history and landscapes that take your breath away. Have you heard of it? Time to add this “secret” to your TNQ bucket list.
Planning a trip? @visitmareebashire offers a 2-day
Wheelbarrow Way itinerary and all the tips you need to make the most of your adventure.
🎥 @overlandtravellers
ID Aerial and ground footage showcasing Chillagoe’s outback landscapes, ancient limestone formations and scenic walking trails. Clips feature a couple exploring caves, hiking throughthe rocky terrain and enjoying sunset views among towering limestone pillars. Text overlays highlight Chillagoe as one of TNQ’s best-kept secrets.
#exploretnq #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #australia @queensland @australia
Monday mood? ➡️ Wishing you were here instead… 🌴 #MissionBeach
🎥 @_markfitz
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia missionbeachqld
ID Aerial drone shot featuring a long stretch of beach with golden sand palm trees.
Ever peered into the depths of Mt Hypipamee Crater on the @athertontablelands? 🤯 This volcanic pipe is just one of many geological marvels of this region. Who’s visited?
🎥 @jessadventuresaus
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia #athertontablelands
ID A deep, cylindrical crater with sheer rock walls drops dramatically into a still, green pool far below. The surrounding landscape is dense with rainforest, with trees lining the rim of the crater.
Two historical landmarks captured in one beautiful image – can you name them? 🤔 (Answer at the end!)
📸 @amys.camera.lens
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @australia @queensland @portdouglasdaintree
A small white church sits among tall palm trees near a sandy shoreline. Behind it, the ocean stretches to the horizon with a wooden pier on one side and distant mountains in the background.
⚓ Port Douglas Sugar Wharf
⛪ St Mary’s by the Sea
Every day is an adventure in @TropicalNorthQueensland. ☀️ And if you need a little inspo, here are 8 experiences that made 🎥 @kellerdiaries` list.
🚂 Take a scenic ride through the rainforest on the @kurandascenicrailway.
🐎 Gallop along the beach between two World Heritage sites with @capetribhorserides.
🛥️ Cruise to Mackay Coral Cay for pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
🍍 Hunt for hidden gems and fresh local produce at the Port Douglas Markets.
🍇 Indulge in a delicious road trip through the @athertontablelands’ foodie trail.
🏝️ Spend a sun-soaked day exploring @fitzroyisland.
🤿 Snorkel the @gbrmarinepark and meet its incredible marine life.
🌴 Chase waterfalls and secret swimming spots in @portdouglasdaintree.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia
ID Text over video reads “8 must-see places in Tropical North Queensland” followed by a series of videos showing a train travelling through a rainforest, people riding horses along a sandy shoreline, people standing on a white sand cay in the ocean, an outdoor market filled with people and stalls, a person admiring views from a lookout beneath a tree, a white sand beach with bright blue water, colourful coral underwater and a person jumping into a rainforest waterhole.
Heaven IS a place on Earth… and it looks a lot like this 💙. #LizardIsland is serving up some pretty spectacular views so, who’s coming with you? 🏝️
🎥 @lizardisland
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cooktowntnq
ID Aerial and close-up shots of the landscapes of Lizard Island, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life.
Opt in below to start receiving inspiration straight to your inbox
