Island Around The Cape
There are 6 islands close to the tip of Cape York. All of these are worth the time and effort to visit.
Some have amazing WWII history on display. Torres Strait Heritage runs the award winning Horn Island WWII tour and the Heritage Museum.
You can hook some special fish up this way. So book a charter and have some amazing news to share with others.
You could spend a life time around the Torres Strait Islands and probably only see a quarter of the region.
Albany (Pabaju) Island
Albany Island, a quick trip across the Albany Passage from Somerset Beach, has an interesting history in Cape York.
A short walk from its main beach will lead you to the graves of people lost on the Kennedy expedition.
In the 1960’s Albany Island was a pearl farm, nowadays it’s a fishing resort.
For more information contact Cape York Fishing Charters.
Possession Island (Bedanug)
Few people visit Possession Island. It’s not your usual tourist destination due to it’s location and rocky terrain.
In 1770 Captain James Cook chose Possession Island to hoist the English flag and claim the east coast of Australia for Britain.
Roko Island
Roko Island is a short 20 minute boat trip from the Seisia wharf. Or a 10 minute boat ride from Punsand Bay.
It is an island paradise where you can relax and be mesmerised by the beauty of the surroundings.
There is accommodation in the form of Eco Tents.
Turtle Head Island
Turtle Head Island is located at the mouth of the Escape River. This is the north east side of Cape York.
It is home of Torres Pearls which is the largest working pearl farm in Queensland
A tour of the island and the pearl farm operation is an unforgettable experience.
They have a cottage which sleeps 4 adults plus kids. You’ll need to supply your own food and drinks. Take your own boat or a charter with Cape York Ice & Tackle
If you don’t have time for a trip to Turtle, Cape York Ice & Tackle are stockists for Torres Pearls.
Note: Images are care of Torres Pearls
Thursday Island (Waiben)
Thursday Island is known locally as TI.
It is the most populated of the islands close to Cape York. It used to be the centre of the pearling industry for Torres Strait.
An easy day trip from Seisia on Peddells Ferry. Peddells offer a very informative tour of TI and Horn Island.
Take a walk or taxi up to the heritage listed Green Hill Fort. The museum is fascinating, and the outlook is spectacular with 270-degree panoramic views.
There is accommodation if you want to stay overnight.
Horn Island (Ngurupai)
From Thursday Island it’s a quick trip by water taxi across to Horn Island.
It has a commercial and international airport.
It also has accommodation, meals, and rich in fascinating WWII history.
Much of the evidence of its role as Australia’s northernmost operations base is still on display. And the museum is a must!
Island Tours
Island Tours
Three Island Tour
Cape York Adventures provides this tour. It departs from Seisia Wharf. You’ll head across Endeavour Strait passing Prince of Wales and Entrance Islands.
First stop is Horn Island to visit Heritage Museum. From Horn it’s across to Thursday Island (TI). Your tour of TI will include Green Hill Fort.
Heading back to the mainland you’ll call into Roko Island.
Peddells Island Tours
Led by indigenous guides you’ll be infected by their passion for their Thursday Island (TI) home.
Bookings can be made online with Peddells Ferry – concession cards are accepted.
Horn Island Tour
Torres Strait Heritage Museum operate the Horn Island ‘In Their Steps’ WWII tour.
You will visit the underground rooms, slit trenches, artillery pieces, aircraft, artillery sites and the airstrip.
The groups are kept small and the narrative is a mix of archival information and veterans’ stories.
Roko Island Tour
Roko’s boat will meet you at either Punsand Bay beach or Seisia wharf.
It’s a short boat ride, 10 minutes from Punsand Bay and 20 to 25 minutes from Seisia wharf.
On arrival you’ll be shown the art of making pearls.
Three Island Tour
Cape York Adventures provides this tour. It departs from Seisia Wharf. You’ll head across Endeavour Strait passing Prince of Wales and Entrance Islands.
First stop is Horn Island to visit Heritage Museum. From Horn it’s across to Thursday Island (TI). Your tour of TI will include Green Hill Fort.
Heading back to the mainland you’ll call into Roko Island.
Peddells Island Tours
Led by indigenous guides you’ll be infected by their passion for their Thursday Island (TI) home.
Bookings can be made online with Peddells Ferry – concession cards are accepted.
Horn Island Tour
Torres Strait Heritage Museum operate the Horn Island ‘In Their Steps’ WWII tour.
You will visit the underground rooms, slit trenches, artillery pieces, aircraft, artillery sites and the airstrip.
The groups are kept small and the narrative is a mix of archival information and veterans’ stories.
Roko Island Tour
Roko’s boat will meet you at either Punsand Bay beach or Seisia wharf.
It’s a short boat ride, 10 minutes from Punsand Bay and 20 to 25 minutes from Seisia wharf.
On arrival you’ll be shown the art of making pearls.