Thursday Island

When you step off the tender at the main jetty in Port Kennedy, you are not in a secure industrial port but rather the immediate heart of the township. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk, you will find yourself on Douglas Street, the island’s main commercial thoroughfare, which is lined with colorful historic buildings, local government offices, and quintessential outback-style pubs like the Royal Hotel and the Grand Hotel. Also within this short radius is the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, located right on the waterfront, where you can access world-class Indigenous art galleries and a gift shop. The area is completely walkable and unpretentious, offering immediate access to local supermarkets, pearl shops, and views of the bustling harbor filled with fishing boats and water taxis.

• Walkability: The main township of Thursday Island is very compact and the terrain is primarily flat, making it exceptionally easy to explore on foot. Most shops, cafes, and historic sites are located within a comfortable 10 to 15-minute walk from the wharf area.
• Public Transport: There is no formal public bus or rail network on the island, so a local transit card is not required. Visitors typically get around by walking, though private island bus tours often operate on cruise days and can be organised at the pier or via local tour providers.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Local taxis are the primary vehicle transport and are the best way to reach further points such as Green Hill Fort. Please note that rideshare services like Uber do not operate on the island; taxis can be found at the rank near the wharf or booked by phone.

• There are no local transit cards like Opal or myki here; the town is easily walkable, but you can use cash for local taxis or pre-booked bus tours if you’re heading to Green Hill Fort.
• Strict biosecurity laws are in place to protect the Torres Strait; you must not bring any fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or plant products ashore, and you must declare all risk items on your Incoming Passenger Card.
• Tipping is not required or expected in Australia as service is included in the price, and all displayed costs already include the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• While many major shops accept cards, it is highly recommended to carry Australian Dollar (AUD) cash for smaller vendors, market stalls, and taxis, as ATMs are limited on the island.

• The Must-Dos
  • Explore the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on the esplanade to view intricate Torres Strait Islander masks, headdresses and contemporary Indigenous artworks.
  • Visit Green Hill Fort at the island’s highest point to see the 19th-century cannons and explore the underground tunnels housing the Torres Strait Historical Museum.
  • Take a short ferry to nearby Horn Island for a guided tour of World War II sites, including underground command posts and aircraft wreckages.
• Best Free/Low-Cost Activity
  • Walk through the Thursday Island Cemetery to see the poignant Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, which commemorates hundreds of divers who worked in the local pearling industry.
  • Stroll along the main street, Douglas Street, to browse local shops and soak up the unique atmosphere of Australia’s northernmost administrative hub.
  • Hike to the summit of Green Hill for free panoramic views of the turquoise waters and neighbouring islands like Friday, Hammond and Prince of Wales.
• Local Hidden Gem
  • Enjoy a cold drink and a meal on the verandah of the historic Grand Hotel or the Torres Hotel, known as the “Top Pub” and Australia’s northernmost pub, for a genuine local experience away from the organised tour groups.
  • Visit the Quetta Memorial Precinct to see the cathedral and learn the sombre history of the Quetta shipwreck, one of Australia’s worst maritime disasters.
  • Browse the unique, locally designed jewellery at Tribal Boutique, which features pearls and beads sourced from remote nearby islands.

Free Wi-Fi is available for cruise passengers at the Thursday Island port area near the main dock and the tourist information desk. For a reliable connection with seating, the Torres Shire Council Library (Ngulaig Meta) on Thursday Island provides public internet access and is located a short walk from the wharf. Additionally, local establishments such as the Grand Hotel and TI Motel offer Wi-Fi services for guests and customers, while the regular ferry service between Thursday Island and Horn Island also provides complimentary Wi-Fi onboard.

The primary arrival point for cruise ships is the Engineers Jetty in the heart of town. For pharmacies, the Thursday Island Pharmacy is the closest option, located at 96 Douglas Street, which is a flat 5-minute walk from the jetty. For groceries, See Hop & Co (the local IGA-affiliated supermarket) on Douglas Street is also within a 5-minute walk and is the most practical place to restock essentials. While there are no large national chains like Woolworths or Chemist Warehouse on the island, these local stores carry a wide range of supplies suitable for passengers and crew.