Queensland Islands First Part

There are 19 Island Communities within the Torres Strait populations range from 80 to 750.

PORUMA ISLAND

Formerly known as Coconut Island

The thatched guest suites cleverly combine the original Island style with modern comforts, to stunning effect. Each open plan beach suite includes a master bedroom that leads, via a plunge pool and bath garden, to your lounge room on the edge of the beach.

The fishing around Poruma Island is a once in a lifetime experience an underwater maze of gain clear channels, sand flats, reefs and bomboras are home to spanish mackerel, sailfish, marlin, Trevally, Coral trout, rays, sharks, dugongs, jewfish and much more.

Located in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria and famous for it's fishing along with great food, comfortable accommodation, sandy beaches to explore, bird watching, bushwalking and boating.

On arrival you will be shown to your cabin, allocated a boat and over a cup of coffee you will be given a familiarization and safety briefing, after which the boat is yours for the duration of your stay. Weather permitting, you can fish from daylight to dark.

The island is a birdwatcher's paradise. Over 70 species are seen, including the beautiful rose crowned fruit doves, which are resident. Bush stone curlews mingle with the guests in the dining area at night and bustards often wander in for breakfast.

Horn Island is home to the only airport in the Torrers Strait Group, with most other inhabited islands only having an airstrip.

Small population of approximately 650 people, with a focus on the pearling and fishing industries. Visit the museum and art gallery in the small town of Wasaga. And be sure not to miss some of the historic World War II sites on one of the tours that operate on the island.

Thursday Island is the most developed island in the Torrers Strait Islands group. Thursday Island is rich in history. In 1893, the Green Hill Fort was built in 1893 on fears of a Russian invasion. Also, that same year, the All Souls Quetta Memorial Church was built in memory of the Quetta shipwreck in 1890, which killed 133 people when it struck an unknown reef. The Japanese Pearl Memorial is dedicated to the hundreds of pearl divers who died from decompression sickness.

Today, the main industries on the island are pearling and fishing. The island is only about three square kilometers and is a wonderful destination to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

DOUBLE ISLAND

A private island you can hire. Has become a five star haven for celebrities seeking exclusive accommodation with guaranteed  privacy and seclusion. Very expensive 10 guests for three nights is $35,700 to 40 guests for seven nights at $157,500

Regarded as one of the world's most exclusive resorts, Lizard is Australia's northernmost resort. Access to Cod Hole, one of the world's greatest dive sites.

The azure Spa on Lizard Island offers a range of treatments inspired by nature to nurture the mind, body and spirit.

Each therapy fuses ancient secrets with essential elements to promote a sense of emotional and physical well-being

48 luxurious suites nestled amid lush rainforest and secluded from the day visitor facilities, one of the hallmarks of Green Island Resort is its unique reef and rainforest setting. Green Island is the only coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest.45 minutes from Cairns with Great Adventures modern high speed catamarans.

Recently refurbished to a very high standard and the spa is lovely only 48 suites on the island guarantees privacy.

Green Island Resort's Club Spa is open daily from 9am to 4pm with your choice of treatment location, for example, pool side rainforest setting, privacy of your own room or in the peaceful and comfortably appointed treatment rooms.

The closest island to Cairns. Fitzroy Island reopened in December 2008 after major renovations, however it is currently closed indefinitely. You can still visit it for a day trip or camp on the island

Uninhabited island group 45kms south of Cairns. Number of visitors on the island is restricted. It is a breeding ground for green sea turtles.

Frankland Islands Cruise & Dive is the only tour operator licensed to visit the Frankland Islands. The cruise out on the day trip is great down the Little Mulgrave & Russell Rivers and out the Russell Heads pristine rainforest and mangrove environment then you hit the sea and cross to Normanby Island where the Frankland Island berths. The vessel takes up to a maximum of 100 passengers.

Ron and Anna Turner have spent 20 years creating a very special remote island experience where guests fly into Cairns then take a two hour charter flight to neighbouring Hicks island and a 20 minute boat trip to Haggerstone.

Think luxe Swiss Family Robinson there are six individually charming accommodation huts one made from driftwood right on the beach, a tree house etc while a thatched jetty hovers over the lagoon adjoining the island. It's family friendly, guests enjoy communal meals with the family.

Voted the number one experience to try before you die in Australia

This small coral cay complete with blue lagoon, white sandy beaches and coconut palms doesn't have any accommodation but is a special destination for a day trip.

Located 15km from Port Douglas, highly recommended is the eco- accredited Sailaway IV a luxury 12 metre sailing catamaran which visits the island daily. 

Take a self guided heritage walk, enjoy lunch on the beach and the simple pleasures of beach combing.

Indulgent, private and secluded, Bedarra is romantic rainforest retreat, often regarded as one of Australia's most exclusive resorts.

A maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded villas, each hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach.

Celeb getaway.

Access via Mission Beach, two hours south of Cairns.

After being badly damaged by Cyclone Larry, Dunk has since been rebuilt and is ideal for couples as well as families.

Explore one of the National Park walking trails, snorkel at Muggy Beach, try your hand at water skiing or horse riding along the beach, enjoy a massage at the day spa or simply lay back, relax and let the days pass you by.

Access via Mission Beach, two hours south Cairns.

MAGNETIC ISLAND

Lies just 8km, or a short 20 minute boat ride from Townsville. With 23 secluded beaches and bays, the World Heritage listed island has the natural beauty and serenity of untouched paradise and the luxuries of two new international resorts.

Have breakfast with a koala at Bungalow Bay, handfeed the rock wallabies at Arcadia, sea kayak around the island or jump aboard a sunset cruise.

Maggie has undergone a sea change in the last two years with new the opening of luxury resorts including One Bright Point and Peppers resort.

Home to a large koala colony, you are likely to spot koalas in the wild here.

Accessible by a 25 minute sea plane flight from Townsville, Orpheus is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway with no televisions, phones, or children under 15 years.

Food and wine is a big part of the Orpheus Island experience; enjoy the incredible seven course degustation dinner, enjoy a chef prepared picnic, or why not spend a romantic night dinning alone with your partner on the jetty before retiring to your private bungalow?

There is amazing clam garden for snorkelling which is part of a James Cook University research program.

The world's largest National Park island and home of the internationally-acclaimed Thorsborne Trail, a 23km trek trough mountainous tropical terrain. 

Stay on the mainland at the beautifully appointed and Port Hinchinbrook Resort owned by Keith Williams.

The surrounding waterways can be explored by canoe, kayak, snorkelling or diving, and be sure to take your fishing rod for some of Australia's best fishing.