Thursday Island, also known as Waiben, is a small island located in the Torres Strait in the far north of Queensland, Australia. It is the administrative centre of the Torres Strait Islands and is located approximately 48 kilometres north of Cape York Peninsula.
Thursday Island is the largest of the Torres Strait Islands, measuring approximately 3.5 square kilometres in area. It has a population of about 2,500, with the majority of the population being of Melanesian and Torres Strait Islander descent. The island is home to many different cultures, including the Meriam, Kaurareg, Mabuiag and Erub peoples.
The island has a rich history and was first visited by Europeans in 1770, when Captain James Cook sailed through the Torres Strait. During the 19th century, the island was used as a trading post for the beche-de-mer industry and was also a popular stop for ships travelling to and from Asia.
In 1872, the island was declared a British possession and in 1885, it was declared a port of entry. This allowed the island to become an important trading hub for the pearling industry and it soon became the headquarters of the Torres Strait Islands Protectorate.
In 1942, during World War II, Thursday Island was the site of an important naval battle between the Japanese and the Allied forces. The battle was a significant victory for the Allied forces and marked the end of the Japanese occupation of the island.
Today, Thursday Island is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, rich culture and unique history. It is also home to the Torres Strait Regional Authority, which is responsible for the administration of the Torres Strait Islands.
Experience Thursday Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Thursday Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Thursday Island in Australia has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The summers, from December to March, are characterised by high temperatures, high humidity and frequent rainfall. The winters, from June to September, are much milder and drier, with temperatures averaging around 25°C and humidity levels dropping significantly. The spring and autumn months are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30°C. Overall, Thursday Island has a warm, humid climate throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.
Would you like to travel to Thursday Island on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Thursday Island.
Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mar. 20th 2025 Thursday, 20th of Mar. 2025 | Scenic Eclipse II | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
Apr. 5th 2025 Saturday, 5th of Apr. 2025 | MS Nautica | 07:00 am | 02:00 pm | |
Apr. 18th 2025 Friday, 18th of Apr. 2025 | LE PAUL GAUGUIN | 08:00 am | 02:00 pm | |
Jun. 6th 2025 Friday, 6th of Jun. 2025 | Silver Cloud Expedition | 07:00 am | 11:30 am | |
Jun. 30th 2025 Monday, 30th of Jun. 2025 | MS Regatta | 12:00 pm | 08:00 pm | |
Oct. 17th 2025 Friday, 17th of Oct. 2025 | Scenic Eclipse II | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
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.Port | Distance |
---|---|
Cape York Peninsula in Australia | 37,23 km |
Little Boydong Reef in Australia | 135,40 km |