Local’s guide to the Torres Strait Islands

Thursday Island is the main island and the commerce centre. Called Waibene or T.I. by the locals, the main strip along Douglas Street is home to shops, boutique clothing stores and cafes, including local favourite, Uncle Frankies Café.

Perfect for a coffee on the go or a sit-down breakfast, this spot brings a little taste of the city to the islands and is perfect for lazy mornings. Another popular local coffee spot is Makai Cafe; leave a little extra time to have a chat when you get here. 

If you’re looking for a completely unique Torres Strait food experience, try the fresh seafood and Japanese cuisine at Kazu Pearl Farm on Friday Island. It’s a short 15-minute boat ride from T.I. and you can charter a private return trip with Wis Wei Charters.

The fish is caught fresh off the wharf and served to you in traditional Japanese courses. You’ll even be able to taste pearl shell meat and, if you book in advance, owner Kazuyoshi Takami will also host a private tour around the working pearl farm.

Friday Island is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, so, while you’re there, be sure to find a spot on the sand or try your luck throwing in a line. 

Drink

A visit to the Torres Strait wouldn’t be complete without a cold beer in Australia’s northern-most pub; The Torres Hotel. With an active nightlife and regular community events, this little pub is a favourite watering hole among the locals.

Have a yarn (chat) with its friendly patrons and hear stories about the Torres Strait and its rich history.

Overlooking the waterfront and hugging the esplanade is the popular Federal Hotel (known to the locals as ‘Fedz’). While it looks like a quintessential old Queensland pub from the outside, the large tinted windows offer spectacular views of the harbour.

Inside you’ll find the famous Joe’s Bar mural which has been maintained since the pub first opened. It’s also the only pub in town with air-conditioning so it’s a must on hot days.

Stay

Boasting an outdoor pool and an intimate indoor restaurant, the Jardine Motel on Thursday Island is the perfect choice if you’re after a romantic accommodation option.

If you’re looking for something a little more lively, head to the Grand Hotel. Located on a hillside, some rooms enjoy 180-degree ocean views. This family-run hotel includes a restaurant, conference room, public bar and gaming room. Guests are also treated to complimentary buffet breakfast.

Play

The Torres Strait’s extraordinary culture is expressed through art and if you visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on T.I., you’ll be amazed at the variety of artwork on display. From intricate modern lino art to historic artefacts, masks and headdresses, the gallery is a safe keeping place for these awe-inspiring cultural assets.

Love exploring? There's plenty to do on these islands. Charter a water taxi or service like Peddells Thursday Island Tours, and visit the largest island in the Torres Strait; Prince of Wales. In its past life, the island was used as a cattle station and years later it now has a surviving population of wild cattle, goat and rusa deer. Locals love to escape to Prince of Wales to cool off around one of its many waterfalls.

The Torres Strait is scattered with pristine beaches and every island offers a different adventure. If you’re up for a hike, charter a course to Goods Island and trek up the hillside to see the forts used during WWII, or take a stroll to the historic St Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hammond Island.

Avid anglers are spoilt for fishing spots. Try casting behind the rip tides of Bluefish Point on Prince of Wales Island, or troll the reef’s edge of the neighbouring islands. And while you troll along, you might spot the Torres Strait’s active marine life, including turtles, jumping rays and even dolphins.

And budding photographers will be in heaven. The Torres Strait is famously photogenic, especially Green Hill on Thursday Island.

Pack a picnic basket and your camera and head up to the Green Hill Fort. You’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree ocean views. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set over Prince of Wales, Friday Island and Goods Island.

Shop

Stop by the iconic Monas Bazaar to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your time in the Torres Strait. You could spend hours browsing the racks of colourful floral dresses, traditional artefacts and indigenous artwork. Music, jewellery and books are also available.

Wander down Douglas Street and you’ll find other little shops and takeaway outlets.

Tribal Boutique is a must for pearls and unique jewellery, with locally designed pieces made with local seeds, glass and wooden beads, and pearls sources from Roko Island and Turtle Head..

When to visit

The Torres Strait has two seasons: wet and dry. To avoid stinging jellyfish (affectionately known as stingers) and the rain, it’s best to visit during the dry season, from May to September.

Every second September, Thursday Island holds the Winds Of Zenadth Cultural Festival where the communities of the Torres Strait descend on the island in a celebration to showcase their individual customs and cultures. This spectacular cultural event includes song, dance, and art, and is one of the best Indigenous events in Queensland.

Want to keep exploring? Tropical North Queensland is home to many indigenous tours and immersive experiences.

Speak like the locals

Torres Strait Islanders are multilingual and the common language is Creole (broken English). Here are some easy Creole words you can use next time you visit:

• Eso = Thank you. Pronounced “Ess-Or”
• Wa = Yes. Pronounced “Wah”
• Nor = No. Pronounced “Nor”
• Yawo = Goodbye. Pronounced “Ya-wor”

Getting there

You can visit the Torres Strait Islands by plane, car or cruise.

Qantas fly from Cairns to Horn Island. Services such as McDonald Charter Boats will then ferry you across to Thursday Island.

If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Way to Cape York, you can catch a ferry across to Thursday Island.

Arriving by cruise? Your ship will anchor in the harbour, and you’ll be taken to Thursday Island by tender.