Thursday Island, also known as TI or Waiben, is the administrative and commercial centre of the Torres Strait Islands. Lying 39 km north of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, in the Torres Strait, Thursday Island has an area of about 3 km² and an estimated population of 3,500.
History of Thursday Island
The island has been populated for thousands of years by the Melanesian Torres Strait Islanders, who named the island Waiben, thought to mean 'dry place', owing to the scarcity of fresh water on the island. It is believed Captain William Bligh who passed by on his epic journey from Tahiti to Batavia after he had been set afloat by the mutineers from the Bounty named the island.
During World War II, Thursday Island became the military headquarters for the Torres Strait and was a base for Australian and United States forces. As a result, the Japanese bombed the island in 1942, which saw the evacuation of civilians from the island. They would not return until after the end of the war.
The Island itself was not bombed during the Second World War, due, it was thought, to being the burial places of many Japanese pearlshell divers on the island. However, neighbouring Horn Island was bombed.
Adventure Travel & Tours on Thursday Island
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Backpacker Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
On Thursday Island the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks on Thursday Island all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines on Thursday Island all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels on Thursday Island
On Thursday Island there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security on Thursday Island
Thursday Island in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through Thursday Island every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Weather on Thursday Island
The weather on Thursday Island is seasonal with 2 distinctive seasons : May - Oct (Dry Season), Nov - April (Green Season) To get more information on the weather on Thursday Island, Australia, then click here.
Tours / Packages Related To: Thursday Island
7 Days Cape York Frontier - Cairns to Cairns Face the far north wilderness on a 4WD safari Cape York Frontier. Visit Daintree National Park, Cooktown, Lakefield National Park and Thursday Island.Day 1: Cairns - CooktownDepart Cairns at 7.00am. Travel north through the Daintree Rainforest. Cross the infamous Daintree River by cable ferry and tr...
From $3195 AUD
Cape York Adventure Safari - ex Cairns Day 1 Cairns to Hann RiverTravel through Mareeba and the Palmer River area famous for it gold rush glory days then onto Lakelands Downs. On to Quinkan country and view Aboriginal rock art at Split Rock. A brief stop at Laura, then onto Hann River to make camp for the night. (LD)Day 2...
