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.
🕰️ Travel back 400 million years with a trip to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves! 🌊⛰️
This ancient wonder was once a shallow sea full of calcareous mud and coral reefs, now tilted into stunning vertical formations. 🦇
Keep an eye out for bats—no superheroes here, just epic nature! 🚙
Only 3hrs from #Cairns on the @athertontablelands 🚙
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chill #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chillagoe
[ID: A image of a 4WD on a dirt track surrounded by lush grass and termite mounds, with towering limestone rock formations in the background.]
![🕰️ Travel back 400 million years with a trip to the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves! 🌊⛰️
This ancient wonder was once a shallow sea full of calcareous mud and coral reefs, now tilted into stunning vertical formations. 🦇
Keep an eye out for bats—no superheroes here, just epic nature! 🚙
Only 3hrs from #Cairns on the @athertontablelands 🚙
#thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chill #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #chillagoe
[ID: A image of a 4WD on a dirt track surrounded by lush grass and termite mounds, with towering limestone rock formations in the background.]](https://tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Becoming a Guardian of the Reef means you’re not just a traveller, but a champion for our ocean!🏅🪸
Dive in, explore, and unlock exclusive rewards as you learn about the Great Barrier Reef.
Understanding your impact on the reef, is the first step in acting with greatness 🪸🐠
Become a guardian today! Link in @tropicalnorthqueensland Bio🌴
#greatbarrierreef #australia #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #GOTR #GuardianofTheReef
[ID: The image shows a snorkeler swimming above a vibrant coral reef, surrounded by small fish. The text reads: “Become a Guardian of the Reef]
Welcome to the oh-so-sweet Great Barrier Reef Drive 🚙
Winding between #Cairns and @portdouglasdaintree , this epic drive offers incredible views of two world heritage icons 🌿🐠 Gear up to explore spectacular coastline, secluded beaches, charming holiday towns & ancient rainforest 🦋🐚
🎥 @_kln_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #palmcove #portdouglasdaintree [ID: This video showcases drone footage of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, including a palm tree silhouette at sunset, cars traveling along the coastal road between rainforest and ocean, and aerial views of the ocean illuminated by the setting sun.]
Forget slip ’n’ slide in the backyard, get yourself to a natural waterslide at Josephine Falls 🌺💦
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #tropicalnorthqueensland
[ID: The image shows people enjoying the natural water slide at Josephine Falls. The water flows over smooth rocks, surrounded by lush green trees, with a lively and fun atmosphere.]
Discover the breathtaking beauty beneath the surface of the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland with @@wavelengthreefcruises , departing from Port Douglas. 🌊✨
Dive into a world of vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life—an unforgettable adventure awaits! 🪸🐠🧜🏻♀️ Plan your escape to paradise today.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #tropicalnorthqueensland
[ID: The image shows a snorkeler swimming through the colourful coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The vibrant corals in shades of orange, red, and purple contrast beautifully with the deep blue water, creating a serene and captivating underwater scene.]
Quick question: when you think rainforest, what do you think of? If your answer wasn’t the Daintree Rainforest, then you’re wrong 😌🌿🌳
The@wettropicsworldheritage rainforest is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world, around 30 million years older than the Amazon Rainforest 🤯 It’s home to 20 Indigenous language groups and a large portion of Australia’s plant and animal species!
Did you know that there are more tree species found in 1 hectare of the Wet Tropics Rainforest than in the whole of the United Kingdom 🌴🌴
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #portdouglasdaintree
If bright blue milky waters and a jacuzzi-like spa spells bliss for you then we’ve got you covered 🙌🌴
Cardwell Spa Pool, located in the @cassowarycoastaustralia , is just one of few colourful swimming spots in the area! 🦋
If you enjoy waterhole hopping, head further along the track to Attie Creek Falls & Dead Horse Creek 🚙🌿
📸 @dazandcecil
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cassowarycoast
[ID: Video clip of a women at Cardwell Spa Pool, which has bright blue water and is surrounded by lush green rainforest then zooms out into aerial drone footage]
Discover paradise @fitzroyisland with @sunloverreefcruises where every moment is a postcard. 🌴✨
From crystal-clear waters to fresh seafood by the shore. Experience the magic that awaits just off the coast🪸
🎥 @sunloverreefcruises
#greatbarrierreef #australia #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #fitzroyisland [ID: a video montage of stunning ocean view at Fitzroy Island, with a gorgeous seafood lunch with beer and wine]
Cancel your Sunday plans because @salthousecairns has dropped a 2-course lunch menu with 1-hour bottomless beverage package, available every Sunday for only $69 🥂✨
Get stuck into a delicious antipasto platter, followed by mouthwatering meals that switch up every week so you can keep on coming back! Did we mention that drinks package? Wash down your lunch with a selection of wines, beers and cocktails - cheers to that! 🍹
But the party doesn’t stop there, hang around a little while longer to enjoy a fantastic live music line up of local talent and some of the country’s finest artists 🎶
Bookings essential so don’t miss out!
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #salthousecairns
[ID: A video montage of two girls having brunch at Salt House, a restaurant by the marina. The video includes scenery shots and delicious food and drinks]
What a treat for those onboard @reefsprinter in @portdouglasdaintree yesterday! 🐋
There’s only one and a half things that can make a sunset over the Great Barrier Reef better - and that’s an Olympic performance by mother and calf humpback whales! 🐋
The annual humpback whale migration to the calving grounds of @gbrmarinepark is in full swing, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. These incredible whales travel over 10,000km from the Antarctic through our @queensland waters.
While they’re here, let’s all be whale wise and respect their space. 🛥️🌊
🎥 @reefsprinter
#greatbarrierreef #australia #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
[ID: A video of breathtaking sunset over the Great Barrier Reef, with a silhouette of a humpback whale and her calf gracefully breaching the water. The sky is painted in vibrant shades of orange and pink.]
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