Thursday Island: Fort History and Island Nature

Thursday Island is the commercial and transport hub for 20 communities in the Torres Strait region. The island brings together traces of its defence, maritime and settlement history, cultural institutions and distinctive vegetation. When planning a hotel stay, you can choose from a range of focuses: historic sites, cultural attractions or views of the surrounding waters and islands.

Fort history and views

Green Hill Fort was built between 1891 and 1893 as part of Australia’s defences against a possible Russian invasion. Since 1993, it has served as a public park and tourist attraction. The fort is a 15-minute walk from town; walking conditions may vary. Its name recalls a specific defensive installation whose history forms part of the island’s historical landscape.

Another site combines military history with views of the surrounding area: Lion’s Lookout is located in a preserved World War II bunker on Milman Hill. From there, views extend across the surrounding waters and islands, including Horn Island. Bayo Beach is also part of Thursday Island’s maritime history: the beach was the historic centre of the pearling industry and maritime activity.

Cemetery, churches and heritage

Thursday Island’s cemetery reflects the history of settlement since the late 19th century. The communities represented there include Muslims, Buddhists, Japanese people, Pacific Islanders and Torres Strait Islanders. More than 700 Japanese graves commemorate the Japanese presence. On 15 August 1979, the Japanese consulate erected a memorial in the cemetery to commemorate the fallen.

The churches also preserve different chapters of history. The Anglican Quetta All Souls Memorial Cathedral was built in the early 20th century and named in memory of those who died when the Quetta sank in 1890. The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart still stands today; it was built a few years after the Sacred Heart Mission was founded in 1884. The Thursday Island Customs House is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register as a site of state significance.

Art and cultural performances

The Gab Titui Cultural Centre is a contemporary art gallery and a repository for cultural artefacts. Its opening hours vary by season: from April to October, it is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. From November to March, hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Check the hours before your visit, as they may change.

At exhibition openings, traditional dancers tell stories from different islands. The performances combine distinctive music and songs with dance in an outdoor performance area. Island Stars also presents traditional Ailan Kastom through dance, singing and storytelling; availability may vary.

Rainforest and remarkable trees

Thursday Island’s natural environment is also characterised by rare remaining stands of vegetation. The preserved rainforest on Green Hill is one of only two remaining rainforest areas on the island; the other is on Rose Hill. Around 20 Carbeen trees (Eucalyptus tessellaris) grow at Hospital Point; they are the last remaining specimens of this species on Thursday Island. The remaining stands of Thursday Island bloodwood (Eucalyptus cambageana) and Wongai contain most of the island’s surviving natural vegetation. These places and plants add a distinct perspective on the landscape to the historic attractions.

Ferry services and planning your visit

Torres Strait Tours, in partnership with Rebel Marine, operates regular ferry services between Thursday Island and Horn Island. The crossing from Horn Island takes 10 to 15 minutes; weather and operations may affect the journey time. Check the timetable before travelling. This lets you include the ferry service as a separate part of your travel plans, alongside Thursday Island’s historic and cultural stops.

The Peddells Thursday Island Tour visits the old fort, the cemetery, museums and the local main town. Check the availability of the tour before travelling. The different attractions offer a practical guide when choosing where to stay: the fort and bunker represent defence history, the cemetery and churches preserve different historical memories, while the Gab Titui Cultural Centre focuses on art and cultural artefacts.

Discover more destinations: Bororen, Mitchelton, Redlynch, Cassowary, Saint Kilda, Kulgun, Mena Creek, Boyne Island.

For the broader travel overview: Queensland.