Torres Strait Islands

The Torres Strait Islands are an archipelago in northern Australia, located between the Cape York Peninsula of Queensland and the island of New Guinea. The group includes several hundred islands and is the traditional home of the Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Islands range from small uninhabited cays and coral reefs to larger volcanic and continental islands; about 17 islands have permanent settlements and several serve as administrative or transport hubs. The region is known for strong Indigenous cultural traditions, maritime navigation, and reef ecosystems.

Indigenous occupation of the Torres Strait dates back thousands of years and the seafaring communities developed distinct languages and art forms. The waters and islands remain important for traditional fishing, cultural ceremonies and contemporary island governance.

Geographically the archipelago lies between the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea and is administered as part of the Australian state of Queensland.

• Island count: Comprises over 270 islands of which 17 are permanently inhabited, and forms part of the Australian state of Queensland.
• Indigenous culture: The islands are home to Torres Strait Islander peoples with a distinct cultural and linguistic identity separate from mainland Aboriginal groups.

What to See #

• Thursday Island (Waiben): Waiben, commonly known in English as Thursday Island, serves as the administrative and service centre for the Torres Strait and hosts local government offices and museums.
• Horn Island (Iama): Horn Island (Iama) contains the region's main commercial airstrip and is the usual air gateway between the Strait and mainland Australia.
• Prince of Wales Island: Prince of Wales Island is the archipelago's largest island with extensive mangrove coasts and sparse settlements; it is one of the major inhabited islands.
• Boigu and Saibai Islands: Boigu and Saibai lie close to the Papua New Guinea coast and are among the northernmost inhabited islands, with strong cross-border cultural links.