Discovery Cruises

The Island has had a varied history and a local guide will take you on a tour of all the sites starting at Green Hill Fort which was built in 1893 due to fear of Russian invasion. In that same year the merchant ship, the Quetta, struck uncharted reef just off Thursday Island which ripped a hole from the bow to the engine room leading to the death of 134 of the people on board. In commemoration of this horrible event the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church was also built in 1890. Next, you can visit the Japanese Pearl Memorial which is dedicated to the hundreds of pearl divers who risked their lives in pursuit of these rarities.

The town still is a pearling centre, but the locals now stick to culture farms which is much less dangerous. While you walk through town you can also admire the colonial architecture which is leftover from World War II. Another must, while you're on the Island, is to eat one of many varieties of rock lobster pies from the local baker Bernie's Kai Kai Bar which are made from crayfish caught in the Torres Strait. The Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery is the most valuable commercial fishery in the Torres Strait and provides significant financial independence for the traditional inhabitants of the region.

Horn Island is located next to Thursday Island. Visitors to Horn Island will have a fantastic experience which will include a look into a rich and varied history and insight into the Island's mix of Melanesian and Australian Aboriginal cultures.

In the 1890s the Island was used to mine Gold and then by the start of the 20th century it became a flourishing centre for the pearling industry. The industry waned at the start of World War II when many of the Island's residents were evacuated and is now on the up and up. During World War II an allied airbase was built called the Horn Island Aerodrome. As the airbase was a major one it came under fire from Japanese air raids a total of 8 times which caused much destruction to the Island.

Don't miss taking a look at the historic WWII sites that remain on the Island today and to learn more about the Island's history and its special culture. A local from the Torres Strait Museum will take you on an "In Their Steps" walking tour as well as visit the museum and the art gallery which are located in the tiny town of Wasaga.

Your guides are Liberty and Vanessa, locals and experts in their fields of Torres Strait history, who provide an entertaining and enlightening commentary. This commentary is a mixture of both archival information, and personal stories told to Vanessa and Liberty.

Visit gun emplacements, an underground command post, slit trenches, a WW2 aircraft wreck with an unbelievable story, WW2 airstrip, dispersal bays and taxiways. Walk in the steps of the indigenous and non-indigenous soldiers who served in the area, and listen to the eerie sound affects the airstrip today provides. These exhibits range from the pearling industry, myths and legends of Torres Strait, artwork, artefacts, culture pearling today to the World War Two history of the area.

The World War Two displays include archival and personal photos from Japan, America and Australia, with diaries, maps, sketches, and personal artefacts. Each unit and squadron, including the nurses, and are detailed with histories, photos and personal recollections.

• HeliTours North Queensland offers half-hour tours or hour flights from Horn Island, Torres Strait flight tour will take you over Prince of Wales Island and the spectacular waterfalls.

• WWII bunkers, shipwrecks and gun stations are a highlight of this trip. We also provide other activities for those who just want to chill or immerse themselves in the local culture.

• Visit the award-winning Gab Titui Cultural Centre (Thursday Island) which takes visitors on a journey from the past to the present and into the future showing Torres Strait Islander culture through artefacts, artwork, song, dance and stories.

• If you're an avid angler, you'll be spoilt with fishing spots.

• You can cast behind the riptides of Bluefish Point on Prince of Wales Island, or troll the reef's edge of the neighbouring islands. And while you troll along, you'll see the Torres Strait's active marine life, from turtles to jumping rays and even dolphins.

• There are three stunning reefs for us to explore beyond Hammond Island called Torres Reefs, known as Reef 1, 2,& 3. Typical fish that can be caught is Giant Trevally, Coral Trout, Finger Mark and Mackerel.