Getting ashore
It is not confirmed whether ships berth or tender at Thursday Island, so check the ship’s daily notice. A flat concrete path of about 200 m runs along the water from the port, and wheelchair access is limited. The island has no airport, so visitors fly into neighbouring Horn Island and take a ferry. Rebel Tours charges $10 for a crossing of about 5 minutes to Navy Wharf, and McDonald Charters charges $12 for about 20 minutes to the main Engineers wharf. Ferry prices change, so check before you travel. The island has about 3,000 residents and lies about 39 km (24 mi) north of Cape York Peninsula. It is one of two bases for the Torres Strait Pilots, a cooperative of master mariners who guide vessels through the Straits to Cairns because of the reef systems. Most visitors are day-trippers from cruise ships. Check the live schedule before you travel.
For walkers and architecture fans
Walking any part of the island takes under an hour, though heat, humidity and hills can make it hard going. Green Hill Fort is free to visit above ground, and visitors praise the sunset views from it. The underground bunker museum costs $4 and is open to tour groups or by pre-arrangement. A signposted walk from town leads to the historic cemetery, where the graves include those of pearl divers. The Thursday Island Cemetery also holds the Japanese Cemetery and John Douglas’s grave. Other places to see are the Quetta Memorial Precinct, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, the Customs House and the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, which shows heritage and contemporary artworks. Milman Hill, at 104 m (341 ft), is the island’s highest point.
For shoppers
Groceries are among the most expensive in Australia, so budget travellers may want to bring food with them. Supermarkets cover most needs, but they are closed on Sundays, public holidays and evenings. Tribal Boutique, at 60 to 62 Douglas Street, sells pearls and crafts from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and pearls are sometimes cheaper on Friday Island. Plan any purchases for the days you are ashore.
For eaters and drinkers
Eateries include Ilan Cafe, which serves lunch depending on demand and dinner on Friday and Saturday; The Grand Hotel, where mains cost roughly $15 to $25 plus a $3 takeaway surcharge; Jardine Motel, the priciest option; Federal Hotel; the ibis cafe; and Uncle Frankies Cafe. Friday is the main night out, and drinks are served from lunchtime to midnight. The Torres Hotel opens later than the other pubs. Restaurant and hotel details date from 2018, so check opening times and prices on the day.
Getting around and money
There is no public transport on the island. Taxis are available from Silver Leaf, on +61 7 4069 2955, and from B & S Pearson’s, on +61 7 4090 3600. Ask for the fare before the taxi moves, and confirm the return pick-up point with the driver. Island tours cost up to $100, and car hire from AJ’s Car Rentals starts at about $120 a day, though most visitors skip the car because of the high rates and few roads. The currency is the Australian dollar, and the xe.com link gives the current rate. The National Australia Bank branch is the only bank, and it is open on weekdays only. ATMs are at the bank, hotels and supermarkets. The post office offers currency exchange, but only from Monday to Thursday. Mobile data is excellent across the island and reaches some distance over the water. Free Wi-Fi is available at The Grand Hotel for patrons.
Accessibility & mobility
Wikivoyage describes a flat concrete path of about 200 m along the water from the port, and says access is limited for wheelchair users. Confirm the route from the berth or wharf with the ship before you plan a visit.