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Thursday Island Thursday Island is the administrative centre for the Torres Strait Islands. It is just over three square kilometres in area and 39km north of the tip of Cape York Peninsula. It has a population of approximately 2,300. The Torres Strait Islands are consist of 174 islands, of which 17 are inhabited with approximately 20 communities. The population across the Torres Strait Islands is approximately 25,000.
You can travel to Thursday Island by flying from Cairns to Horn Island (1.75 hours), a bus (10 minutes) to the boat terminal and ferry to Thursday Island (30 minutes). There is also an option of flying from Cairns to Bamaga and catching a ferry to Thursday Island.
Most people living in the Torres Straits use boats to travel between islands, subject to weather conditions. The waters of the Torres Straits are some of the most treacherous in Australia.
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA)
The Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) consists of three Aboriginal communities, Injinoo, Umagico and New Mapoon and two Torres Strait Islander communities, Bamaga and Seisia 20km. Bamaga is approximately 40km from the very northern tip of Cape York Peninsula.
You can fly to NPA from Cairns (1.5 hours) landing in Bamaga, travelling to the other communities by road. Bamaga is also accessible by boat from Thursday Island. A road trip from Cairns is approximately 950km, but roads can be closed during the wet season (November–April).
Cooktown (including Wujul Wujul and Hopevale)
Cooktown is approximately 334km north of Cairns. It is accessible by inland road (3-4 hour drive), coastal road (three hours) or a flight from Cairns (30 minutes).
The Aboriginal community of Hopevale is situated 46km north of Cooktown and the Aboriginal community of Wujul Wujul is situated 60km south of Cooktown. Both communities often become inaccessible by road during the wet season.
Yarrabah
Yarrabah is an Aboriginal community 37 km south of Cairns with a population of 3,000. It is accessible by road (45 minute drive).
Ravenshoe
Ravenshoe is a small community on the Atherton Tablelands, located 147km from Cairns (two hours drive).
Tully
Tully is located 180kms south of Cairns and has a population of approximately 4,500.
Palm Island
Palm Island's population is approximately 2,500.
You can travel to Palm Island by flying (18 minutes) from Townsville or by ferry.
Bowen
Bowen is approximately 212km south of Townsville and has a population of 13,800 (9,000 in coastal regions and 4,600 in outlying regions).
Ingham
Ingham is 1-1.5 hours north of Townsville and has a population of 4,500.