Torres Strait Islands cultural immersion

Trip Type
Indigenous & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, History & Fossils
Twin Share
Maximum of two adults
$ 6290
Single
$ 6890

Joey Laifoo

Joey Laifoo is a proud Kala Lagaw Ya man from the Torres Strait Islands of Badu, Moa (Kubin), Mabuiag, and Saibai. A professional artist and co-founder of Island Stars Academy and Island Stars Cultural Experience, he is dedicated to preserving and sharing Torres Strait culture. Through dance, storytelling, art, music, and traditional foods, Joey offers immersive experiences that bring ancient traditions to life. His unique blend of artistry and cultural knowledge provides guests with an authentic and heartfelt journey into Torres Strait heritage.

Duration

5 Days

Group Size

10 Peoples

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

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About This Tour

Venture to the far north of Australia and experience the vibrant culture, ancient wisdom, and breathtaking beauty of the Torres Strait Islands. Walk alongside local guides and artists as you uncover stories of sea, stars, and spirit.

Discover WWII history, join traditional dance and storytelling, savour island flavours, and even create your own lino-cut print. As the sun sets, share a starlit feast while learning how Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultures intertwine in ways found nowhere else.

This immersive journey offers rare insight into one of Australia’s most remote and culturally rich regions, alive with connection, creativity, and wonder.

Important note: The flights to/from Horn Island are not included. Once the tour is confirmed, please book following Qantas flights:

Day 2: Cairns (8:40am) → Horn Island (10:30am) / Day 5: Horn Island (3:35pm) → Cairns (5:25pm

A pre-night in Cairns and a private group transfer to the airport (meeting the flight above) are included in the package.

Highlights

Island Stars Performance: Be captivated by an unforgettable evening of dance and storytelling that reveals the deep Islander connection to sea, stars, wind, hunting, and gardening.
Cultural Beach Walk: Stroll the shoreline with an expert local guide, tasting traditional bush foods and medicinal plants (in season) while uncovering centuries of Torres Strait seafaring legends.
Create Your Own Masterpiece: Step into the studio of world-renowned artist Joey Laifoo and craft your very own Torres Strait Islander lino print to take home.
Stand at Australia’s Edge: Journey to The Tip, the northernmost point of the mainland, where the Coral Sea collides with the Torres Strait in a breathtaking meeting of oceans.
Horn Island WWII Tour: Walk through history at bunkers, airstrips, and the island’s museum, uncovering the vital yet little-known role the Torres Strait played in the war.
Sunset & Stargazing Escape: Savour dinner as the sun sinks into the ocean, then gaze skyward as local guides share ancient navigation, cosmology, and the secrets of the night sky.
Thursday Island Discovery: Explore the island’s military and colonial past with a guided tour of Green Hill Fort and beyond, bringing to life the Torres Strait’s strategic significance during WWII.

Included/Excluded

Included
Excluded

Relax Before You Begin: Enjoy an included pre-night stay in Cairns at the Crystalbrook Bailey Hotel (or similar), so you can start your adventure refreshed and ready.
Seamless Connections: On day 2, travel hassle-free with a private group transfer from your Cairns hotel to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Horn Island (flight not included – see our "must book" flight option in the EXCLUSIONS tab).
Guided by Culture: Be welcomed and led by an Indigenous host who will share deep knowledge, stories, and traditions throughout your journey.
Island Comfort: Settle into 3 nights at Island Villas (or similar), staying in modern, en-suite villas on Thursday Island with everything you need for a comfortable retreat.
Delicious Inclusions: Savour 4 hearty breakfasts, 3 freshly prepared lunches, and 3 flavoursome dinners showcasing the tastes of the region.
Immersive Experiences: Join in all the cultural, historical, and adventure activities featured in your itinerary for a truly unforgettable exploration.
Effortless Exploration: All transfers between tours and activities across the Torres Strait Islands and the tip of Cape York are included, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Flights Not Included: Domestic and international flights are at your own arrangement. Once the tour is confirmed, please book following Qantas flights: Day 2: Cairns (8:40am) → Horn Island (10:30am) Day 5: Horn Island (3:35pm) → Cairns (5:25pm
Meals Outside the Program: Meals on your arrival day in Cairns and lunch on Day 4 are not included, giving you the flexibility to dine as you choose.
Extra Beverages: Drinks beyond provided drinking water are at your own expense, allowing you to enjoy your preferred beverages during the trip.
Additional Guided Services: Any guiding not specified in the itinerary is not included.
Travel Insurance: Not included but highly recommended for your peace of mind.
Tips & Gratuities: At your discretion and not included in the package price.

Itinerary

Arrive in tropical Cairns, the vibrant gateway to your Torres Strait journey. With the afternoon free, wander the Esplanade, dip into the lagoon, or simply unwind and soak up the coastal atmosphere before the adventure begins. No meals included. Accommodation: Crystalbrook Bailey Hotel in Cairns (or similar).

After an early pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Airport for the Qantas flight leaving Cairns at 8.40am, touch down on Horn Island and be warmly welcomed by your Island Stars guide before setting out across azure waters to Thursday Island. Begin with sweeping views from Green Hill Fort, then enjoy a laid-back island lunch before joining a cultural beach walk with Joey Laifoo, learning about medicinal plants, seafaring traditions, and Islander life. Explore the Island Stars Art Gallery before an afternoon boat cruise to Prince of Wales Island, where stories of marine life and sea spirits unfold. As evening falls, dine on island flavours and try your hand at a lino print workshop with renowned artist Joey Laifoo, creating a personal artwork to take home. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included. Accommodation: Island Villas (or similar).

Journey north by ferry and 4WD to the legendary ‘Tip of Australia’, where the Coral Sea and Torres Strait collide. Pause at Somerset Beach to reflect on early settlement history before enjoying a beachfront lunch at Punsand Bay, with time to swim or relax. In the afternoon, explore the Croc Tent, WWII crash sites, and the resting place of revered leader Chief Mugai Elu. Returning by ferry, your evening is crowned with the Migi Malu Experience, an unforgettable celebration of Islander song, dance, storytelling, and a feast of island-inspired dishes. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included. Accommodation: Island Villas (or similar)

Begin with breakfast before crossing to Horn Island to explore its pivotal WWII history, from airstrips and bunkers to powerful personal stories at the island museum. Back on Thursday Island, enjoy lunch (not included) at Australia’s northernmost pub, then step into the studio of artist Aunty Rosie for an inspiring tour of her creative world. The afternoon brings free time to wander shops or relax, before an enchanting Sunset & Stargazing Escape. Dine on fresh island seafood as the sky burns orange, then learn traditional navigation and Torres Strait cosmology beneath a canopy of stars. Breakfast and Dinner included. Accommodation: Island Villas (or similar).

Savour a final breakfast at Island Villas (or similar) before a guided tour of Thursday Island and Green Hill Fort. Hear stories of colonial settlement and WWII defence while taking in panoramic views of the Torres Strait. Visit the acclaimed Gab Titui Cultural Centre with Joey Laifoo, where traditional and contemporary artworks bring Islander heritage vividly to life. After a final lunch at Island Stars, transfer to Horn Island for your flight back to Cairns, carrying with you lasting memories of culture, connection, and the spirit of the Torres Strait. Breakfast and Lunch included. No further accommodation.