🔍

Keriri Island

QLD 4875 • Queensland

261
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
15.60 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteCoastalRuralMulticultural

About Keriri Island

Keriri Island (also known as Hammond Island) is a small Torres Strait island locality in Queensland, situated approximately 3.8 kilometres north of Thursday Island and roughly 803 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Covering approximately 15.8 square kilometres, the island is administered under the Torres Strait Island Region local government area and had a population of 261 residents at the 2021 Census. The locality's Indigenous name Keriri reflects the deep Kala Lagaw Ya cultural heritage of the island's traditional custodians, who maintain a strong connection to the land and surrounding sea country.

Life on Keriri Island is shaped by its tropical island setting, with a hilly terrain of basaltic rocks, lush vegetation, and stunning views across the Torres Strait. A 15-minute ferry ride connects the island to Thursday Island (TI), which provides the main services including the hospital, shops, schools, and government offices for the region. The community has a strong Indigenous identity and a close-knit way of life, with fishing, community events, and connection to Country central to daily living on the island.

Keriri 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
15.60 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Ferry to Thursday Island — Thursday Island (main services hub) 15 min ferry

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
2189 km
By Train
No rail service; access to mainland via flight from Thursday Island/Horn Island
By Car (Peak)
Not accessible by car (island)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Not accessible by car (island)

🛣️ Island access by ferry from Thursday Island; flights from Horn Island (TI) to Cairns and Brisbane available; travel to Brisbane requires multiple connections

Walkability Car-Dependent

The island is small enough to navigate on foot or by local vehicle, but all external services require the ferry to Thursday Island

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
261
▲ 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 Keriri Island known for? +

Keriri Island, also known as Hammond Island, is known for its striking basaltic rock formations, scenic Torres Strait views, and its strong Kala Lagaw Ya Indigenous cultural heritage. It is one of the inhabited islands of the Torres Strait, situated just a short ferry ride from Thursday Island.

How far is Keriri Island from Thursday Island? +

Keriri Island is approximately 3.8 kilometres north of Thursday Island, reachable by a 15-minute ferry ride. Thursday Island serves as the main hub for services, shopping, healthcare, and transport connections for the Torres Strait.

Does Keriri Island have public transport? +

There is no public bus or rail transport on Keriri Island. The primary means of external connection is a regular ferry service to Thursday Island. Flights from nearby Horn Island serve as the gateway to the wider Queensland mainland.

What is the population of Keriri Island? +

Keriri Island had a population of 261 residents according to the 2021 Census, all residing in the single community of Hammond Island on the island.

Is Keriri Island a good place to live? +

Keriri Island offers a unique remote island lifestyle steeped in Torres Strait Islander culture, with a close-knit community and stunning natural surroundings. It is best suited to those with ties to the community or those who value a deeply connected, sea-country way of life far from mainland Australia.

What is the postcode for Keriri Island? +

The postcode for Keriri Island, QLD is 4875, shared with Thursday Island and surrounding Torres Strait localities.