In 1606 the Spanish navigator, Torres, sailed through the Strait, subsequently named after him. Although they did not penetrate the Strait, the Dutch ship Duyfken explored the west coast of Cape York the same year.  As the Torres Strait offered the shipping trade a valuable short cut to Asia, the route slowly became popular.  However the need for a port of refuge, pilot base and government outpost was acknowledged and after a short attempt at settling Albany Island, then Somerset, on Cape York, authorities decided upon  Thursday Island.

Thursday Island offered a sheltered harbour and is located virtually on the doorstep of the only navigable shipping lane through Torres Strait, the Prince of Wales Channel.  Access through the P.O.W. shipping channel is still vital and Thursday Island remains the region's administrative / trading centre and pilot bases continue to operate from T.I. to this day.

For truly Torres Strait Pearls visit  Peddells Jetty Shop T.I.  -  outlet for Kazu Pearls, Friday Island

Thursday Island owes its’ present day identity to the rough and tumble of the early Pearling Industry which turned a quiet government administrative centre into a cosmopolitan "Port of Pearls". A  blend of Torres Strait Culture, European modernisation and a strong indo-pacific influence has shaped this remote township into a fascinating destination and a great place to call home.  The main industry here today is cray-fishing, and yes no matter what your senses are telling you, you are still in Australia when you visit us!

Video...

produced by www.authenticholidayfilms.com

Klicken Sie hier fuer die deutsche Version

You can also click on the links below to few the video.

http://revver.com/video/669580/thursday-island-tours-in-the-torres-strait/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-a6Fi9qock

The Journey Across...

A visit to Cape York isn’t complete without taking a Peddells’ Ferry ride between historic Thursday Island and Seisia Jetty on Cape York.  T.I., as Thursday Island is more affectionately known by the locals, nestles in the protective embrace of the Prince of Wales group of islands in the Torres Strait and Peddells ferry service connects the communities on the top of the Cape with the regions business and administrative hub, Thursday Island. With a population of just 3500 T.I. is never the less the most cosmopolitan Torres Strait Island and with daily flights to Cairns and weekly cargo ships, also enjoys a high level of service.

Peddells MV Strait Magic is a comfortable, spacious, modern cat and was especially designed with this patch of water in mind by some of Torres Strait's most experienced mariners. The ferry crossing gives you the chance to enjoy the magnificent scenery and spot some of the native wildlife, including Torres Strait Pigeons, Lesser Frigates and maybe a Booby Bird fishing for its breakfast! The trip takes you close enough by a number of Torres Strait islands to enjoy a panorama of sheltered bays and golden sandy beaches littered, often with turtle tracks.  If you don't mind sunshine and refreshing sea spray then the sundecks will suit you, otherwise choose the air-conditioned cabin where you can track your voyage on our three screens.

You will find that island time sets an agreeable pace for those seeking a destination to relax and get away from it all. Picture yourself under a huge shady almond tree awash with a fresh ocean breeze enjoying a vista speckled with islands and fishing boats bobbing on the bluest ocean you are ever likely to see. Dine at a local restaurant to sample the Torres Straits’ Painted Crayfish, a real taste sensation!

To make the most of your stay and truly understand the essence of Thursday Island, make sure you join Peddells’ local guides for a Historic/Scenic Tour of "Old TI" by coach and don't miss the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island.

Peddells’ T.I. Tours is owned and operated by a local family born and bred on T.I. – real locals who know the area and are only too happy to ensure you get the most out of your holiday time spent in the Torres Strait area. Peddells’ established a safe and efficient passenger ferry service between Cape York and T.I. in 1980. Their vessels are also available for exclusive charter including the latest addition to the fleet – a 88 passenger, air-conditioned fast catamaran MV Strait Magic.