🔍

Badu Island

QLD 4875 • Queensland

704
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
102.54 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteCoastalRuralMulticultural

About Badu Island

Badu Island — known in the local Kala Lagaw Ya language as Badhu — is a Torres Strait island located approximately 60 kilometres north of Thursday Island, within the Torres Strait Island Region local government area of Queensland. With a population of 704 across roughly 101 square kilometres, the island is home to the Badulgal people, whose land is administered by the Mura Badulgal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation. The only town on the island is Wakaid, situated on the south-east coast.

Life on Badu Island is shaped by its remote island setting and rich Indigenous culture. The community maintains strong connections to traditional sea country, language, and customs, with Kala Lagaw Ya spoken alongside English. Access to the island is by air or sea only — there are no road links to the Australian mainland. Essential services including a school, health clinic, and community store serve the local population, with Thursday Island serving as the regional hub for additional services and transport connections.

Badu Island falls under postcode 4875 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4875
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-9.58°, 143.77°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
102.54 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
1640 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
N/A — no road connection to mainland
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A — no road connection to mainland

🛣️ Badu Island is accessible by charter/scheduled flights from Horn Island or Thursday Island, and by boat. Thursday Island is the regional service hub approximately 60 km south.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Wakaid town has a community store and key services within walking distance, but most of the island requires a vehicle or boat to navigate.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
704
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Badu Island known for? +

Badu Island is known as a traditional home of the Badulgal people, one of the Torres Strait Islander groups of Queensland. The island is part of the Torres Strait Island Region and is recognised for its Indigenous culture, sea country connections, and Kala Lagaw Ya language heritage.

How far is Badu Island from Thursday Island? +

Badu Island is approximately 60 kilometres north of Thursday Island, the regional hub of the Torres Strait. Travel between the islands is by charter or scheduled flight via Horn Island, or by boat.

Does Badu Island have public transport? +

There is no public bus or rail service on Badu Island. Access to and from the island is by air (via Horn Island) or sea. Thursday Island serves as the nearest regional centre for flights connecting to Cairns.

What is the population of Badu Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Badu Island has a population of approximately 704 residents. The community is centred on the town of Wakaid on the island's south-east coast.

Is Badu Island a good place to live? +

Badu Island offers a deeply connected community lifestyle rooted in Torres Strait Islander culture and sea country traditions. It suits those who value strong cultural ties and remote island living, though access to mainland services, healthcare, and education beyond the local level requires travel to Thursday Island or Cairns.

What is the postcode for Badu Island? +

The postcode for Badu Island, Queensland is 4875.