Thursday Island accommodation from AU$319

Thursday Island is the hub of the Torres Strait Islands and the regional centre for Indigenous culture and art. 2,000 years worth of Asian, Polynesian and European influences have shaped this island into the paradise that it is today. While you're on the island, make sure you visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre. There is a heap of historic and contemporary indigenous art on display, as well as many historical artefacts. You can also see the Japanese Pearl Memorial, which is dedicated to the many divers who lost their lives diving into the deep sea to retrieve pearls in the area. During the 19th century people flocked from all over the world to Thursday Island to mine pearls but it ended up being too dangerous, so most of the pearls are produced in pearl culture farms now. Some other historical landmarks worth visiting are the World War II sites including Green Hill Fort, which was built in 1893 in an effort to protect the island's English inhabitants from a possible Russian invasion, and the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church, which was built in 1893 to remember the victims who lost their lives in the Quetta shipwreck of 1890 when it struck an unknown reef.

After exploring the historical and cultural side of Thursday Island, it's time to hit the water with boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming all fun and easy choices around the island. If you'd prefer not to get your toes wet, you can sweat it out at the gym, the multi-purpose stadium, or hit a ball around on the tennis courts. If you've worked up a good appetite, head to one of the hotel bar restaurants for an affordable pub meal with great ocean views. There are also a few bakeries and cafes around, as well as some general stores and small local shops. This isn't exactly a shopping destination, but it has been said that the most luxurious holiday is one that is free of too many modern commodities and luxuries. In September, watch the island come to life, with the Torres Strait Cultural Festival and Queensland Music Festival, which are celebrated on alternate years.

The most affordable and convenient way to travel to Thursday Island is to catch a flight from Cairns to Horn Island and then take the water taxi over to Thursday Island. Check out our cheap flights to Cairns and Horn Island flights. Don't forget to book one of our Thursday Island hotels so you can kick back and relax on your tropical island holiday!