Island paradises are either one of two things: 1. exotically placed or 2. incredibly overpriced. In most cases, they’re both. But you’re in luck! Thursday Island is living proof that “the best things in life are free.” As a local for two years, I’ll save you precious pennies by giving you the best culturally-enriching experiences Islanders enjoy every day for the lowest prices. So, put away the carefully-photographed brochures and pick up your ticket, it’s time to experience the best of Thursday Island in just one day. Thursday Island, or Wondai, is conveniently located a stone throw’s distance from mainland Australia. Once you embark from Horn Island on the iconic McDonald’s ferry, you are officially an honoured guest of the islands.
7:30 AM Your first destination is Main Jetty – the oldest wharf on the island. Swarms of garfish, sardines, and even lionfish pool beneath the shadow of the rustic ocean boardwalk, teasing the eager fisherman to try their hand. Before further exploring the island, you must set up Homebase. Unfortunately, there aren’t many places on the island for the keen campers to pitch their tents, but there is the ample opportunity to try a well-made resort bed instead. Due to the small size of the island, cheap accommodation options are sparse. Island Villas do offer fully self-sufficient units walking distance from the beach but be mindful; they can be pricey.
9:30 AM Once you’ve secured your luggage, it’s time to explore. On the eastern side of the island, there is a long dirt trail, which you can either bike or trek, and sitting sweetly at the end is Lions Lookout. The little brick imitation of a glorified outhouse is decorated with numerous foul words and semi-accurate depictions of male genitalia. But ignore the PG display of rebellious youth, and you have the most stunning view of small dinghies, ferries, barges, Cruiseliners and islands that litter the cerulean expanse. If you follow the trail down a little further, you’ll find Sadies Beach. The dirt tracks aren’t the appeal, but the mirror-like water and rare shells that you find make it a cowry in the rough.
12:30 PM After your long trek, you need to be re-energised and lightly battered in the culture of the island. The best place to get genuine Island banter with a side of fish and chips is at the infamous Bobby’s Snack Bar. Run by a stout, charismatic man named – you guessed it – Bobby, the deep-fried corner of paradise serves the best, juiciest fish which is all caught locally. And the vegetarian options are just as good – win-win.
1:30 PM Torres Strait is infamous for the harvesting and selling of pearls as well as the remembrance of the original divers that harvested around the island. There are tours available to experience the full extent of the pearling industry, but you can visit the wharves, cemetery and pearl shops freely at any time. This gives you the chance to explore at your own pace and perhaps buy a pearl or two for yourself.
3:30 PM After taking your legs and camera for a walk, it’s time to relax and feed your palette with cultural food and history. Gab Titui in central Wondai combines the quiet pleasantries of a Café with a stunning Aboriginal/Islander Cultural Art Centre. With a menu extending from toast to octopus salad, the cravings of the mouth and mind are satisfied, well and truly. Entry to the Art Centre is free, however to eat, the price varies with the openness of your mind and mouth.
5:30 PM As the day comes to an end, the conclusory tones of pink, blue and gold are best experienced from the top of Green Hill Fort. This World War II defence post has a selection of decommissioned cannons and underground tunnels filled with War memoir. Pre-booked tours are available for full access to the tunnels, but even without professional guidance, this is an unmissable chance to view the historic and breath-taking beauty of the island and snap some incredible pics.
6:30 PM If you have the chance to visit during September 8-12, prepare for an incomparable cultural experience. The biannual Cultural festival is a weekend filled with cultural dances, performances, fireworks and local food stalls packed with all the best fried goods. Entry is free, so you can spend your money on the amazing local food and art for purchase.
Overall, the hospitality of the people and exotic beauty of the island is only the beginning of Thursday Island’s enchanting character. The extensive cultural undercurrent flows powerfully through the veins of the island and best of all; it imparts it freely in beautiful displays of flora and fauna. I’ve done my job telling, and the Island is doing its job showing. So, now it’s your turn. Put down the article, pick up your ticket and experience it for yourself. Great work – this version is well edited and you’ve taken feedback to refine and rejig it into a really tight article Solid information, but with a fun and engaging tone.
Emmerson Grey is a charismatic Communications student from the small town of Monto, Queensland. With a keen eye for photography and adventures, she has travelled most of Australia and aims to give her readers an insight into the many exotic explorations she’s had in the hopes of one day becoming a successfully-published writer. Emmerson currently co-edits Avondale College’s publication The Voice and is the lead designer for The Jacaranda.