Thursday Island
QLD 4875 • Rest of QLD
About Thursday Island
Thursday Island, colloquially known as TI, is a small island in the Torres Strait located approximately 39 kilometres north of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. It serves as the administrative hub of the Torres Strait Islands and is part of Torres Shire Council. With a population of around 2,805 as recorded in the 2021 census, Thursday Island is one of Australia's most culturally diverse and remote communities, with a strong Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal population comprising the majority of residents.
Life on Thursday Island revolves around the sea, community, and culture — fishing, pearling history, and the vibrant traditions of Torres Strait Islander peoples are central to daily life. The island's main town, Port Kennedy, offers essential services including shops, a hospital, schools, and government offices serving the broader island community. Thursday Island has a warm tropical climate and attracts visitors drawn to its unique multicultural heritage, seafood, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait marine environments.
Thursday Island falls under postcode 4875 and is governed by Torres Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Local island transport — Port Kennedy town centre Short distances only
Commute to Cairns CBD
🛣️ Thursday Island is accessible only by air (flights to Cairns ~2 hours) or sea. Regular ferry services connect TI to Horn Island where the regional airport is located, from which flights depart to Cairns and other Queensland centres.
Thursday Island is small enough that most local errands and services in Port Kennedy are reachable on foot, though the island's hilly terrain and tropical heat can make walking challenging.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nawie Street
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Kubin Village
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Normandy Street
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Badu Island
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Darnley Island
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Dauan Island
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Mabuiag Island
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School Road
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Murray Island Community
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Saibai Island
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Moa Island
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Stephen Island
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Summers Street
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21 Aplin Road
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Warraber Island
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Yam Island
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Yorke Island
Housing 2021 Census
265 state housing + 32 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. New Zealand 35
- 2. Papua New Guinea 31
- 3. England 30
- 4. India 13
- 5. United States 9
- 6. Thailand 7
- 7. Japan 6
- 8. Philippines 6
- 9. Scotland 6
- 10. Sri Lanka 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)