Your Torres Strait itinerary: four days in Queensland’s untouched islands of the north

If you thought Cape York was Queensland’s remote north, think again.

Take an intrepid adventure to the state’s northernmost reaches, and you’ll almost touch Papua New Guinea. Welcome to the Torres Strait islands. It’s here you’ll find an untouched paradise unlike anything you’ve seen in a glossy brochure, and unexpected experiences around every corner.

What you won’t find? Crowds, or many other tourists at that.

There’s something truly remarkable about this cluster of 274 tiny islands, most of which are uninhabited, and only a handful allow visitors. It’s so much more than sparkling clear waters and gently swaying palm trees - it just feels distinctly different.

The Great Barrier Reef starts here. It’s where two of Earth’s oldest cultures meet. And where art lines the streets (and pub walls).

You can feel the deep-rooted history and culture with every local who stops to say hello. And you can experience it all for yourself in four spectacular days if you follow this Torres Strait itinerary.

Day 1

Getting to Torres Strait is part of the adventure, whether you come via air or sea.

Fly with Qantas from Cairns to Horn Island (Torres Strait’s primary airport), and then transfer via a 10-15 minute ferry ride to reach Thursday Island, your base for the next four days.

Or,  if you’ve been travelling through Cape York, take the ferry from Seisia Jetty direct to Thursday Island. The journey takes about an hour, and is one of the most scenic ferry rides you’ll ever have.  

Flower lined villages and sandy shores await you on Thursday Island, so check in to your accommodation, then get out and explore. Let the locals show you around for the afternoon - it's the best way to get your bearings. Dive into the history and culture of the Torres Strait with Peddells Thursday Island Tour, visiting the old fort, cemetary, museums and local township.

Or, join local Torres Strait Islander artists, dancers and guides at Island Stars for a celebration of traditional Ailan Kastom (island custom) through dance, song and storytelling. It's a fun, music-filled way to learn about the fascinating customs and ancient traditions that are kept alive in the Torres Strait.

After an action-packed day, unwind with sunset and a view, Thursday Island style. Walk 15 minutes from town to Green Hill Fort for drinks and a picnic, with show-stopping island panoramas out front. It’s one of the most popular ways to end the day (here are a few other local tips).

Tonight, add another notch to your history belt: a beer in Australia’s northernmost pub. Torres Hotel happens to be a local favourite, and is a great place to grab dinner too.

Day 2

It’d be impossible to visit all 274 islands that make up the Torres Strait, but today is your chance to make footprints in the sand of some truly deserted islands, where few others travel, thanks to Torres Strait Eco Adventures. 

You’ll get a unique insight into the region and its Indigenous culture as your guide, Dirk Laifoo, leads the way around either Prince of Wales or Goodes Island - depending on which four-hour adventure you choose. Climb to a lighthouse, discover shipwrecks, visit historic WWII battlements, trek to remote waterfalls, and stop at uninhabited islands along the way. In between island hopping, keep your eyes peeled for local marine life: you might spot dolphins, turtles and rays. It’s an unforgettable day, and it’s one of the most special things you can do while you’re here.

But if you came this far north to fish, this is your day to do it. Avid anglers are spoilt for choice in the fishing paradise that is the Torres Strait; so sign up for Eco Adventure's fishing charter instead. You'll quickly be reeling in coral trout, golden snapper and red emperor - perhaps even a giant marlin!

Day 3

If you're looking for unexpected experiences in the Torres Strait, today is one of Queensland's best. 

One hour by boat from Thursday Island is perhaps the region's best kept secrets: Roko Island. One of the smallest inhabited islands in the Torres Strait, Roko is privately owned by the Tchen Pan family. Once a pearl farm, it's now home to a unique glamping and adventure experience for travellers seeking a unique taste of Torres Strait. 

Arrive and the first thing you'll notice is the long floating jetty, made of logs, bamboo, floating barrels and hardwood. Then, it's time for adventure - whether you choose to head out on a fishing charter, boat tour to surrounding islands, soak up some time on land, or peruse the range of jewellery and treasures available, made with local White South Sea Pearls. 

When hunger strikes, the chef will whip up a feast of locally caught seafood and vegetables grown on the island's own organic garden.

No need to check your watch today: you're spending the night right here, in one of the island's comfortable glamping tents.

Day 4

After catching the boat back from Roko Island, soak up your last few hours of Thursday Island serenity before you begin the journey home. Take a walk by the water, and stop by a few local stores to shop for unique souvenirs to take home with you. There’s plenty of little stores if you wander down Douglas Street; but head to Monas Bazaar for clothing and artwork, and Tribal Boutique for locally designed jewellery where pearls and beads are sourced from nearby Roko Island and Turtle Head.

These tiny Pacific islands are incredibly rich in culture; with each having its own unique customs, traditions and art (and varied languages too). The best way to delve into the diversity is to some time exploring Gab Titui Cultural Centre, here on Thursday Island. The Torres Strait holds a unique and fascinating slice of Australian history, which is yours to discover through the artefacts, stories, cultural dress and art found here.

Then it's time to jump back on the ferry to Horn Island. But before you take off for the mainland, take the time to discover a little more. While it might not have made its way into your high school history class, Horn Island has a strong military significance. It was the first place in Queensland to be attacked during World War II, and you can take a tour, and visit military sights and forts. Visit the Torres Strait Heritage Museum while you’re here, home to the largest collection of Torres Strait history.

It’s yawo, or goodbye for now, but a trip to Torres Strait will stay with you long after you leave. And the locals here will welcome you back soon.