Saibai Island Island

Saibai Island is one of the northern Torres Strait Islands in Queensland, Australia, and is inhabited by Torres Strait Islander communities. It lies at the northern edge of the Torres Strait, very close to the coast of Papua New Guinea.

The island supports a small local community and retains strong cultural and family connections with nearby islands and with communities on the New Guinea mainland. Services and transport are limited and travel is commonly by small boat between islands.

Administratively Saibai is part of the Torres Strait Island Region in Queensland and sits among the string of islands between Cape York Peninsula and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea.

• Proximity to Papua New Guinea: Located very close to the Papua New Guinea coastline, with only a few kilometres separating the island from the PNG mainland, giving it strong cultural and kinship links across the border.

Reaching Saibai usually requires chartered sea transport from Horn or taxi services from Thursday/Seisia on the mainland. Flights to nearby Thursday Island and then boat charter are common parts of logistics; check local operators for schedules.

• Coordinate any visit with local Indigenous councils - the island is home to traditional owners and permissions may be required.
• Bring insect repellent during the wet season; mosquitoes can be severe.
• If planning to beach-comb or fish, check local regulations and marine conditions due to seasonal currents.