Thursday Island Tour with Local Guides

Discover our island’s stories, experience historic and scenic sites with Peddells Thursday Island Bus Tour & Local Indigenous Guides

Visit Green Hill Fort Thursday Island   – The Saibai Dancer in this moving scene stands at one of the Green Hill Fort’s three original 6″ breach loading guns -ANZAC Dawn Service 2024

Bus artwork –  ‘Soaring over a woven landscape’ Peddells love local art inspired by myths and legends of Torres Strait, so relished the opportunity to commission renowned Torres Strait creative Brian Robinson to design something special on the blank canvas of their new bus making this touring vehicle part of the storytelling process itself and showcasing local art every time the bus departs the jetty on tour.

School Excursion 2025 – Peddells Thursday Island Guided Tour hosted the Sacred Heart Primary School’s History Class in term three.  “The guides engaging storytelling style captured the imagination of our students and ignited their interest in local history.  I’d highly recommend this educational tour. Thanks for hosting us!” OLSH School

Biru Biru (rainbow bee eater) With gorgeous plumes the colours of the rainbow, this migratory bird has a migration path from PNG to mainland Australia via the western Torres Strait islands. Sightings are traditionally a key indicator of a shift in season.

Below images: Japanese Pearl Diver’s Memorial Pearl diving was inherently dangerous and more than 700 Japanese people died in the Torres Strait between 1878 and 1941 with more than half of these being younger than 21 years old. Peddells’s Guided Tour visits the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial at the local cemetery on the northern side of T.I. Disclaimer; this may not occur some days due to local circumstances which might interfere with the tour’s ability to circumnavigate the island.

Quetta Church: “The church entranceway was added in late 1964, the year my folks were married here.”  This anglican church is reputed to be the only memorial church in Queensland built to mark a local maritime disaster.  Learn of the ill fated SS Quetta on your tour and take the opportunity during your stay to visit this former cathedral at your own pace,  you will find the church brimming with relics from the dangers of the deep.

Quetta Church – Memorial to SS Quetta 1890

“We had a great trip to Thursday Is, epitomised by Peddell’s guided tour.” Gary S.A.  Sept.’24

“Their guide’s knowledge is amazing! One of the best tours we’ve done.” Daniel & Hazel Vic. July ’24

“Having lived and worked on T.I. for nearly a year, only in my final week on the island did I hop on this tour thinking of tours as touristy and myself a resident.  While I’d visited most of the stops previously I soon found myself immersed in the tour guides commentary which truly opened my eyes and heart to what lay beneath the surface and how history has shaped the place we experience today.  Forever grateful.”  Lizzie S.A. Sept.’25

This award winning indepth tour brings Thursday Island’s history to life!  Your indigenous guides easy storytelling style, driven by pure passion for their island home will transport you into another time.  You will visit Green Hill Fort Lookout where the now silent 6″ breach loading guns jut out menacingly over the islands’ main approaches and from here we look south to the mainland, west to the pearl farm and north to the main shipping lane.  Be sure to have your cameras at the ready as the panoramic island views on this tour are nothing short of stunning. Green Hill Fort also houses a museum within the rooms and tunnels that once stored ammunition.  The themed displays include maritime, pearling, township and military history.

Disembark at the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial located at T.I. cemetery on the northern side of the island to learn of the extraordinary and far reaching impact the pearling industry had in Torres Strait.  Another important part of this stop is the monument commemorating Bernard Namok  Senior who designed the Torres Strait Island Flag. The monument was unveiled on the flag’s 22nd anniversary, a memorial was unveiled at Thursday Island Cemetery.

Torres Strait’s most experienced local indigenous guides comprehensive commentary includes important aspect of the maritime, cultural and military history that has shaped the region.

2026 Peddells Locally Guided Bus Tour of (Waiben) Thursday Island  :

Adults $40.00
Child  $20.00

*fare may vary please check current fare and availability online, operates seasonally June to September

*TOP DEAL Online Special (Bus+Ferry Return)

*this fare is not applicable to tours outside the seasonal schedule

N.B. TI Bus Tour duration approx. 85 mins, select departure time when booking online. Departure point unless otherwise advised is from bus stop Victoria Pde near Turtle sculptures at Engineers Jetty. Travellers that are not travelling on the 8 am Seisia to TI Peddells Ferry that morning should contact the office in advance to confirm final tour details and Monday to Friday can pop into our Jetty Office from 9 am for a spot of shopping before their tour (don’t miss your tour though). 

Traveller Tips : Please be sure to use the restrooms on the ferry prior to disembarking Thursday Island and bring your water bottle, hat, camera and a big smile.  If you are preferring to travel with another guest please contact our head office in advance and we will endeavour to assist where possible. 

ADD ON THURSDAY ISLAND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE BOOK DIRECT with www.islandstars.com.au

To make more of your Thursday Island’s visit book into the latest Cultural Tour. This cultural experience is a separate attraction to the TI Bus Tour but we are happy to drop you off nearby, just mention to your driver when you board the bus.  The program supports youth and promotes cultural values. Tip. If you are also intending to purchase a ticket for the Thursday Island Bus Tour you will need to check availability your tour time.  If you are overnighting on Thursday Island, enquire about performances later in the day. 

Book Now! 

https://islandstarslagawtitui.rezdy.com/499631/migi-malu-experience

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land,
water and community. We pay our Respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging.