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The 274 islands that make up the Torres Strait Islands are a melting pot of Melanesian and Aboriginal Australian culture. Thursday and Horn Islands also play an important part in Australia’s military history, and were once one of the richest pearl diving sites in the world.
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine.
Baggage included in every fare
Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.
Frequent Flyer program
Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and use Qantas Points in Australia and around the world and can earn Status Credits on eligible flights.
There are limited accommodation options on Thursday Island and Horn Island, so it’s best plan ahead and book a package to ensure you have somewhere to stay. There are a few hotels and motels to choose from on Horn Island – a small fishing town, or you can take the ferry to Thursday Island to enjoy beachfront island villas.
Whether you stick to the popular Thursday Island, or venture out to the broader Torres Strait - you’re sure to fall in love with the cultural heritage and relaxed way of life.
Thursday Island is the best known of the Torres Strait Island group and is easily reached by ferry from Horn Island - with the trip taking only 15 minutes. Here you’ll find many sites, activities and attractions that showcase the military and maritime history and cultural heritage of the region. Visit the Gabi Titui Cultural Centre and the popular Green Hill Fort - the latter was once an important part of Australia’s military defence and a great vantage point for a view to neighbouring islands. Experience a birdseye view of the Torres Strait Island Group with a helicopter tour.
On Horn Island, be sure to visit the Torres Strait Heritage Museum and Art Gallery to see the displays on the pearl diving era, Indigenous history and artefacts - and if you’re after a spot of fishing, Horn Island Wharf is the place to be and is popular with local fishermen.
With the Torres Strait stretching from the northern tip of Queensland all the way to Papua New Guinea, some of the 274 islands are accessible by ferry, but private tour groups or local operators can organise visits off the beaten track.
Neighbouring islands include Friday, Prince of Wales, Wednesday and Hammond Islands - some of which can be seen from lookout points on Thursday Island, where most transport options are based.
From the airport: Horn Island Airport is the only major airport in the Torres Strait - with ferry services or charters available to Thursday Island, the north of Cape York and much of the Torres Strait Island group.
In and around the city: Thursday island is small and easily explored on foot. Ferry services link Horn Island with Thursday Island within 15 minutes.
Horn Island car hireDisclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as at 26 April 2023, but is subject to change.
Disclaimer: # You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
