🔍

Mabuiag Island

QLD 4875 • Queensland

253
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
6.27 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteRuralIndigenous CommunityIsland

About Mabuiag Island

Mabuiag Island is a remote Torres Strait island locality in far north Queensland, situated within the Torres Strait Island Region local government area approximately 69 kilometres north of Thursday Island and 863 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns. The island, also known traditionally as Mabuyaagi and formerly as Jervis Island, covers around 6.3 square kilometres and forms part of the Bellevue Islands group in the western Torres Strait. With a 2021 Census population of 253 residents, the community is predominantly Indigenous Australian, with 94.1% of residents identifying as Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Life on Mabuiag Island centres on the close-knit Torres Strait Islander community, with residents connected to deep cultural traditions, sea country, and customary practices. The island is accessible only by air and sea, with no road link to the mainland, reinforcing its strong sense of community identity and self-reliance. Essential services including a primary health care centre are available on the island, while the community maintains strong ties to neighbouring islands such as Badu and Moa within the western island group.

Mabuiag 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
6.27 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
863 km
By Train
No rail service
By Car (Peak)
Not applicable — island access only
By Car (Off-Peak)
Not applicable — island access only

🛣️ Accessible by light aircraft to Mabuiag Island Airport or by boat. No road connection to the mainland.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The small island community is walkable within the village, but all major services require air or sea travel to neighbouring islands or the mainland.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
253
▲ 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 Mabuiag Island known for? +

Mabuiag Island is known for its strong Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage and its traditional name Mabuyaagi. The island is home to a close-knit Indigenous community with deep connections to sea country, traditional customs, and the broader western Torres Strait island group.

How far is Mabuiag Island from Cairns? +

Mabuiag Island is approximately 863 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns by direct distance. Access is by light aircraft to the island's airstrip or by boat from Thursday Island, roughly 69 kilometres to the south.

Does Mabuiag Island have public transport? +

There is no public transport on Mabuiag Island. The island is accessible only by light aircraft or boat, with no road connection to the mainland or neighbouring islands. A primary health care centre is located on the island.

What is the population of Mabuiag Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mabuiag Island has a population of 253 residents, with 94.1% identifying as Indigenous Australians — predominantly Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Is Mabuiag Island a good place to live? +

Mabuiag Island offers a deeply connected community life rooted in Torres Strait Islander culture and tradition. It suits those who value close community bonds and a remote island lifestyle, though access to services requires travel to Thursday Island or the mainland.

What is the postcode for Mabuiag Island? +

The postcode for Mabuiag Island is 4875.